Why Was The 1984 Corvette So Slow?

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  • Опубліковано 22 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 108

  • @Kathaar
    @Kathaar  Рік тому +6

    Yes, I know the audio quality for the live-shots suck. I've got a better location in mind for if I do something like this again in the future.

  • @silversurfer420
    @silversurfer420 Рік тому +12

    As an 84 owner, I see this as an absolute win.
    Jokes aside, this is a very well put together video. Great work! Can't wait to see where that car and this channel takes you!

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому +1

      I'm really excited!

    • @Beegees75
      @Beegees75 7 місяців тому +1

      I Love my 1984 Corvette. I use to own a 1998 Corvette convertible and that car sucked

  • @rcaive0875
    @rcaive0875 10 місяців тому +12

    Oh man...40 years have now passed and the TV commercial jingle is still fresh in my memory..."You've never seen...anything...like this before". 🤣

  • @mb4773
    @mb4773 9 місяців тому +3

    Enjoyed your video, and also I had an ‘84 back in the day. A few clarifications: you are comparing net vs gross hp ratings. An 84 205 bhp would have been probably 260-275 gross when compared to pre ‘71 ratings. Believe me, at 6.7 0-60 and 15.3 1/4, this was much quicker than most small block corvettes of the 60s and 70s, the top FI and LT1 cars notwithstanding. Lastly, keep in mind that when TPI was introduced for ‘85, it sacrificed high rpm power for high low rpm torque (330 lbs/ft) to catapult the cars, particularly autos, to 0-60 about a second faster.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  9 місяців тому

      Ah yeah good point

    • @joshuaecht
      @joshuaecht 3 місяці тому

      Love the video and comments! I love the L98 but also the L83. They would fall off at 4500 rpm but are still fast even for today's cars. Yep, the '84 was a 7-second car and the '85 was a 6-second car. Some have even gotten the stock L98s into the high 13s!

  • @varmastiko2908
    @varmastiko2908 Рік тому +6

    Comparing to the older generations we need to remember that before 1971 US manufacturers all quoted SAE gross horsepower. Compared to later SAE net / DIN standards the old numbers were inflated by up to 30%.
    So yes, the '84 Corvette was hampered by emission regulations and other things, but the power difference to the older generation was far less than most people realize.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому

      Interesting! Thanks for adding that!

    • @ysmg9010
      @ysmg9010 5 місяців тому

      Also the C1 started with an inline 6 at 150 bhp.
      Almost ending it's story in the first generation.
      Zora Arkus-Duntov, the lead engineer for late C1, C2 and C3 and Bill Mitchell the lead designer for C2 and C3 left GM in the late years of C3.
      Dave McLellan was considered a conservative engineer, when he was brought into the corvette team.
      I think he did a good job on the C4.
      He also wrote a book later (Corvette from the Inside) that descibes the design process pretty well.

  • @cheekyjebus5559
    @cheekyjebus5559 Рік тому +2

    This is the video I didn't know I needed as a break from the runescape feed, thank you, very well made

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому +1

      Thank ye kindly!

  • @nikkoalpha2
    @nikkoalpha2 11 місяців тому +8

    As a current owner of a '96 Corvette, I can attest that most haters never drove or owned a C4. Owned a '66, '87, 2 other '96's, 2000, 2 2002's (Own 1 now), and a 2009 that the C4's visceral go kart driving experience is unique. Not the fastest but still very fast. Handling is amazing too. Easy to service and repair in most instances. Just get a Factory Service Manual, join some forums, and watch videos. Best entry level Corvette generation value. Just do your research before buying one. Enjoy the drive.

    • @senorpepper3405
      @senorpepper3405 10 місяців тому

      I don't want to knock lt4 and zr1's, especially. Actually zr1's do have a knock. I'd rather have a c6 base. They want about the same money. I'm talking about c4's. I'm sure the lt4 and zr1 and even the base(late models more so like '96) are fun to drive. It's just those 300hp bases can (late models) possibly get beat up on by a modern v6(camaro) or turbo four cylinder (mustang). I guess for a 15 thousand dollar car they're fun?

    • @tdog6437
      @tdog6437 10 місяців тому +1

      Glad someone has actually taken the time to explain the real reason the crossfire injection was only around for two years, it wasn't given the respect it deserved because of what came after it. JS

  • @nyernga
    @nyernga 11 місяців тому +2

    Car looks great. I've owned 6 corvettes in my life and loved my 88 C4. Had a C6 and C7 in the the late 2000's and currently have a mint 2000 C5 with a six speed that I love. I agree with granddad...those C4's were hell to get in and out of

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  11 місяців тому +1

      I'm only 30 and it's already a chore to get in and out!

