Thoughts on this '75 383 Stroker?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thoughts on this '75 383 Stroker?
Hey there,
I'm planning on checking this car out this weekend:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3747930645.html
Can I get some feedback/opinions on it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
I'm planning on checking this car out this weekend:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3747930645.html
Can I get some feedback/opinions on it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Hey there,
I'm planning on checking this car out this weekend:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3747930645.html
Can I get some feedback/opinions on it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
I'm planning on checking this car out this weekend:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3747930645.html
Can I get some feedback/opinions on it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Love it. Nice color combo and my favorite color interior. Best of all is the real engine inside.
Personally I'd take the included numbers matching 165 HP POS to a recycler so that it never sees the light of day again.
Hopefully the frame and birdcage is nice. Good that the entire A/C system is included but I'd be knocking off money for the time it takes me to reinstall it.
Lastly, what are the emissions testing requirements in your area? You will most likely run into problems if it needs to be tested.
Personally, if it all checks out and looks as nice as it does in the pics, I could see dropping $10K.
Personally I'd take the included numbers matching 165 HP POS to a recycler so that it never sees the light of day again.
Hopefully the frame and birdcage is nice. Good that the entire A/C system is included but I'd be knocking off money for the time it takes me to reinstall it.
Lastly, what are the emissions testing requirements in your area? You will most likely run into problems if it needs to be tested.
Personally, if it all checks out and looks as nice as it does in the pics, I could see dropping $10K.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 173
From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Hey there,
I'm planning on checking this car out this weekend:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3747930645.html
Can I get some feedback/opinions on it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
I'm planning on checking this car out this weekend:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3747930645.html
Can I get some feedback/opinions on it? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
What about this car?:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3741632828.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3741632828.html
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
If it were me, my 1st choice would be the 75. I think you get more for your $$$ and a better return on your investment come sale day. Car looks real nice, with some actual power under the hood. Clean body and interior and overall a stock "looking" car, which is what I like. 2 pretty cars for sure. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
the 75 would be my first choice too because it's the last of the fiberglass floorboards
oh yeah, and in California - the 75 you don't have to smog, the 77 you do
but they both look nice and unmolested
so when you going to buy it and put a man-pedal in it?
oh yeah, and in California - the 75 you don't have to smog, the 77 you do
but they both look nice and unmolested
so when you going to buy it and put a man-pedal in it?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 90
Likes: 1
I've got an 81 with a 383 that's set up very much like the 75 above and it's fun to drive, but be prepared for motorhome-level gas mileage with premium gas required. Mine gets 10-11 right now...working on re-jetting/re-timing and hoping for 12. Depending on your budget and how you plan to drive it, that may not be a problem, but trust me, that gas gauge needle moves downward fast...and I'm a conservative driver. You can always plan on swapping to a 2004r tranny (has overdrive and locking converter) to raise it up to high teens, but you'll have to decide if that's something you want to take on.
Edit: I just noticed that the seller says it has a mild Comp Cam. Depending on what his definition of mild is, that
car may be better off than mine. Mine is also a Comp Cam, but I wouldn't call it mild even for a 383. Mine is this one: http://www.compcams.com/v002/Pages/397/XR282HR-10.aspx
Personally, I would have preferred this one: http://www.compcams.com/v002/Pages/396/XR276HR-10.aspx
or even this one: http://www.compcams.com/v002/Pages/395/XR270HR-10.aspx
for better vacuum and economy with probably little sacrifice in power/torque.
Edit: I just noticed that the seller says it has a mild Comp Cam. Depending on what his definition of mild is, that
car may be better off than mine. Mine is also a Comp Cam, but I wouldn't call it mild even for a 383. Mine is this one: http://www.compcams.com/v002/Pages/397/XR282HR-10.aspx
Personally, I would have preferred this one: http://www.compcams.com/v002/Pages/396/XR276HR-10.aspx
or even this one: http://www.compcams.com/v002/Pages/395/XR270HR-10.aspx
for better vacuum and economy with probably little sacrifice in power/torque.
Last edited by TightFit; Apr 19, 2013 at 02:01 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,986
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
The first car is a nice combo, as you have a fun, strong street motor, plus the luxury of keeping the numbers matching motor in storage for the maximum possiblity of future intrinsic value.
Price is a bit high, but that shouldnt be a problem. Looks like a great driver that you can pile on the miles without worry. Look at it closely.
Price is a bit high, but that shouldnt be a problem. Looks like a great driver that you can pile on the miles without worry. Look at it closely.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Nice car--I prefer the '75 as well, for the power (and youth) of the engine.
However (and not to be a "Debby Downer," but just trying help you spot potential problems): is there an alignment issue with the Right Headlight Bucket? The panel gaps between that one and the hood surround look different (bigger?) than the Left side, to me.
