Talk me outta this....track/autocross C4 corvette

[Dueller]

OK....my 87 911 is transitioning I to a rally replica. Its really too nice/valuable to thrash on the track or regular autoX. And since my stroke although I have recovered significantly most of my fun is gonna be to be autoX and the occasional nonsanctioned track day...maybe some drag racing on test and tune night at local drag strip 1/8 mile.

With the introduction of the c5 c6 and now c7 prices of c4s in the basement...but developed lightweight c4 track cars are cheap. Cheap cheap. E.g. I've located a nice c4 with trick suspension multiple wheels cage yet still street legal AND a fresh 6 speed/ lsd/...get this...a built 383 stroke motor pushing 420 hp to wheels for under $6k.

I know the c4 is dated and can be a pig....but for the price of a mediocre miata what could possibly go wrong? Lol

Somebody stop me before I get in trouble here.

[Oh Haha]

For $6000, do it!

If you don't like it sell it to the next guy.

[911dean]

My only concern would be consumables. It's the reason I bought a track ready Miata. The Vette will be fast and heavy.

[herr_oberst]

Are Corvettes still insurance nightmares? Even for us old guys?

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Are Corvettes still insurance nightmares? Even for us old guys?

I can register as classic in my state and get recreational coverage (5000 miles per year) for about $250 per year.

[Dueller]

And since its 25 years old I can get the tag for $50 for the rest of the cars life. No inspection or smog required either

[Scott Douglas]

If you've got the budget for the gas and tires, it sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

[HardDrive]

Well the transmission would be only objection, and it sounds like that has been dealt with.

Go for it. Sounds like blast to me.

[aschen]

I'd be nervous about a full cage on the street.

Otherwise it seem like a great idea.

[DanielDudley]

Is it too late for me to buy it ?

[Instrument 41]

Dueller did you happen to find this from Horace Slay, there in Jackson?

[Dan J]

It'll be like a date with Pam Anderson. Big fun while it lasts
Floor it!!

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by Instrument 41

Dueller did you happen to find this from Horace Slay, there in Jackson?

No it's out west...maybe he'll sell me the split window 63 on his sign to rebodycorvette

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by Dan J

It'll be like a date with Pam Anderson. Big fun while it lasts
Floor it!!

Yep....an aging 80s icon with plastic body

[Brian 162]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Are Corvettes still insurance nightmares? Even for us old guys?

Not really. I'm 56 with a clean driving record. The insurance on my 07 Z06 is $900 per year. But because of our winters I only use the car for 6 months of the year. I only have fire/theft during the winter months. I get a refund cheque ($670) from the insurance company once the car is off the road.
So I'm paying roughly $400 for the 6 months I use the car.

[Brian 162]

I say go for it. I would think (hope) that parts would be cheaper than a 911. I've always liked the C4's. A friend of mine had a brand new one in 1987. In stock form it was a nice handling car with pretty good power.

[Nostril Cheese]

Dont be a fool. Get a C5.

Cage on a 30 year oldfiberglass bodied car. what could possibly go wrong?

Make sure they stroked the engine correctly. I've just finished fixing a rod bearing failure on a 383 in a C3 (build quality? like Fisher-Price)

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Dont be a fool. Get a C5.

Cage on a 30 year oldfiberglass bodied car. what could possibly go wrong?

Make sure they stroked the engine correctly. I've just finished fixing a rod bearing failure on a 383 in a C3 (build quality? like Fisher-Price)

The thought has crossed my mind....c5 is superior in so many ways. And prices are sub $10K for high mileage early models. Plus all aluminum lsx motors. Etc. But they've gotten so big...a foot or so longer than c4.

Still not outta the question....

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Dueller

The thought has crossed my mind....c5 is superior in so many ways. And prices are sub $10K for high mileage early models. Plus all aluminum ls6 motors. Etc. But they've gotten so big...a foot or so longer than c4.

Still not outta the question....

You're seriously questioning the proportions/handling of a C4 over a C5?

Get a C5. Please. The C4 is a 1980's GM product with proprietary body panels and trim.

Its not like a lot fits under the hood of a C4 as well...

[Heel n Toe]

Jim, have you driven it?

If not, do so... you need to check out the way it "feels" to you. The steering, pedal placement and feel, etc. All the seat-of-the-pants stuff... because if it just doesn't make a believer out of you, you'll know she's not a good fit... and you'll know what to do... and won't have a problem walking away.

And vice versa, if it feels solid and lights your fire in a big way...