  • @vikingtrad3r
    @vikingtrad3r Рік тому +1

    as a c4 enthusiast, i appreciate the video, it was well done. learned about some 84 specific lore. just picked one up and slowly bringing it back with my kid. subbed for the c4 content

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому

      Awesome!! You should definitely join some corvette enthusiasts communities like the corvette discord, you'll find tons of resources for the rebuild

  • @85Sirex
    @85Sirex 5 днів тому +1

    Nice C4. I absolutely love the C4 Corvettes. As an 80s kid, back in elementary school, one of my friends dad was a salesman at a Chevy dealership, and he brought a beautiful red, brand new 1985 Corvette to pick up my friend one day. We all drooled over the car and it's high tech (for the time) gadgets and gizmos. I love the multicolor fully digital dash, much better than the later C4s amber digital speedo and analog side gauges. I loved the sawblade wheels. The body style. I have a 17 year old son now, and he's in drivers ed, hoping to get his license and a car next month. I told him that one day, I want a good condition 1984-1986 Vette. he asked why, because they are slow. I told him that I don't care how slow they are, it is a car I could just wake up, and go out to look at every day, not getting tired of it, and I loved the nostalgia of what the Corvette offers me. Which is why guys buy older cars, for the emotions they evoke. He did understand that. I have a 1985 Honda CRX that he loves. It isn't the fastest car in the world, but back when he was around 6-8 years old, I was trying to sell it. We had 2 kids, a mini van, and didn't need a 2 seater sports car. It has some upgrades, but had been sitting a while, so I got the car running and decided to take it for a shakedown cruise. He wanted to come along, so I said hop in, and we went down a back country road. I made a fatherly attempt at kind of trying to scare him a little bit by slamming the gears, chirping the tires, and throwing the car into the corners, flopping him around in his seat. I looked over at him, and instead of seeing fear, he was grinning ear to ear. He always loved cars, even as a toddler, but this, this was the day he fell in love with my car. Seeing what I had done, and always loving the car myself, and not really wanting to sell it, I made excuse after excuse why it didn't sell. Back then the market was different, and 80s cars hadn't hit crazy prices yet. So, I have been working a little to fix it up here and there, still needs work, but since then, we have been taking it to a few small car shows, and it gets a little attention which he loves. I told him if he wanted it, one day when he's older, if he got his own place, and a garage, I would give it to him. Well, in high school now, January 27th he starts his next semester at our local VoTech center, where he is learning auto body collision repair technology. His goal is to get a job at a body shop, then one day have his own shop, and then, doing a complete restoration or our car. So, as you got your grandfather's Corvette, my son will be getting my tiny sports car. he has been bitten by the car bug, so he'll probably be broke forever too, lol. But, nice C4. I hope one day I'll have one as well. I still have the 1985 Chevy Corvette sales brochure book my friend's dad got me.

  • @AtariLegend
    @AtariLegend 6 місяців тому +1

    What an incredible, well researched, little documentary. I loved every bit of it. This is in a class of its own. Please make more ❤ ;)

  • @gogglez61
    @gogglez61 7 місяців тому +3

    I just bought an 84 with 218k miles. Sure the cfi could use adjusting and there are a few other small things, but considering I paid $2500 and it got me 6 hours home without any issues, I consider it a complete win!

  • @carstuff4u942
    @carstuff4u942 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video, I never knew the details on the cross fire

  • @MrCustomVideo
    @MrCustomVideo 6 місяців тому +1

    Have had my 84 for 20 years. I love that car.

  • @bob-cg4fm
    @bob-cg4fm 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video man, would love to see you do more like this👍👍

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  2 місяці тому

      Life has been hectic and I promised my community I'd finish an older yt series I've got going so stuff like this has been put on pause but I do want to revisit it as soon as time allows.

  • @17ellevehc
    @17ellevehc Рік тому +1

    Really good video. Enjoyed it a lot. Subbed. Can tell a lot of time went into it.

  • @CorkVanDenHandel
    @CorkVanDenHandel Рік тому +1

    Well done! That was one of the more interesting Corvette review videos I've watched, and I'm not even a big C4 fan. The Crossfire engine history was new to me, your selection of historic sequences included work very well, and your summary at the end almost made me want a 1984 as I value handling over power. But I'll stick with my 2003 M6 instead, I think.

  • @whoeveriam0iam14222
    @whoeveriam0iam14222 Рік тому +1

    Suddenly an extra car channel in my subscription list

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому

      Can never have too many!

