The 4th generation of the Chevy Corvette enjoyed a 13-year run from 1984 to 1996. The big news in 1990 was the debut of the ZR1 option with the LT5 engine designed by Lotus that produced 375 hp. Unfortunately, the seller’s car is the base Corvette with the L98 350 cubic inch V8 which was rated at “only” 245 horses. This vehicle looks quite good but needs a fuel pump and battery to be a runner. Located on the back of a trailer in Raleigh, North Carolina, this mild project is available here on craigslist for $5,500. Another great Tony Primo tip!
For most of the 1990s, Corvette sales were stuck in the 20,000-unit range. But the C5 wasn’t due until 1997, so buyers found cars that were little changed from year to year. The seller’s automobile was a one-owner vehicle until he/she purchased it. The claimed mileage is about 65,000 which implies that the ‘Vette was used less as the years went by. It was sidelined by a bad fuel pump and you would think the seller would have fixed that before selling the car, as a running Chevy is surely worth more than one that isn’t.
Though this is not a ZR1 Corvette, it’s rare in that it’s finished in a color (Steel Blue Metallic) which was applied to only 813 of the machines in 1990. The paint is original as is the interior which appears to be in great shape other than some wear on the driver’s seat. This vehicle was acquired out of an estate and it’s not likely anyone had any interest in spending any time or money on it. If the repairs aren’t any more involved, this could be a reasonably priced find, The price is firm, and the seller doesn’t want to talk trades.
$5500 for a non running base C4 ? No. Replacing the fuel pump on these cars is quite easy and under $100, and a decent battery isn’t much more. Get it running and then the asking price is in the ballpark.
There’s likely a bad reason why these simple steps haven’t been taken. If that were all it really needed it would have been done already.
Exactly, that’s why I pointed out how cheap it is to fix the supposed problems. I’d need an extra pair of hand to count how many times I’ve heard that a non running C4 just needs a fuel pump, and most times it’s not the pump.
I agree, a simple fix in theory, so I agree, there is more to the story there! Not a bad looking car though.
Yeah, nope.
I will send you a text and email.
I see a lot of issues with the car “peeking” through in the poor photos provided. Spliced wiring and unplugged harnesses under the hood, disconnected under-dash panel below the IP, a really weird stance (lots of distance between wheel wells and top of tires), mods to the AC compressor, etc. There’s one reason a dealer would have such poor photos – to hide the truth. This is a $2,500 car, tops, as it sits.
This car looks to be in relatively decent shape, and not modified. With decent paint, and relatively decent interior, it may be a good project for someone.
I would bet that it has sat longer than 3 years, so the fuel system will likely need a lot more than “just a fuel pump”. Cars like this usually need tank cleaned, system flushed, and fuel injection completely serviced. The braking system may also require an overhaul, including hose replacement. The A/C probably needs work too. As for the “new” tires, they are badly weather-checked, and likely at least a decade old. I always smile when I see crappy tires with tire-shine applied (lipstick on a pig).
Paying a garage to recommission this car would be a very costly venture. Even DIY, a new owner would likely get upside down fast at the current asking price.
Not repairing the fuel system and whatever else needs to be done is pretty common these days as one out a hundred people couldn’t tell one end of a car from the other and couldn’t care less anyway. Estate sale mindset is “get it off the property”.
bobhess for the win!
People either don’t have the skill, time, can’t be bothered, or all 3. That could end up as a great deal to someone that does.
Car is now GONE so I can’t see any more photos, but price makes it worth the gamble from what I could see.
I bought it for my 15 year old son for his 17th birthday. Willing to take a chance on it. In 2 years I think I can have it in great shape! Wish me luck!
Hmmmmm … I sense a bad trans or perhaps a rod knock ….$2k at the absolute most in its current state.
The complexity of the electronics on these makes it hard to just say it needs a fuel pump. There are several things that can shut down power to the pump and ignition circuits. I chased a random no start condition on an 86 until I got so sick of the car I traded it off on one of its running days.
I went backwards to an 82, at least it’s simple enough to change it over to a carb if ever needed to.
Ad says automatic, looks like a 6-speed to me. I agree with the previous $2,000 max in this condition comment due to so many unknown possible issues.
PASS key. Might want to see how warm this thing is.
I have a 1988 Corvette that’s been in the shop almost 4 years having a new AC system installed. They have been unable to solve what is causing the battery to go dead within two days. I’ve had a new battery, alternator and starter installed without solving the dead battery issue.
Bad relay hanging open.
4 years?
$5500 gamble… could be simple, or not. Not exactly the most desiriable Corvette. I do like the color, and it looks pretty good from 10-15′ away.
Dang, i dislike BSers that think they can Snow old Snowmen
I think that this car in convertible form with Lotus LT5 engine with manual transmission would be the best modern US car ever built.
Even though the seller states no accidents or repaints, the left fender panel & door look a color shade off.
To good to be true 👍
I bought a car needing a fuel pump once. Turned out it was a blown fuse. New fuse in, started engine, loud knocking, no oil pressure. Crank bearings were shot.
I had a 1990 Corvette for 10 years/130k miles. Replaced damn near everything BUT the fuel pump.