what yr C3 should I buy
12-12-2017, 12:48 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
what yr C3 should I buy
Hi all
Im interested in buying a C3 and want to know what yr I should buy (75-82). Im interested in one in excellent condition, auto, ac, leather, ttops, L82?, dependability, low repair costs.
Thanks!!
Scott
Im interested in buying a C3 and want to know what yr I should buy (75-82). Im interested in one in excellent condition, auto, ac, leather, ttops, L82?, dependability, low repair costs.
Thanks!!
Scott
12-12-2017, 12:53 PM
#3
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Your choice. What model year do you want?
12-12-2017, 01:05 PM
#5
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Even though I'm a newbie to corvettes, my 1st ever corvette purchase a few months back was a 1979 L48. After 2 weeks I sure wished I had purchased a 1980 instead. Why? Because I didnt realize the changes in the body style until after I joined this forum. I love the rear spoiler and the front ground effects on the 1980. Even more was it was the last year for non-computer controlled. Should of would of......
But hey, after reading this forum I can always add the front and rear bumpers later!
But hey, after reading this forum I can always add the front and rear bumpers later!
12-12-2017, 01:19 PM
#6
Instructor
Last edited by See 3; 12-12-2017 at 01:20 PM.
12-12-2017, 01:21 PM
#7
Race Director
First pick the body style you like the most. Look at the little things with each model year, interior and body changes, performance upgrades and handling differences.
Then decide what you want to do with it. Cruise, auto cross, drag race, show and shine???
Think about what, if any, modifications you want to make or whether you are going to keep it all original.
Check the emission laws of the state where you live.
Find the year with all the options you are looking for and have someone who knows Corvettes inspect it before you purchase.
Know your capabilities for future repairs and maintenance before you buy.
Good luck and keep us posted, ask questions and post pictures for advice.
Then decide what you want to do with it. Cruise, auto cross, drag race, show and shine???
Think about what, if any, modifications you want to make or whether you are going to keep it all original.
Check the emission laws of the state where you live.
Find the year with all the options you are looking for and have someone who knows Corvettes inspect it before you purchase.
Know your capabilities for future repairs and maintenance before you buy.
Good luck and keep us posted, ask questions and post pictures for advice.
12-12-2017, 01:22 PM
#8
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12-12-2017, 04:35 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
As has been mentioned, 79 and 80 have subtle styling differences in the nose and the tail - I prefer 80 styling also, but ended up with a 79. 78 was the first year with the large rear window. I would 'personally' stay away from the crossfire, but that's mainly because I just don't have any personal experience with them (always been a plain old 'carb' guy). Mechanically, anything from 75 to 80 is pretty much identical (from a maintenance perspective). 81 has the 'electronic' carb and a primitive computer, if I remember correctly.
12-12-2017, 05:14 PM
#17
I'm shopping in that range right now, for a car I can actually drive a lot in good weather as opposed to my NCRS 69. Lot's of value in these years and possible future appreciation as well. I've previously owned a 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1980. All new or only slightly used back in the day. All these years are great and I mean no offense with my picks. I would buy any of them if the price was right.
Some thoughts though......
Horsepower
1974 195, 250 and 270HP (last year of the 454! Second to last year convertible, no bumper bulges.
1975 185 and 205 HP Last year of the convertible, first year of catalytic converters. In many states you will have trouble converting to true dual exhaust w/o converter. First year for aluminum wheels.
(I would choose 74 over 75. 454 4speed convertible a good choice. although any 454 would be good. Prices are already rising, but there is nothing wrong with any 75 convertible either. A 75 coupe is a great value. Back in the day I stumbled on a 75 Black/Saddle on Penske"s used car lot in Detroit. They were calling it a repaint but I was wise enough (new NCRS Member) to look at the trim tag and had a real hard time keeping a straight face when I saw the "SPEC" trim tag. I bought that "repaint on the spot!
1976 180 and 210 HP Only year of Vega steering wheel
.
1977 180 and 210 HP Revised and upgraded interior. Black is available again.
(I would choose 77 over 76 due to the interior upgrades. A black L82 4speed would be a nice keeper, and no one seems to be kicking the prices up yet. A 76 is a great value, and I think there is a Wilcox kit now to replace the steering wheel, for a long time you were just stuck with it. My wife would love to get her red/red coupe back. That one was her favorite)
1978 175 185 and 220 HP. First year of the big glass rear. Pace car year. Silver Anniversary year.
1979 195 and 225 HP. Car gets Pace car interior and optional front and rear spoilers. Black trim around rear window now matches the windshield.
( I would choose 79 over 78 due to the upgraded interior. An L82 4speed with spoilers and aluminum wheels would be a keeper. 78's are good deals, pace cars and silver anniversary models can be found at surprisingly reasonable prices.)
1980 - 180 and 230 HP. BIG upgrades this year. New integrated front and rear spoilers not only looked better but increased drag coefficient from.503 to .443 over the 79 with the optional non integrated spoilers. Radiator flow increased by 50%. After many years of weight increases the car dropped about 350 pounds. Lower density roof panels, reduced thickness of hood and doors and aluminum for the differential and cross member.
L82 only available with automatic. L8 got the L82 aluminum intake.
1981 190HP only L82 discontinued. Bowling Green cars phased in. A 4speed would be a nice buy, still have all the advantages of the weight loss and with the aluminum L82 manifold. Two tone colors as well.