  • @jasonkepic1132
    @jasonkepic1132 Рік тому +1

    Loved your video 😎
    There's something magical about owning a C4 isn't there? I have a 93 and i absolutely love it. Always wanted one but my real appreciation for it took me by surprise owning it for a minute. I can tell you feel the same. You're good at this. Keep it up!!

  • @mikkokuorttinen3113
    @mikkokuorttinen3113 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for the facts about behind the crossfire injection and the low rpm torque trend! We can see how the stage of low rpm torque of sbc was set by the crossfire design. It then continued with mild improvements for the next years with the TPI-design used on Corvettes, Camaros and Firebirds.

  • @davidryan573
    @davidryan573 9 місяців тому +1

    Awesome story both of them, keep driving Great Grandpa’s Vet, people like you are going to keep the Car Hobby alive, thanks.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  9 місяців тому

      Thank you, I intend to keep this car indefinitely!

  • @claiborneeastjr4129
    @claiborneeastjr4129 4 місяці тому +1

    I had one just like this. The 205-hp CrossFire started quickly, ran great, was quick to about 65 MPH, then tapered off. Very dependable, but I disliked the Captain Video dash readouts.

  • @AtariLegend
    @AtariLegend 6 місяців тому +1

    Had to watch it again. Amazing video ❤

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  6 місяців тому

      You're too kind! Thank you!

  • @CaseTheCorvetteMan
    @CaseTheCorvetteMan 6 місяців тому +2

    85 only had 230 horses, 250 didn't come til a few years later.
    The L83 was and still is a very good strong reliable engine.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  3 місяці тому

      I'll add it to the list of corrections for a future, more in depth video on the topic

  • @slow84vette
    @slow84vette 8 місяців тому +2

    As an 84 owner myself I can say that despite the crossfire injection system this car is awesome. Would I like some more power? Yeah I’m not gonna lie. But for what it is this car is incredible and handles insanely well. This car has so many quirks that give it character and I’ll never get rid of it. I genuinely think the people who hate on C4’s have never driven them because they are great cars.

  • @prideslayer77
    @prideslayer77 Рік тому +1

    I quite enjoyed this video and I am not a car guy. Great vid man

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому +1

      Just like i enjoy your fights and am not an mma guy!
      Thank ye!

    • @prideslayer77
      @prideslayer77 Рік тому +1

      @@Kathaar it actually was a solid bio tbh lol. I could legit get behind a series even if it was random shit lol. Even the b roll you selected was solid!

  • @darrenporsch
    @darrenporsch 4 місяці тому +1

    I had an 84 with the z51 handling package That was even stiffer and harsher riding than the regular ones but it handled amazing. They're slow because they restricted the size of the runners on the intake and the heads If you fix those two you can pick up a second easy in a 0 to 60 and a quarter

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  3 місяці тому

      I mentioned those 2 fixes in the video, but yeah with proper tuning the cfi is a beast

  • @Beegees75
    @Beegees75 7 місяців тому +2

    I haven't had too many problems with my 1984 Corvette. I've owned it for 9 years now besides replacing One headlight motor, I had to change the fuel pump and replace the digital dash.. that's about it.

  • @transamman8299
    @transamman8299 Рік тому +2

    I love my c4!

  • @speedfiend925
    @speedfiend925 7 місяців тому +1

    I have a new appreciation for the 84 C4 after this video. 😁

  • @user-ie1hg5ov1m
    @user-ie1hg5ov1m 24 дні тому

    The L98 couldn't come soon enough. The C4 really got the performance it deserved in 1992 with the LT1 not counting the ZR-1 or Callaway Twin Turbo.

  • @colejames7236
    @colejames7236 8 місяців тому +2

    I bought an 84 kind of on a whim, I paid way too much for it, and I can't sell it for what I have in it. However, every part I replace, everything I fix, I relized these things have a ton of potential and I like it more and more every time I drive it. Other than for the awful battery drain and the constant coolant battles. 😂

  • @socksonfeet8125
    @socksonfeet8125 9 місяців тому +1

    Can you make a video on the stiff suspension alone? I had a Pontiac Solstice and the stiff suspension on that grew to be too much for me and my back. Getting old and lower spine issues start to become a real thing. I really want a c4 and the only cheap ones seem to be 1984's and I keep seeing people bring up the stiff suspension issues. I still have my 04 GTO and people say that that car also have stiff suspension but I don't think so. At least not compared to the Solstice. If there's a way you can show how stiff the suspension is, maybe drive around with a cup of water on the dash so we can see how harsh the bumps are or maybe some other idea to see it visually.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  8 місяців тому +1

      I may do a video on that in the future if I can work out the logistics. In the meantime, the best way I can explain the stiff suspension of the Vette is like this:
      in an '84 Vette you don't just feel every rock and pebble on the road, you feel every rock and pebble that USED to be there, too.

