redvette1985

I just bought a very nice condition 1985 corvette it has 73000 miles on it and runs great. The interior is in almost new condition. the only issues i have found with it after having it a few days are the weather striping around the windows is worn out and needs replaced, which I have ordered and the windshield washer pump is not working. I plan on fixing both problems soon along with replacing the roof and door seals.

Is there anything else I should look for or know about this year vehicle. This is my first classic car so my knowledge is limited.

What is the preferred gas that should be used. the manual says 87 is fine with up to 10% ethanol. I was planing on using ethanol free when i bought it prior to reading the manual. thanks in advance and please bare with me I am new to cars and like to learn.
thanks in advance
Nate

antfarmer2

Your off to a good start do all fluids and welcome.

markKlein

85s are fun cars.Make sure the lights work and make sure you know how the parking brake works. I'd avoid ethanol if you can but 87 octane should work fine for you.

redvette1985

I am having the whole vehicle looked over by the Chevrolet dealer. I am going to hold off on the seals because they don't leak yet. I will replace the weather strip around the windows because they are in bad shape.

What would you say would be better... 87 grade gas with no ethanol or high grade with ethanol. Those are my only options around here besides regular 87 with ethanol.

Can you explain what you mean by the parking break issue? I think I know how it works but would just like to make sute

whalepirot

Hopefully your dealer knows Corvettes and is honest.

I'd suggest filling out your forum profile real soon, to get better and more help. You might look up Corvette clubs in your area, too. A universal recommendation here, is to get a factory service manual and at least a decent digital multi-meter for electrical troubleshooting.

The '85 is a one-year in some respects, like the ECM, but shares lots with others of the generation.

You may feel more power with the non-ethanol, which has less energy/ounce.

Congrats and welcome.

856SPEED

Nice; you will like it if it has been taken care of; I have owned my 85 since 2001; it's a fun experience although I have modified mine (tastefully in my humble opinion) to upgrade performance related things as I bought it as a project car thinking it would never be a collectible Vette; they just made too many of them even though I have a Z51 car; which they still built lots of those; nothing special.


The 85 is the first year for the tuned port and overall these engines tend to be very reliable if they have been well maintained. You will enjoy the car for what it is! Welcome to the "Corvette ownership club"and of course to this forum; it's a great hobby.

xrav22

Good luck with the new vette, I use 89 and have not had a problem.
Cast iron heads are ok with 87 but I go with the 89 anyways.

I would as the other person said get your fluids changed and check each vacuum hose for starts.

markKlein

The brake pulls up and then you push it back down (hand off the button) so you can get out. You would be surprised how many owners think they have to somehow crawl over to get out of the car.

whalepirot

The brake handle has a small spring to pull the handle back to the stowed postion, if gravity doesn't do it.


My technique, after having to redress the ratchet cogs, is to hold the button down while moving the lever, both engaging and releasing.

John A. Marker

Welcome to the Forum. Learn how to use the "Advanced Search option". This will save you a lot of time when your looking for answers.

PM sent to you.

86C4Z51

I just got a factory manual for my '86 off amazon for $50. Brand new in the plastic.

Dang, I never thought of an '85 as a classic. I guess that means I have a whole year before mine is classic, too. I must be getting old.

cormorant71

Don't use synthetic oil. You will get oil leaks. Also, don't do a trans flush, just change the ATF and filter.

just my 2 cents

redvette1985

I was told by the seller it has synthetic oil in it. Can or should I change back.

cormorant71

When I owned an L98 I changed the oil and made sure i used "Dino" oil. It is easy enough to do an oil change, cheap prevention if you ask me.

redvette1985

I will do normal oil changes. I would like to know if synthetic oil is bad to use. The other question I have, if synthetic oil is being used now can I change back to dino oil on my next change.

cormorant71

Yes, the L98 was designed to run on regular oil, wont be an issue

volkswagens-for-life

If the car already has synthetic oil, just keep using it.

whalepirot

Synthetic oil is usually thinner and you may get new leaks and see lower oil pressure at low RPM.


I have switched back to non-synthetic on >1 car with nothing adverse. I own too may cars and opt for easier-to-remember 5000 mile changes which is well within dino oil's 'life', for my driving patterns.

Jud Chapin

Best of luck with your new ride...

redvette1985

Thanks for all of the info so far. I guess my last question for now since I have gotten mixed answers via PM and talking to different people.

What type of fuel should I use in this. 87 with no ethanol or 93 with ethanol. Will the ethanol hurt anything if I use high grade.
thanks again.
Nate