Have you previously owned a C3? The best C3 will not ride, handle, or preform like a Z06. An old Shark might be a disappointment in that regard. You might feel more "at home" with a C4 although the best C4 you can find in your price range still won't be a Z06.

 

I'll say, I just turned 22, I LOVE MY CAR!!

I say go C3, people will always give you the look

T

 

As an example, I bought my 79 L-82 4 spd for 7500 1.5 years ago. It was a daily driver for the previous owner. The interior was in very nice shape, the paint was shot. I've put a lot of work into it, almost all cosmetically since then, and it sounds like you could have come out even better since you can paint (I paid someone to paint mine). Also for comparison's sake, mine is not stock, it's got headers, a bigger cam, an Edelbrock intake and a few other things, and the previous owner sold the car becuase he had bought a 01 Z06, and he said the Z06 would eat the 79 for lunch.

 

Underpowered--you can call my car many things, but never call it that. It is anything but.

I agree that the electronics in a C4 may make it harder to fix, but I also think the newer systems in a C4 are less likely to break.

You sound like you can handle getting your hands a little dirty, so I actually would recommend a later C3 for your price range. You can plan on doing some work.

 

 

Thanks for the advice. I would like to get more info on after bumper C3's. Looks like I will not be able to buy a bumper car & I am not familiar w/latter yr. C3's. What yrs are more desireable & what yrs. are less desireable. ?
Don Meyer

 

If you like to tinker, buy a C3. If want to drive in comfort, buy a C4.

 

Buy a c-3, I think they nice to drive, and are easy to work on

 

Don
I don't know where you're located but you're welcome to come see me and try out a C4 and a C3 at the same time.

Dan in Minnesota

 

I'd say go for the C3.... I bought mine for under $10k and drive it everyday!!!

A comment said that a Z06 would out handle a C3.... I'd say maybe, maybe not? My dad use to work for a car dealership in the late 60's early 70's and he said that GM said that with the proper suspension and tires those old C3's could pull more than a G.... Now, I wasn't around in that day in age so I wouldn't know.
But, my opinion is that people think that those C3's don't handle good, but I don't think they have the ***** to put it up too the test...
I can tell you this... I've driven my dads C3 when I had my drivers permit with the F-41 suspension and I can tell you that I took 25 mph exit ramp at over 60 with no signs of the car giving until my dad made me slow down....
However, when you drive a C3 you feel the road and you are the car... Thats one thing that I don't like about the newer vettes... They are no longer sports cars, but luxury/exotic cars...

Not to mention that the C3 doesn't look like a firebird or camaro from a distance like the C4's

Now, I am not trying to put down the C4's or Z06's... I am just apassionate C3 lover

 

I think in later C3's the values are all very similar, so as far as years go, take your pick. If you are looking for what may possibly be worth the most as a general rule get an L-82 4spd. My 79 has a lot more room in the back with the "bubbleback" window as opposed to the 77 and earlier style. I still think I like the 77 and previous style better though. 78 Pace Cars will lead the pack also as far as what they're worth.

 

I'm in before the anti-crossfire group beats up the '82!

Seriously, as for the rubber bumper C3's - starting in 1974 - 1977 pretty much the same look. In 1978 the "bubble back" window debuted. This ran through 1982 when the C3 body style was put to pasture. You could still get a big block 454 in 1974. 1975 saw the lowest HP rating ever on a Corvette and the last convertible. The only high output option after 74 was the L-82; HP peaked at 230 I believe. You can mod a pre 81 car fairly easy. The first computer is on a 1981 - computer controlled carb set-up. The 1982 has a cross-fire injected system comprised of twin throttle bodies and is also mated to the then new 700R4 transmission. Made for a nice cruising set-up. GM numbers were 200 HP and 285 tq...great numbers for the day. I'm somewhat partial to the '82 AND the C5 Z06

As for a C3 handling like (or anything near) a Z06 - ain't gonna happen unless you've got another $10K to put in a suspension...then you need to go to work on the motor cause a C3 won't do what that LS6 can do, not at 6500 RPM. I love my C3 but man oh man what that Z06 can do - but who am I telling, you owned one

 

Good advice. Ya gotta drive em, and find out which one ya love. They are VERY different cars.

 

This ones up to personal preferences and what you can afford get your hands on. I've had both C3 and C4 versions. The Quasar Blue '92 LT1 6-speed vert was beautiful, but it was the shark that stole my heart long ago.

 

I have got a lot of advice, now that I have reciever the advice an other question came to mind. I have had 2 back operations & the cutch on the Zo6 did not bother me.
Is there any difference in the amount of pressure between the C3/C4 to depress the clutch. Also does one shift better than the other...comparing the C3 to a ZF trans in a C4.

Thanks...it feels good to be back to the Forum.

 

I love my 82 C3 but I've put a ton of $ into it over the years, it's got almost 200k miles. I usually subscribe to the belief that "newer's better"...but looks count too! Good luck on your search/purchase.

 

Here ya go.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corvette-C3-.../dp/0760316554

Good reference. Covers all C3s.

 

You are correct. The primary advantage C4 had in handling over C3 was the tires. See 77 Facts on my website for C3 FE-7 handling.

 

The clutch in my 70 is heavy but not bad once you get use to it. I was at the NY auto show last weekend and sat in a new ZO 6 and the clutch felt feather light like my Passats. I expected it to be heavier. I actually prefer the vettes clutch feel, if that helps.
Again like the others said, drive a bunch of each before you make a decision. No 2 vettes, C3, or C4 drive the same.
Good luck!
Glenn

 

I agree the the thing to do is drive both, but i do not have any available for driving & do not see any interesting ones for sale in the Central Fl area.
Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
Don Meyer