But it could just be the beer....
Possible negotiation tactic (as was already suggested): consider getting a WORST CASE phone quote from a good shop, to reinstall the A/C. (I'd also ask WHY it wasn't put back on--I'm always suspicious that it was dead, if A/C is removed. I'm told that metal particles from a failed compressor are difficult and expensive to contend with, as they can be all through the system--and I believe they can potentially ruin a new compressor).
Good luck.
However (and not to be a "Debby Downer," but just trying help you spot potential problems): is there an alignment issue with the Right Headlight Bucket? The panel gaps between that one and the hood surround look different (bigger?) than the Left side, to me.
But it could just be the beer....
Possible negotiation tactic (as was already suggested): consider getting a WORST CASE phone quote from a good shop, to reinstall the A/C. (I'd also ask WHY it wasn't put back on--I'm always suspicious that it was dead, if A/C is removed. I'm told that metal particles from a failed compressor are difficult and expensive to contend with, as they can be all through the system--and I believe they can potentially ruin a new compressor).
Good luck.
Last edited by Mid-Years Forever!; Apr 20, 2013 at 06:38 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Dumb Question: why are the fiberglass floorboards preferable? Are they quieter? Cooler (temp.-wise)? Lack of rust? I would have thought metal was preferable, from a safety standpoint.
LOL!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
lightness, lack of rust, more desireable when it comes time to sell...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
You guys have been absolutely amazing! This forum continues to surprise me everyday with its helpful member
Well, it's game day, I've printed out list of potential problems to check and also the standard checklists. I'll report back later on today
Well, it's game day, I've printed out list of potential problems to check and also the standard checklists. I'll report back later on today
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 344
Likes: 4
From: Island Lake IL
go with the red one, I like the description, the HP is not overestimated (most advertisement hp numbers are garbage). If its really as sweet as it sounds with no issues and very good paint and interior, doesn't require any work at all I would say the price is right! imagine how much money you'd have to spend on the white car to bring it to the red car level!.
White car is way overpriced IMO, on the late 70ties corvettes having a stock car is not a bargain point, since stock = disappointing 160hp and minivans raping you at the stop light.... even the description is garbage! who starts describing maintenance on a 35yo car with spark plugs, hoses and oil change?
White car is way overpriced IMO, on the late 70ties corvettes having a stock car is not a bargain point, since stock = disappointing 160hp and minivans raping you at the stop light.... even the description is garbage! who starts describing maintenance on a 35yo car with spark plugs, hoses and oil change?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
I went with Will this morning to look at the '75, and this is what we found(no pics)
The Good:
Car is in surprisingly good shape, looks to have been well taken care of
Jacked the car up and checked for excessive rear wheel bearing slop...nothing out of the ordinary
Paint is excellent, emblems, door handles, taillights etc. were all removed rather than taped
Engine sounds great, had receipts for all the work done
New Magnaflow exhaust
New tires
Rear calipers replaced with SS sleeved ones
New radiator(not sure if copper or alum, it was painted)
PO says trans was rebuilt, but current owner has no proof
Interior needs a scrubdown, but is in otherwise good shape
The Bad:
Front end has never been apart
Power steering control valve has a small leak and is encased in crud
Rear wheel bearings have never been serviced
Air conditioning has been removed
Cooling issues...radiator needs to be sealed, plus owner says he replaced the coolant sensor and car runs cool....been down this road already and I know the gauge cannot be reading accurately...should be checked
Unsure about trans
Seat covers need to be replaced
Still has original front calipers
I suggested offering the man $9K but would not give more than ten, but before that let's hear what the Forum says
The Good:
Car is in surprisingly good shape, looks to have been well taken care of
Jacked the car up and checked for excessive rear wheel bearing slop...nothing out of the ordinary
Paint is excellent, emblems, door handles, taillights etc. were all removed rather than taped
Engine sounds great, had receipts for all the work done
New Magnaflow exhaust
New tires
Rear calipers replaced with SS sleeved ones
New radiator(not sure if copper or alum, it was painted)
PO says trans was rebuilt, but current owner has no proof
Interior needs a scrubdown, but is in otherwise good shape
The Bad:
Front end has never been apart
Power steering control valve has a small leak and is encased in crud
Rear wheel bearings have never been serviced
Air conditioning has been removed
Cooling issues...radiator needs to be sealed, plus owner says he replaced the coolant sensor and car runs cool....been down this road already and I know the gauge cannot be reading accurately...should be checked
Unsure about trans
Seat covers need to be replaced
Still has original front calipers
I suggested offering the man $9K but would not give more than ten, but before that let's hear what the Forum says