    • @socksonfeet8125
      @socksonfeet8125 8 місяців тому +1

      @@Kathaar oof that sound painful lol 😆😆, thank you though thats a pretty good description. It sounds like the Solstice may have been softer lol.

  • @boomn216
    @boomn216 8 місяців тому +2

    I have that same model and color but with Red interior.

  • @johnrossi6212
    @johnrossi6212 Рік тому +1

    Awesome video.
    Love how you explained how the cross fire didn’t work well.
    I just know to stay away lol
    I live C4s ❤❤❤

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому +1

      They're certainly an acquired taste

    • @Joesmusclecargarage
      @Joesmusclecargarage 3 місяці тому +2

      There is no reason to shy away from a CFI car. They’re extremely reliable, simple, and very easy to modify and get power out of. I’m a nationally known CFI expert, and there are CFI cars going deep 11s now.
      Also, I beat him to the “explanation” of the CFI design over 2 years ago.
      ua-cam.com/video/RTACNQvkkzk/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared

  • @anthonygray333
    @anthonygray333 7 місяців тому

    Love my ancient 84 stick shift. Paid $3k for it about 6 years ago and it’s worked just fine. It won’t outrun my 66 GTO, but heck it won’t outrun just about anything…but it’s a cool ride nonetheless.

  • @Volkswagenplanet
    @Volkswagenplanet 9 місяців тому +1

    When you look good like the C4 , you dont need to go fast. The C4 wants to be seen. I have a 88 red convertible. Miles of smiles. Drop the top and enjoy the fFlorida sun. Win , Win for me.

  • @lorriebuxton2041
    @lorriebuxton2041 8 місяців тому +1

    I also own an 84 Corvette traded plow truck I didn't want for barely drivable Vette I am a retired gm service tech worked on these when new great car three years getting back to good driving condition doing steering rack next worn internally mine will do 124 mph stock has good pulling torque off the line fades over 80 mph amazing how it goes around corners

  • @TheMrPeteChannel
    @TheMrPeteChannel 4 місяці тому +1

    I don't know why but a Corvette in all white is probably the best looking white car you can get.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  3 місяці тому

      I definitely have a soft spot for a white vette

  • @benvan-ness1030
    @benvan-ness1030 Рік тому +1

    This is the first video I've seen of yours I am thinking about buying a Corvette but I was afraid of going back into the 80s even though I am a love 80s vehicles with the Corvette because I was running around 300 horsepower I'm looking around a 94 to 95 maybe 96

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому +2

      You're gonna be dealing with 40 year old tech, and more annoyingly, 40 year old plastic pieces, BUT that's a small price to pay. The C4s are still relatively cheap, so I'd say go for it.
      94-95 is a good year, an extra 10 years of added quality of life improvements to the car, and definitely more horsepower than the 84.
      In the end, up to you, but I'd say go for it!

    • @ObscureStuff420
      @ObscureStuff420 7 місяців тому

      I have a 95 and I've owned an 86. The 95 is much more refined. Has much more HP, and has the ASR traction control system. Big difference is that the interior is a cockpit design rather than the 80s digital dash. I prefer the 95, but the digital dash was definitely cool

  • @DarkRequiemFilms
    @DarkRequiemFilms Рік тому +2

    Nice flex. 👍🏻

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому +1

      Damn, my true intentions have been found!

  • @HappyClapper63
    @HappyClapper63 7 місяців тому +1

    Still looks great in 2024

  • @ryanswan39
    @ryanswan39 7 місяців тому +1

    Dude i also love osrs ironman and have an 84 corvette lol did we just become best freinds

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  7 місяців тому +1

      Holy crap there IS someone with an interest in both! =D

  • @Joesmusclecargarage
    @Joesmusclecargarage 3 місяці тому +1

    @11:34. Not even close. Try an L48 C3, or worse yet, the LG4 305 powered Corvette sold in california.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  3 місяці тому

      Slowest halo car since the c1 bud

    • @dennislarue258
      @dennislarue258 Місяць тому +1

      Love my 84 no problems with crossfire ran it to 125 had some left but ran out of road it had some cooling problems here in texas solved it with some hood vents I'm working on mfg air cleaner gaskets as this crapy gas makes the factory one swell great video you don't see much on the 84 keep it up.

