Found the car using the "search" on the given website.
First Post, First Question.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
First Post, First Question.
Hello Everyone.
As you might expect this first post includes a question and I hope my lack of knowledge will not get me slapped over the head or sent to the search function.
I am looking at acquiring a C3 1979 Corvette with a L88 427 Engine. The full listing is here:
http://www.autotrader.ca/result/addetailinfo.aspx?srcID=19&frnID=3557719 &mp=0
The owner has already revealed that the car has issues. It has not been driven for four years, the steering wheel pinion is leaking, the rear tires have to be replaced and the car has no windshield wipers, only the motor. I read up on the C3 buyers guides and inspection seems to be a rather involved thing. I come from the modern European Car world, so I would have no idea what to look for, but American Muscle has always fascinated me.
As far as I understand if this vehicle runs a real L88 then it is actually as worthwhile buy?
Are there any mechanics or appraisers that you could recommend which would come out with me to inspect the car? The owner is happy to put her onto a hoist for a full inspection. I would also greatly appreciate any hints towards additional reading material.
Thank you so very much, it is great communities like these exist.
As you might expect this first post includes a question and I hope my lack of knowledge will not get me slapped over the head or sent to the search function.
I am looking at acquiring a C3 1979 Corvette with a L88 427 Engine. The full listing is here:
http://www.autotrader.ca/result/addetailinfo.aspx?srcID=19&frnID=3557719 &mp=0
The owner has already revealed that the car has issues. It has not been driven for four years, the steering wheel pinion is leaking, the rear tires have to be replaced and the car has no windshield wipers, only the motor. I read up on the C3 buyers guides and inspection seems to be a rather involved thing. I come from the modern European Car world, so I would have no idea what to look for, but American Muscle has always fascinated me.
As far as I understand if this vehicle runs a real L88 then it is actually as worthwhile buy?
Are there any mechanics or appraisers that you could recommend which would come out with me to inspect the car? The owner is happy to put her onto a hoist for a full inspection. I would also greatly appreciate any hints towards additional reading material.
Thank you so very much, it is great communities like these exist.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Welcome.
Your link doesn't work. I guess because it's autotrader.ca you're somewhere in Canada. Please fill out your profile so we can narrow things down.
Without seeing even a picture of the car, I'm already nervous. It's not a 'real' L88, the last one was built ten years earlier in 1969. If it's a clone engine, and done properly, you don't really want one for casual street driving or cruising. The LAST thing that should attract a person to a car is what type of engine it's got- condition of the car beats that in importance any day.
Your link doesn't work. I guess because it's autotrader.ca you're somewhere in Canada. Please fill out your profile so we can narrow things down.
Without seeing even a picture of the car, I'm already nervous. It's not a 'real' L88, the last one was built ten years earlier in 1969. If it's a clone engine, and done properly, you don't really want one for casual street driving or cruising. The LAST thing that should attract a person to a car is what type of engine it's got- condition of the car beats that in importance any day.
Last edited by Mike Ward; Mar 22, 2011 at 10:48 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,523
Likes: 2,406
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The link is getting a network error message for me so I can't see the pics in the ad. I can tell you that an L88 was not available in 79 so the previous owner put it in. This is not a bad thing if it was done correctly. Since it's been sitting and the back tires are shot, I would believe the car has been beat on and probably has more issues than you want to tackle.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
I apologize for the link. This one should work. http://bit.ly/ggYE3H
The engine was indeed swapped from a 69 I am just not 100% sure it is the L88 as I did not see the car yet. They put in electric fuel pump(s?) and variable electronic timing. The mechanic that looked at it briefly thinks the car might have had a drag race setup.
The previous owner only drove her for about 1000 miles after rebuilding the calipers as he has so many cars he rarely gets to all of them.
I will also fill out my profile, indeed I live in Mississauga, Ontario.
What attracts me to the car is not the engine. The picture did and the overall look of the car is appealing to me. I am not a collector, I enjoy unique vehicles, always have.
I guess it is still worth to at least have a look and spend money on an inspection or is it just a plain "don't do it fool?"
