Well, guys, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for me and my '79. Have a friend here who is spectacular at working on cars and when he checked it out for me last weekend he found so many easy (but stock) solutions to fix those small things that were driving us crazy. He did more for this car in 24 hours than anyone else has found on it since August '13. The headlights worked at first, but then stayed up and wouldn't go back down. The part is on its way to fix that. The rattling doors were missing the felt inside that keeps them stable. The windows will be going up and down soon. The windshield retainer post will be here soon so the glass goes where it's supposed to go when you shut the door, without having to "help" it. The t-tops were missing a bolt that were gone on both sides. They would lift slightly when driving fast into the wind (it's windy here in West Texas sometimes!) and we thought it was the weatherstripping being old causing that. Scary. The suspension is being redone this week for a really good price by another vette guy I know. This "pristine" car (according to PO) we bought had a lot of problems once it was driven regularly. I thought I was going to have to go to a body shop to get some things taken care of, but these are all things our friend can do. So, my question is, once we get these things taken care of, what would you do to increase the power? I'm thinking since this isn't a "collector" year, that it would be okay to do something to make it faster. My husband wants to leave it alone and keep it completely stock. I'm thinking it doesn't really matter so much for this year car, it will just be better. What would you guys do? Don't say buy another year vette, either!

 

I agree with your husband. Tune it and drive it. An unmolested 79 has value.

 

A compression check would be the first thing and maybe even check the timing chain. And if you haven't already, A proper tune -up can do wonders. After all that then a set of long tube headers and a true dual exhaust is always a good way to wake up an engine. After that then your talking intake, cam, and even a head swap. Good Luck.

 

You have one advantage with a 79 that most years don't have. If I recall correctly the automatic cars came with a 3.55 rear gear which really helps seat of the pants feel. I had a 79 L48 back in the early 80's and had a performance rebuild done on the carb and the distributor recurved. It made a huge difference. Combined with a good exhaust system I think you would be pleased with he performance and you won't compromise the originality. I woul highly recommend forum member Lars to work on your carb and distributor.

 

Is it a car you bought as an investment ? Or is it something you will drive all the time ? Answer that and then you have a direction to go in.

If your worried about its value down the road there is no reason that motor cannot be pulled and worked over , usually the 350 hp to 400 hp number puts a smile on your face and you still have a daily driver that will then feel like a corvette when you push the go peddle.

Nothing worse then having such a hot looking car with no power , all that does is make you crave more power and feel disappointed in her.