1979 corvette?
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
1979 corvette? UPDATE!
Hello...
I am a fellow enthusiast and owner of a highly modified C5Z.... I also own a 2000 modded Firehawk, 97 SS Camaro....I have recently came across a 1979 #'s matching Corvette White w Red interior... It is in very good shape Owner is asking $7500... would you C3 guys give me some feedback on these...? I know from my research that these cars would barely spin the wheels on ice... But, I am looking for a nice cruiser w some character... My z06 is for hurting feelings... 50 y/o... not some kid...Finally, are they easily modified to make decent power.. Thanks in advance.
Matt
I am a fellow enthusiast and owner of a highly modified C5Z.... I also own a 2000 modded Firehawk, 97 SS Camaro....I have recently came across a 1979 #'s matching Corvette White w Red interior... It is in very good shape Owner is asking $7500... would you C3 guys give me some feedback on these...? I know from my research that these cars would barely spin the wheels on ice... But, I am looking for a nice cruiser w some character... My z06 is for hurting feelings... 50 y/o... not some kid...Finally, are they easily modified to make decent power.. Thanks in advance.
Matt
Last edited by TXGS507; Mar 7, 2014 at 09:07 AM.
Race Director
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Hello...
I am a fellow enthusiast and owner of a highly modified C5Z.... I also own a 2000 modded Firehawk, 97 SS Camaro....I have recently came across a 1979 #'s matching Corvette White w Red interior... It is in very good shape Owner is asking $7500... would you C3 guys give me some feedback on these...? I know from my research that these cars would barely spin the wheels on ice... But, I am looking for a nice cruiser w some character... My z06 is for hurting feelings... 50 y/o... not some kid...Finally, are they easily modified to make decent power.. Thanks in advance.
Matt
I am a fellow enthusiast and owner of a highly modified C5Z.... I also own a 2000 modded Firehawk, 97 SS Camaro....I have recently came across a 1979 #'s matching Corvette White w Red interior... It is in very good shape Owner is asking $7500... would you C3 guys give me some feedback on these...? I know from my research that these cars would barely spin the wheels on ice... But, I am looking for a nice cruiser w some character... My z06 is for hurting feelings... 50 y/o... not some kid...Finally, are they easily modified to make decent power.. Thanks in advance.
Matt
79 was the biggest production number year of the c3's they are low in power you know that but hey mod it....
They could be had with that silly kidney bruising teeth grinding gykihana whatever they call it suspension,
While not my fav i understand that white on red is very popular, so look it over for rust and worn out parts and go from there....if its really nice 7500 is not bad.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The only question is whether you want the 79. It is not going to drive and perform like your C5 and Camaro.
Good luck.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Otherwise nice. It's been repainted (bumper covers, anyway) and the air cleaner and valve covers are aftermarket. Have you driven it? Offhand, it's probably worth the asking price.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 4, 2014 at 12:48 PM.
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
It is what it is... I would surely leave it original... Other than perhaps a free flowing exhaust... Shorties, True duals, decent mufflers.... It's been a LONG time since I have heard a 4bbl open up... Kind of miss those days...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 28
From: Sutton MA
Having a 79 ourselves, we paid 3K, engine troubles that we knew about, but I figure we will be about 2-3K into a new engine, then have some small paint issues to deal with. I would say read the sticky post above about what to look for when buying a C3, ( wish I had before we bought ours ) and 7500 is a fair price depending on mileage.
I had known what we know now, I'd buy a nice 79 for 7,500 if ir's as clean as it looks.
I had known what we know now, I'd buy a nice 79 for 7,500 if ir's as clean as it looks.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
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From: Shawano WI
If you haven't purchased the car yet, One thing that would concern me is what is the engine being represented as?
Emblems on the hood would indicate a L-82 but the engine shown screams L-48. While not a huge difference in power, the L-82 has better components is you should decide to do some performance upgrades.
L-82's had 4 bolt blocks, steel cranks, better oil pan, aluminum intake. These items would all be desirable at upgrade time.
This may or may not affect what you consider the car's value to be.
Emblems on the hood would indicate a L-82 but the engine shown screams L-48. While not a huge difference in power, the L-82 has better components is you should decide to do some performance upgrades.
L-82's had 4 bolt blocks, steel cranks, better oil pan, aluminum intake. These items would all be desirable at upgrade time.
This may or may not affect what you consider the car's value to be.
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Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
Interesting.... this is why I came to the C3 section... I welcome and appreciate all feedback regarding these cars as this would truly be an old guy cruiser.... I already have FAST cars... My C5Z is my fav... 414ci stroker....
If you haven't purchased the car yet, One thing that would concern me is what is the engine being represented as?
Emblems on the hood would indicate a L-82 but the engine shown screams L-48. While not a huge difference in power, the L-82 has better components is you should decide to do some performance upgrades.
L-82's had 4 bolt blocks, steel cranks, better oil pan, aluminum intake. These items would all be desirable at upgrade time.