  • @bennynabours1208
    @bennynabours1208 Місяць тому +1

    your rims are on the wrong sides.. the fins should be flowing forward. inside the rim there is an imprint that states which side it goes on. the rear ones state rear only the fronts just state the side. the rear rims are .5 inches wider than the fronts.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Місяць тому

      Another comment pointed this out a while ago, tire shops amirite?

  • @javierjimenez3627
    @javierjimenez3627 9 місяців тому +1

    How people want us to watch tv if we have this kind of content in UA-cam

  • @nyernga
    @nyernga 11 місяців тому +2

    Should have simply told california to GFY

  • @innerlightfilms
    @innerlightfilms Рік тому +1

    The 84 styling was way ahead of its time. Most C4 corvettes were trashed by low IQ people who could afford them. They got a bad reputation because of that. Any C4 with money dumped into it looks as good as any modern-day sports car.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому

      Hell even just bone stock, c4s look great

  • @jamalanderson5342
    @jamalanderson5342 Рік тому +1

    Corvette = yes :)

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому

      corvette is always the right answer.

  • @benmalec3258
    @benmalec3258 3 місяці тому

    "Stiff unibody frame"??? Ironic that you say that while displaying a picture of the steel space frame, as the fiberglass/SMC panels carry no load--the antithesis of a unibody design. And stiff?? Park your C4 on uneven ground and try to open the hood. Even the chief designer talked about how flexy the chassis was in his book "Corvette from the Inside". The C4 was a HUGE step from the C3 but still had significant shortcomings. And yes, I've owned a C4 for over 20 years so I'm speaking from experience.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  3 місяці тому +1

      A car with no roof is less stiff than one that does? Color me shocked!
      Regardless of your semantics, the car managed much tighter control and maneuverability with it's 'flexy' frame than it's predecessor. I'd say for a car that needed to check all the boxes of:
      - no roof frame
      - more cockpit room
      - less weight
      I'd say it does a pretty good job.

  • @777PFP
    @777PFP 7 місяців тому +1

    love mine

  • @CallforthePriest
    @CallforthePriest 10 місяців тому +2

    84 owner here! Loved this video!!!! More vids of your car please! :)

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  10 місяців тому

      I hope to do more as soon as time allows! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @pollnivneach
    @pollnivneach 6 місяців тому +1

    impressed by car fans view:comment ratio compared to scapers

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  6 місяців тому +1

      It's genuinely impressive. But I suppose it makes sense. Lot's more car people out there than runescape people.
      When I have the money to work on the car again, I'd like to do more of these types of videos, but I'll probably do it on a separate channel.

  • @MrSrScott
    @MrSrScott 11 місяців тому +1

    Your wheels are on backwards.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  11 місяців тому

      Wat?

    • @scottraymondsr3241
      @scottraymondsr3241 11 місяців тому +1

      The Finns on your Vette are facing backwards that are supposed to face forward! Just Google C4 Corvette wheels diagram and you'll see what I mean. 👍

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  11 місяців тому +2

      Sweet mother of Mercy...
      ...they are.

    • @scottraymondsr3241
      @scottraymondsr3241 11 місяців тому

      @Kathaar Happens all the time on C4 Corvettes. There were quite a few wheel designs on the C4.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  11 місяців тому +1

      @@scottraymondsr3241 What's funny is... i have no idea how long they've been like that. I had a shop put on new tires a few years ago, so maybe then, but honestly, without looking at pictures from when I first got the car, it could've been that way when I got it.

  • @clemnewton9007
    @clemnewton9007 8 місяців тому

    it is a Corvette tht is enough said

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  8 місяців тому

      Can never say too much about a corvette.

  • @chrish5503
    @chrish5503 9 місяців тому +1

    One answer to this: Cease-Fire Injection.

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  9 місяців тому

      -sniff- smells like vette envy

  • @michaelcabral2174
    @michaelcabral2174 Рік тому +2

    You do realize that mid 70s Corvettes only have like 170 hp right never mind the fact that California had their own special version with a 305

    • @Kathaar
      @Kathaar  Рік тому

      There were actually 5 'slower' corvettes than the '84, but excluding the original straight 6 C1s, no halo vette had ever been slower than it's predecessors by such an enormous degree.
      But that doesn't make a good title.

  • @Lightblue2222
    @Lightblue2222 4 місяці тому +1

    Subscribed 🤍

  • @SolomonTroupe
    @SolomonTroupe Рік тому +1

    Nerd