The engine was indeed swapped from a 69 I am just not 100% sure it is the L88 as I did not see the car yet. They put in electric fuel pump(s?) and variable electronic timing. The mechanic that looked at it briefly thinks the car might have had a drag race setup.
The previous owner only drove her for about 1000 miles after rebuilding the calipers as he has so many cars he rarely gets to all of them.
I will also fill out my profile, indeed I live in Mississauga, Ontario.
What attracts me to the car is not the engine. The picture did and the overall look of the car is appealing to me. I am not a collector, I enjoy unique vehicles, always have.
I guess it is still worth to at least have a look and spend money on an inspection or is it just a plain "don't do it fool?"
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
That link works. I won't comment on the appearance because that's up to the individual.
If someone is telling you that it's a real 1969 L88 engine from a Corvette, run for the hills. Don't be dazzled by silly thing like an electric fuel pump and some timing gizmo. A 1979 Corvette with a big block engine selling for that low a price has got LOTS of problems.
If someone is telling you that it's a real 1969 L88 engine from a Corvette, run for the hills. Don't be dazzled by silly thing like an electric fuel pump and some timing gizmo. A 1979 Corvette with a big block engine selling for that low a price has got LOTS of problems.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,997
Likes: 6,213
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Quite plainly, "don't do it fool."
First of all, it's not an L-88. Secondly, a modified car like this will have been messed with and is likely worth even less than a garden variety correct '79.
When you say "what attracts me is the CAR," remember that they made more '79 Corvettes than any other year at that point. '79s are in fact a dime a dozen and the last thing you need to do is inspect and spend on this one. Keep shopping.
Incidentally, I love Mississauga. Ive come up there a couple times a year in past years for the hockey memorabilia show at the International Centre.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
That link works. I won't comment on the appearance because that's up to the individual.
If someone is telling you that it's a real 1969 L88 engine from a Corvette, run for the hills. Don't be dazzled by silly thing like an electric fuel pump and some timing gizmo. A 1979 Corvette with a big block engine selling for that low a price has got LOTS of problems.
If someone is telling you that it's a real 1969 L88 engine from a Corvette, run for the hills. Don't be dazzled by silly thing like an electric fuel pump and some timing gizmo. A 1979 Corvette with a big block engine selling for that low a price has got LOTS of problems.
By the way he never said it was a L88, he just mentioned that it is a big block 427. No idea whether that makes a difference. I value this input immensely, I guess I will call off the appraiser then
Thanks.
RUN FAST, RUN HARD, RUN FAR. Save your money on this one - pass on it. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Retsujou: from the pic, the seller is high asking $8700. You can find better cars for that money.
Buy a copy of this:
Good reading. Covers all C3 model years.
Hang in there; your car is out there.
Buy a copy of this:
Good reading. Covers all C3 model years.
Hang in there; your car is out there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
If you're interested in a factory built big block, 427 or 454, the year would be 1968 thru 1974. This car is a modified, not even sure I'd call it a restomod. Agree with previous poster, probably worth less than a garden variety 79.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Go to local cruise-ins and shows,
find a local club,
read,
keep an eye out,
patience (that's the toughest part),
and just like a woman, YOUR car will just seem to appear.
Remember if you look too hard, you'll end up settling for something less.
find a local club,
read,
keep an eye out,
patience (that's the toughest part),
and just like a woman, YOUR car will just seem to appear.
Remember if you look too hard, you'll end up settling for something less.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I agree. Don't waste your time or money. A real L-88 engine is worth more than the car, even in mint condition.
BTW, here's a few links to ads listing legit L-88 engines for sale.
Glenn
This is not a completely original engine.
http://www.heartbeatcity.com/store/p...-dated-Jan-69/
This is.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/3005058...=263602_304662
BTW, here's a few links to ads listing legit L-88 engines for sale.
Glenn
This is not a completely original engine.
http://www.heartbeatcity.com/store/p...-dated-Jan-69/
This is.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/3005058...=263602_304662