This may or may not affect what you consider the car's value to be.
Emblems on the hood would indicate a L-82 but the engine shown screams L-48. While not a huge difference in power, the L-82 has better components is you should decide to do some performance upgrades.
L-82's had 4 bolt blocks, steel cranks, better oil pan, aluminum intake. These items would all be desirable at upgrade time.
This may or may not affect what you consider the car's value to be.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
So, thus far... Car looks to be repainted... and different engine than it's supposed to have...? The car is listed as #s matching car...? I would assume that would include the motor...? Keep em coming guys... Just reached out to the owner this morning. Will keep posted once I go look at the car. thank you for ALL of your feedback, experiences...
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 56
From: Shawano WI
This is what my L-82 looks like (no flames - I know it needs detailing)
As you can see there are no emission tubes or AIR pump on your picture. L-48's didn't use this style emissions. L-48's had painted valve covers, so the upgrade to chrome makes sense. A lot of people dislike the factory air cleaner uses on both the L-48 and L-82, so the chrome air cleaner again makes sense.
It may or may not be the original engine, but by checking the VIN and stamp pad you will be able to verify that and value the car accordingly.
Last edited by Pete79L82; Mar 7, 2014 at 03:44 PM. Reason: mistake on engine code
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Not necessarily. Your original post does not say what engine the car is being advertized as having. You say only "numbers matching". Certainly looks like the base engine L-48.
No disrespect, but if you do not know your way around C3s, take someone with you who does when you go to take a look at the car.
No disrespect, but if you do not know your way around C3s, take someone with you who does when you go to take a look at the car.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 4, 2014 at 02:22 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
None taken, I appreciate all feedback as stated earlier. The info regarding VIN helps tremendously... I "assumed" the car is the L82 as that is what the badge looks like in the first pic on the hood?
Again, I only reached out to the guy today... Once I speak with him I can get more details on the car... I will post once I converse w him.. Thank you again...
Again, I only reached out to the guy today... Once I speak with him I can get more details on the car... I will post once I converse w him.. Thank you again...
Not necessarily. Your original post does not say what engine the car is being advertized as having. You say only "numbers matching". Certainly looks like the base engine L-48.
No disrespect, but if you do not know your way around C3s, take someone with you who does when you go to take a look at the car.
No disrespect, but if you do not know your way around C3s, take someone with you who does when you go to take a look at the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I like it, kinda partial to '79's anyways.......but, she looks clean and the price is good. The badge could be an L48 instead of an L82, so until you know for sure don't sweat it. I agree you should take someone with you who knows their stuff, good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 28
From: Sutton MA
In my opinion, it really doesn't matter if it's an l-48 or an l-82. especially in my situation where we are replacing the engine anyway. For us having a numbers matching 79 isn't worth squat, I'll keep the car mostly original but as far as the engine, that will be custom.
Enjoy the journey
Enjoy the journey
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
So, here is the skinny...
AC does not work... ( all parts are there) wiring connector broken and not sure where to hook up?
heater hose going into dash is unhooked>? Heater core caput.
neither window rolls up all of the way..drivers door stops going up about 2in from top, passenger stops about 1/2 in from top,
speedo does not work, has a new cable (not installed)
RPM guage is intermittent, works sometimes then pegs out, door lock button is missing, has a new one.. uninstalled.
trans has a small leak, where the speedo goes in,
motor,trans,shocks,susp,interior,glass,p aint, are all very nice....
So, is t still worth the asking price of $7500 to you guys?? What are your thoughts,experiences with tese things... To me, I could tackle them in a weekend....
Thanks for the replys
AC does not work... ( all parts are there) wiring connector broken and not sure where to hook up?
heater hose going into dash is unhooked>? Heater core caput.
neither window rolls up all of the way..drivers door stops going up about 2in from top, passenger stops about 1/2 in from top,
speedo does not work, has a new cable (not installed)
RPM guage is intermittent, works sometimes then pegs out, door lock button is missing, has a new one.. uninstalled.
trans has a small leak, where the speedo goes in,
motor,trans,shocks,susp,interior,glass,p aint, are all very nice....
So, is t still worth the asking price of $7500 to you guys?? What are your thoughts,experiences with tese things... To me, I could tackle them in a weekend....
Thanks for the replys
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
If the frame and birdcage check out to be rust free, I'd say 7500 isn't too far off, but i'd try to get it for maybe 6 because of the misc problems. The heater core is a PITA to replace in these cars, and who knows what's really wrong with the A/C. Windows not going all the way up could be just a matter of taking off the door panel and putting some oil on the moving parts. There's a seal where the speedo cable goes in the trans, which is also an easy fix. For comparison's sake, I paid 7500 for my 79 9 years ago. Mine is a verified numbers matching L-82 4spd. It had a freshly rebuilt engine, all new interior, freshly rebuilt front suspension, all verified with reciepts. What it needed was paint in a bad way, and I still haven't gotten my A/C working.