C3 info
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C3 info
hey guys another noob! im sure you guys get alot of em. im from canada and am 19. i own a 78 firebird formula and know almost all there is to know about2d gen f-bodies. but after months of searching for a good trans am i have now turned my eye to those Awesome C3 vettes. my question is what is the best year to buy and why. also what are some good web sites that can help me learn about these cars, as i am now stepping onto strange ground. thanks alot and look forward to be kickin around this fourm!
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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they are no bad years to own. it is all what you want out of your car. the frist is do you like the look of chrome bumpers or a ruber bumper car. answer this question and we can tell you more
Melting Slicks
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From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
It all depends what you wish to spend on a C3. Chrome bumper Vettes are the most sot after, but also the most expensive to buy, they have bigger stock HP.
Later years a still great looking but with a bit less HP. You can up-grade HP with money on these or drop in a new crate motor.
I have both 71 chrome 454 - 425HP and a 79 350-375Hp (motor work) and enjoy them both for different reasons.
Try this web site to view Corvette history and see different styles
http://100megsfree4.com/corvette/
Later years a still great looking but with a bit less HP. You can up-grade HP with money on these or drop in a new crate motor.
I have both 71 chrome 454 - 425HP and a 79 350-375Hp (motor work) and enjoy them both for different reasons.
Try this web site to view Corvette history and see different styles
http://100megsfree4.com/corvette/
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a mechanic i work with told me to get a vette with the square back window. i dont know why he said that but after looking at the two i prefer the square. powerplant is not an issue as i am looking into a fule injected crate engine to throw in. i havnt yet decided weather i like the plastic or chrome front ends. ill look at more pics.
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upon further research (that website is awesome by the way) i would have to say that i like the plastic front bumpers better. and by the sounds of it these cars wil be better on the wallet. so that makes it from 73 to 77 if im correct?
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so then its 74 to 77. what is the going rate for these years on average? i was prusuing a 76 for $10500 cdn and then found it was already sold. that kinda ruined my whole day. im in no rush to find the perfect car. when i but a car it will be exactly what im looking for.
Melting Slicks
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From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Surkon, a 81 Vette just sold the other day on E-bay from Toronto for I think $3300.00 cdn. I didn't see the car except from picture that were posted and it's description, but that was a steal for someone. So set a price you are willing to spend and find the best you can at that price. Once you have your first Vette, you can always sell it in time for an older one. 78 through 82 would make a great entry level Vette if thats your price range. Look at my pictures of my 79, I get a ton of comments and looks when it's on the road. I also get the same with my 71, but anyone with a Vette likes the 71 better because it's a chrome bumper 454 big block. I like them as I said, both equal but have more fun with the 79 L82, as I'm not afraid to mod it or play with motor items. I also tend to drive it harder as parts are easy to get or I can just drop in a new crate motor if I had to. The 71 is dead stock and worth 3 times the 79 in price so I tend to baby it a bit more. But both are in perfect shape in everyway inside and out.
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From: Hamilton Ontario
Decisions..Decisions
I can sympathize with you. I looked for a year until I found the vette I was looking for. You mentioned you missed out on the 76 for $10,500.
Just to give you some pricing help. A low mile, well maintained 1976
L-82 4spd will go anywhere from $10,000-15,000 cdn. A low mile, well maintained base L-48 will run anywhere from $8000-12,000 cdn. The price difference will really depend on how good the interior has held up and on exterior paint quality. Numbers matching cars will fetch the top dollar, but don't be scared off by a non-original color if it has been well done. You mentioned you are going to drop in a crate motor. In that case you should be able to pick up a good rolling chassis, that has a worn out engine, for a fraction of the prices I have listed above. Important point to remember is that these fiberglass cars can still look great on the outside after years of abuse. Get underneath and make sure the frame is solid and hasn't rusted out. If you know your way around an F-body, you won't have any trouble working on a vette. Good luck with your search.
Just to give you some pricing help. A low mile, well maintained 1976
L-82 4spd will go anywhere from $10,000-15,000 cdn. A low mile, well maintained base L-48 will run anywhere from $8000-12,000 cdn. The price difference will really depend on how good the interior has held up and on exterior paint quality. Numbers matching cars will fetch the top dollar, but don't be scared off by a non-original color if it has been well done. You mentioned you are going to drop in a crate motor. In that case you should be able to pick up a good rolling chassis, that has a worn out engine, for a fraction of the prices I have listed above. Important point to remember is that these fiberglass cars can still look great on the outside after years of abuse. Get underneath and make sure the frame is solid and hasn't rusted out. If you know your way around an F-body, you won't have any trouble working on a vette. Good luck with your search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Montreal Qc.
Where do you live in Canada? Check out the Regional Events forum here, there are lots of people in/around Toronto that can help you out, there was even a really nice yellow rubber-bumper for sale around 10500 recently posted in that section.
I'm in Montreal, got my 79 3 years ago for $7000Can. If I had found this forum first I wouldn't have bought it (I've been spending $$ fixing hidden rust ever since).
Welcome to the forum!
I'm in Montreal, got my 79 3 years ago for $7000Can. If I had found this forum first I wouldn't have bought it (I've been spending $$ fixing hidden rust ever since).
Welcome to the forum!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
surkon, here's one in Bradford Ontario that was for sale I believe it was 10.5 firm. All I know is it's a 76. Just click on the link and it will take you to the post here in the forum.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...11&forum_id=97
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...11&forum_id=97
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Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to keep my open for a 74-77 Vette. The more I look at the pictures... the more I really, really want one.
I'm here in Calgary, so rust shouldn't be to much of a problem. I know that I could find a rolling chassis but noone is going to sell one without the engine... so that sucks.
From here on in it's a waiting game.
I'm here in Calgary, so rust shouldn't be to much of a problem. I know that I could find a rolling chassis but noone is going to sell one without the engine... so that sucks.
From here on in it's a waiting game.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Montreal Qc.
Originally Posted by Glass Act
surkon, here's one in Bradford Ontario that was for sale I believe it was 10.5 firm. All I know is it's a 76. Just click on the link and it will take you to the post here in the forum.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...11&forum_id=97
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...11&forum_id=97
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From: Edwards CA
Originally Posted by stingr69
Wecome to the fun. Bring your wallet! 
There is only one thing to know...Buy the nicest condition Vette you can afford. The car will cost you the least in the long run.
-Mark.
There is only one thing to know...Buy the nicest condition Vette you can afford. The car will cost you the least in the long run.
-Mark.
I bought my '79 3 years ago if only I couldve afford a better condition Vette I would't be getting jump starts so often. But ask me if it's still worth it.... Heck yeah it is!!
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,442
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From: Flanders NJ
Originally Posted by surkon
so then its 74 to 77. what is the going rate for these years on average? i was prusuing a 76 for $10500 cdn and then found it was already sold. that kinda ruined my whole day. im in no rush to find the perfect car. when i but a car it will be exactly what im looking for.
Good luck & welcome to the forum
