Anybody recommend a corvette?

Question

I'm thinking it's time to buy a vette, but need some input. Yes, I am getting ready to enjoy a "second childhood" at the age of 42. I have been looking around and think a 77 to 82 model year is waht I am wanting. Like the look, still something I can work/wrench on, parts seem to be plentiful. If anyone has any pointers, I would appreciate it much. Thanks!

Answer 1

IF you want something that's fairly easy to work on, easy to get parts for, and still a lot of fun to drive, then the 77 to 82 range is great...plus they are pretty much at the bottom of their depreciation curve right now, and just starting to go up a bit, so you can find one reasonably priced. The only drawback with the late Stingray designs that might make any difference to you is that the engines during this time frame were set up more for fuel economy than performance. I currently own an '88, which is the later C4 body style, and although it rides a bit nicer I still miss the classic Stingray look I had on my 73. (Side note..84 through 90 C4 models are also fairly priced right now if you like that body style, but have more electronics, meaning more things that could go bad- just thought I'd mention it.)

The big thing to look for is a good car with a "No-hit" body....no stress fractures, etc...unless you are willing to replace body panels or do fiberglass work. The brake system is also important... brake calipers, lines, etc. should be inspected for leaks as this was sometimes problematic.

Also, be prepared to change out weatherstripping, particularly around the T-tops, etc. unless someone's been nice enough to take care of that already. Otherwise you'll get a free shower when it rains.

Hope this helped. Have fun.

Answer 2

I was told by a couple stingray owners when I was looking for that model to get one with chrome bumpers. When GM eliminated bumpers, Corvettes started to lack horsepower because of EPA regulations. '77-'82 fall into those yrs. I think the '82 has the lowest horsepower of all vettes. Also these yrs mark the end of a long run of the C3 style. These are 2 reasons why they are cheap I would suggest an earlier C3 if you like that style.

Most parts are available through aftermarket catalogs. Don't expect to be able to get interior or body trim parts at your Chevy garage. Most basic engine tune up parts are available at Chevy. Most corvette parts are not common Chevy parts but made for one model...Corvette, so expect to pay higher prices.

Some things can not be found. I have been searching for the overdrive button on my manual shifter that is not available anywhere because only Corvette had that transmission for 5 yrs. I can get one if I buy the transmission, but I don't need the whole unit...yet!

Buy your dream, but do some more research. You will be doing a lot of searching from now on. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Correct answer! Corvettes began being a mechanics dream/owners nightmare with the 1984 model. The newer Vettes, while vastly improved as far as handling, horsepower and speed goes, are right up there with the Germans as far as complex electrics, fussy suspension set-up and just silly transmission lock-outs, etc. The seventies cars are beautiful but anything from '74 to '83 will feel like a wheezer compared to a lowly '86 Mustang GT. But, hey -- are you gonna race or cruise?
Every single part of the C3 series Vette is available aftermarket and anyone that can hold a wrench can overhaul almost every piece of the car. Be prepared to convert the brake calipers to stainless units if the one you are considering buying hasn't already been retro-fitted. The early Vette caliper design is known for leaking. Check for prior collision damage on front frame area as these babies have their noses smacked on a regular basis (mainly because you can't see the front of the car while driving). A quality repair will cause no problems but a bad, botched-up job will be a nightmare. There are many Corvette owners clubs across the country and they are as rabid as college football fans. I suppose this is a good thing.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Ah, the classic Corvette. For a man of you're age a Corvette would be a really great car to fix up as a hobby and enjoy as a past time. I'm going to use the median Corvette for this generation, the 1980. It came with 3 engines, the L48, L82 and LG4.

The L48 was a 350ci engine producing 185hp at the crank.
The L82 was a 350ci engine as well but produced a better 220hp at the crank.
The 3rd engine was a California only model with 180hp in a 305ci engine.

The 1980 Corvettes fuel economy was changed a tad for decreased fuel consumption.

For a real cool project do an engine swap as most people do. I'd suggest the LT1 or the LT4 Corvette engine. THe LT1 having slightly less hp than the LT4 with 300bhp, the LT4 having 330bhp.

Answer 5

Check out the C3 section on the Corvette Forum

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zeroforum?id=3

Post this question there and I'm sure you will get many informed answers about 77 to 82 Corvettes.

Just my opinion but consider a C4 for better reliability (especially the 92 to 96 models. (I'm a former owner of a 92)

or

For a little more money get a 2000. I believe that was the first year of the heads up display. (I'm a current owner of a 2002 C5)

Answer 6

I've owned several Corvettes. A/C is lousey. Taking the top off of 77-82 is a hassle. Hard ride. Hard on your back (I'm older than you). As you get older, tough getting in and out. All repairs are expensive. A quality tune-up is at least $500. Tires are $400-$500 each. Gas mileage wasn't bad (aver hwy 21 mph local 16 mph). Not a good winter car if you live in the North (garaged from Dec-Mar).

The cars are cool and you'll get lots of looks.

Answer 7

the brakes on those years of vettes are a big selling point, please make sure you have them looked at because i use to restore those years and you can drop 1500 in brakes. other than that your picking some good years because you can locate them from 5 to 7k. also try to find one thats not had any fiberglass work which could be hard. but yes the parts are all over the place and somewhat cheap. enjoy your vette

Answer 8

My vote would be for any pre-1970's Corvette,,,,,any Corvette built after 1970's was a huge pile of junk,,not worth making flower planters off.
If you want real,,,, then go old,,,!!

Answer 9

79' Stingray

Answer 10

yes, but maybe get a newer one?