C3 for my son?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Thousand Oaks CA.
I had an 82 CE that I bought in 89 with 45K miles and kept for 4 years
Other then normal repairs and maintance, I had the injection systems rebuilt at 60k and that was a PITA getting it to run right. Only other thing I didn't care for was the Gymkana suspension. It rode like a 2x4 with wheels. Sure was a pretty Vette though.........................But, of course, aren't they all?
Other then normal repairs and maintance, I had the injection systems rebuilt at 60k and that was a PITA getting it to run right. Only other thing I didn't care for was the Gymkana suspension. It rode like a 2x4 with wheels. Sure was a pretty Vette though.........................But, of course, aren't they all?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
He is 29 and lives in a different State. He has been thinking about getting a vette for many years. He almost bought a C4 a few years back but changed his mind so now he is thinking of the C3. Don't think he is much of fixing cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
I've got a C5 (04) and a C3 (78). The C3 requires a lot more time and money to keep it running. Vacuum leaks which affect the brakes and the headlights (flipping up and closing) are common. Power is low, gas mileage sucks, but they are fun to drive and IMO the most radically designed Corvette GM ever made.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 24
From: Coastal Georgia
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Is this car going to be a daily driver, or a weekend toy? In either case, if he's not into working on cars, tell him to pass and save his money for a newer model. I have a '75 that I am always working on, but I'm into that, so no big deal. He might be in for a rude awakening....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,581
Likes: 965
From: Communist Colorado
Pass on the C3. I had an 81 and out of the 7 Vettes I've owned so far, it was the biggest POS and the one I owned the shortest period of time.
Tell him to get a nice low mile 94-96 C4. My son (21) just bought an immaculate 95 6 speed with 39,000 miles on it for $13k
Tell him to get a nice low mile 94-96 C4. My son (21) just bought an immaculate 95 6 speed with 39,000 miles on it for $13k
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
A C3 is a great generation. If he's not into wrenching, find a C3 that's turn-key and not a project. Hate to get a call in the middle of the night with a stranded kid.
Oh, and did I mention the C3's are
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
To keep a C3 on the road it's going to take more work, but nothing is high tech, & very little electronics, so just about anybody with the desire can fix it with simple tools. The C4 has a lot more electronics so without the knowledge and in some cases special tools, he would have to take the car to someone to get it repaired. But again with the desire and this forums help most repairs can be accomplished.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
To keep a C3 on the road it's going to take more work, but nothing is high tech, & very little electronics, so just about anybody with the desire can fix it with simple tools. The C4 has a lot more electronics so without the knowledge and in some cases special tools, he would have to take the car to someone to get it repaired. But again with the desire and this forums help most repairs can be accomplished.
& I had plenty of both. To add some comments -C3 will be better re-sale wise (if kept stock). I prefer the boatail coupes through '77 or better yet, any vert w/hardtop. Chrome bumper vettes will cost the most & have the most value in return.Urge him to get one that's stock, healthy, and sits level. So many of these C3's look trashy with worn suspensions or wrong mod wheels/tires etc. i.e. sitting way up in the front. (Not that there's anything w/tasteful removable mods)
C4's is the first of the high tech gen but desirability is not there for most. 88 Anniv would be my pick if C4 but good luck @8K for anything decent on that one.
'82 is basically like the '84 in the engine dept so use caution. Nice long front end though. Reminds me of funny cars. Looks esp good in blk.
Last edited by cor28vettes; May 23, 2009 at 04:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
'82 is a great year. If he is not mechanically inclined or has a good relationship with someone who knows Corvettes, I'd move slowly. Again, '82 is a great year, but they are approaching 30 years old now. Nothing 30 years old and mechanical goes without some work every now and again. Buy the best one you can afford, it will be worth it in the long run.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
To keep a C3 on the road it's going to take more work, but nothing is high tech, & very little electronics, so just about anybody with the desire can fix it with simple tools. The C4 has a lot more electronics so without the knowledge and in some cases special tools, he would have to take the car to someone to get it repaired. But again with the desire and this forums help most repairs can be accomplished.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,124
Likes: 283
From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
Well, with the buying a C4 part, not so much that no one wants one. I have an 81 and a 93. If he's not good at wrenching or attached to the C3, especially the 82, spend LESS and get a C4 which will be a much more reliable and enjoyable driving experience. I love my 81 and will never sell it, but I do most of my cruising in the C4 and use the C3 for shows and special events. You can get a great deal on a C4, here's my 93 which I purchased last fall for $6,250, had the seller put on a new set of tires and this car is spotless and a blast to drive;
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
Two strikes against the '82 are the Crossfire Injection and the 700R4.
The early 700R4 was a problem and if it hasn't been rebuilt in its life, you will have to. $1400 for that little trip. When it is rebuilt, the shop SHOULD rebuild it to newer specs and use the HD parts. Also, a Corvette 700R4 is speced out differently than a passenger 700R4 as to shift points and such. Don't just grab an off the shelf one as a replacement.
The Crossfire Injection was basically two TBIs installed on a low plane cross ram manifold. Most people hate them, although they really aren't that bad. They just are not a TPI which came out on the '85 and newer C4s.
There is a web site on the Crossfire Injections that has lots of info and you will probably visit it often.
Still, when everything is right, the '82 should get around 20 mpg on the highway and 15 or more in town, something most '70s C3s will not do.
The early 700R4 was a problem and if it hasn't been rebuilt in its life, you will have to. $1400 for that little trip. When it is rebuilt, the shop SHOULD rebuild it to newer specs and use the HD parts. Also, a Corvette 700R4 is speced out differently than a passenger 700R4 as to shift points and such. Don't just grab an off the shelf one as a replacement.
The Crossfire Injection was basically two TBIs installed on a low plane cross ram manifold. Most people hate them, although they really aren't that bad. They just are not a TPI which came out on the '85 and newer C4s.
There is a web site on the Crossfire Injections that has lots of info and you will probably visit it often.
Still, when everything is right, the '82 should get around 20 mpg on the highway and 15 or more in town, something most '70s C3s will not do.