1982 200HP only Cross Fire Injection introduced. No 4speed available. Differing opinions as to whether it is troublesome or not. Probably do have to find someone who knows it to work on it.
Collector Edition very pretty. Rear hatch opens. Can find good deals if you search hard. Still will be the last of the C3"s. Two tone colors too.
(Only choice for me here from 78-82 would be the 1980 L82. That's what I've narrowed my choice to. I owned one back in the day and of all the Vettes I owned from 75-80, that one was the best. Highest HP at 230 and with 350 pounds less it was the best performer of all. Even without the 4 speed. Build quality seemed better as well
I relocated to Maryland from Chicago in 1981, left the car in a friends garage till winter was over, flew back on the first morning flight, picked the car up, blasted across Michigan to the Detroit airport, picked up a relative, them headed back through twisty roads to a small town on the Ohio border for a relatives funeral. Took off after the funeral and hammered it home to Baltimore non stop. I still remember that trip and how good that car was. Claret with Oyster Leather, 1Z876AS419417 if anybody bumps into it I would love to find it again. I still have all the paperwork.
Some thoughts though......
Horsepower
1974 195, 250 and 270HP (last year of the 454! Second to last year convertible, no bumper bulges.
1975 185 and 205 HP Last year of the convertible, first year of catalytic converters. In many states you will have trouble converting to true dual exhaust w/o converter. First year for aluminum wheels.
(I would choose 74 over 75. 454 4speed convertible a good choice. although any 454 would be good. Prices are already rising, but there is nothing wrong with any 75 convertible either. A 75 coupe is a great value. Back in the day I stumbled on a 75 Black/Saddle on Penske"s used car lot in Detroit. They were calling it a repaint but I was wise enough (new NCRS Member) to look at the trim tag and had a real hard time keeping a straight face when I saw the "SPEC" trim tag. I bought that "repaint on the spot!
1976 180 and 210 HP Only year of Vega steering wheel
.
1977 180 and 210 HP Revised and upgraded interior. Black is available again.
(I would choose 77 over 76 due to the interior upgrades. A black L82 4speed would be a nice keeper, and no one seems to be kicking the prices up yet. A 76 is a great value, and I think there is a Wilcox kit now to replace the steering wheel, for a long time you were just stuck with it. My wife would love to get her red/red coupe back. That one was her favorite)
1978 175 185 and 220 HP. First year of the big glass rear. Pace car year. Silver Anniversary year.
1979 195 and 225 HP. Car gets Pace car interior and optional front and rear spoilers. Black trim around rear window now matches the windshield.
( I would choose 79 over 78 due to the upgraded interior. An L82 4speed with spoilers and aluminum wheels would be a keeper. 78's are good deals, pace cars and silver anniversary models can be found at surprisingly reasonable prices.)
1980 - 180 and 230 HP. BIG upgrades this year. New integrated front and rear spoilers not only looked better but increased drag coefficient from.503 to .443 over the 79 with the optional non integrated spoilers. Radiator flow increased by 50%. After many years of weight increases the car dropped about 350 pounds. Lower density roof panels, reduced thickness of hood and doors and aluminum for the differential and cross member.
L82 only available with automatic. L8 got the L82 aluminum intake.
1981 190HP only L82 discontinued. Bowling Green cars phased in. A 4speed would be a nice buy, still have all the advantages of the weight loss and with the aluminum L82 manifold. Two tone colors as well.
1982 200HP only Cross Fire Injection introduced. No 4speed available. Differing opinions as to whether it is troublesome or not. Probably do have to find someone who knows it to work on it.
Collector Edition very pretty. Rear hatch opens. Can find good deals if you search hard. Still will be the last of the C3"s. Two tone colors too.
(Only choice for me here from 78-82 would be the 1980 L82. That's what I've narrowed my choice to. I owned one back in the day and of all the Vettes I owned from 75-80, that one was the best. Highest HP at 230 and with 350 pounds less it was the best performer of all. Even without the 4 speed. Build quality seemed better as well
I relocated to Maryland from Chicago in 1981, left the car in a friends garage till winter was over, flew back on the first morning flight, picked the car up, blasted across Michigan to the Detroit airport, picked up a relative, them headed back through twisty roads to a small town on the Ohio border for a relatives funeral. Took off after the funeral and hammered it home to Baltimore non stop. I still remember that trip and how good that car was. Claret with Oyster Leather, 1Z876AS419417 if anybody bumps into it I would love to find it again. I still have all the paperwork.
Last edited by LeeS; 12-12-2017 at 05:46 PM.
12-12-2017, 06:09 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
Member Since: May 2008
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The differences between each model year of C3 Corvettes is incredibly minor when you know the similarities.
Ignore all the hype about chrome bumper cars, and the suggestions that anyone who doesn't own one secretly wishes they had one, and cries every night over the fact that they don't own one. That always comes from people who own them, as it helps make them feel superior.
Fact is, each model year has its own unique items, and you have to pick the one that is best for you.
In any case, the 1977 is the best year,....its a known fact.
Ignore all the hype about chrome bumper cars, and the suggestions that anyone who doesn't own one secretly wishes they had one, and cries every night over the fact that they don't own one. That always comes from people who own them, as it helps make them feel superior.
Fact is, each model year has its own unique items, and you have to pick the one that is best for you.
In any case, the 1977 is the best year,....its a known fact.
Last edited by Torqued Off; 12-12-2017 at 06:12 PM.