Okay..Im torn on what generation corvette to purchase. I graduated high school in 1982 and always loved the look of that car. But I do like the lines of the C4. What does everyone think I know I'm in the C3 forum so it'll be favored. What should I look for in a 1980 or 1981?

 

Depends on the C4. They will outperform an '80-'81. This forum will say the C3 is the better looking car. Timeless. C4, although handsome, did not age as well. C3 will keep value or appreciate better. C3 much easier and cheaper to maintain- especially if something like the digital dash or ABS goes out on the C4. C3 is easily modified for more performance. I own 3 '80 4-speed cars and 2 '81 4-speed cars. So obviously I like them. With that said... I am looking for a C4. Mainly because I have never had one. They perform better. They are very very cheap for the performance they give. I am thinking of a black or red '96 LT-4, a ZR-1, or perhaps a Callaway.

In an '80 or '81 I prefer 4-speed cars. I have owned '80 L-82. 4 bolt mains, forged crank 230 hp. Automatic only - you can look up the particulars. My 4-speed cars are more fun. All '80s have 3.07 rear ends.
'81s have the L-81 engine. Basically the '80 L-48 with a computer controlled carburetor. 2.87 rear end. Nicer digitally tuned radios. Optional power driver seat and mirrors.

Look for rust on these cars. Rust in windshield frame and door hinge area. Rust in the frame, especially in front of the rear wheels in the "kick-up" area.


Handsome good looks. You won't get tired looking at these.

 

Why not a 82 since it’s your graduating year ?

never gets tiring looking at 80-82

 

The reason I sold my C4 & bought a C3 was the ability to work on it. My '93 would develop computer issues sitting in the garage. My '79 has no electronics what-so-ever (besides the radio). So if it won't start at least it's not a computer.

 

Because of the cross fire engine

 

Thanks for the great advice...fantastic line up of cars

 

You'll want a 4-Speed car. They only have 190 hp L-48 and L-81 but are fun to drive. Plus you can wake up the smog motors easily. The '81 does have a computer and 2.87 gears.

 

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/c...280469507.html

What do u think of that 1?

 

I have an 82 that I really like. I have had 2 C4's and I feel the C4, although not as nice looking, gives a lot of performance for the money. In my opinion you probably will have mechanical issues with either.

 

You can do better for the money. Missing front air dam. Misaligned headlight and hood- look for damage. Wrong seats- fit doesn't look right. Should have black magnesium valve covers. Missing items under the hood- like the flexible air ducts to the air cleaner snorkels. Replacement radiator. I prefer glass t-tops.

If you buy an Automatic, look for an '80 L-82.

 

Thanks...ill scratch it off the list. If you know of a good one for sake let me know

 

I am always looking for myself and others. I placed a WTB ad in the For Sale/Wanted Section- looking for a yellow 4-speed car. So far not much luck. What are you looking for exactly- color, transmission, engine, options, originality, documents, mileage, price. I will be happy to pass along anything I run across. Save for the yellow 4-speed car I am looking for.

 

Yellow 4 speed..no, just kidding. I haven't driven a stick in years and would prefer the automatic. Color wise I like the reds, white and possibly yellow. It doesn't have to be loaded with options. Price under 12k . Mileage I guess ill leave open for now

 

An 80 4-speed (or a whatever with a budget for a 5-speed conversion) is always the right choice. No computers!

But if you like the lines of the C4, and you want an automatic you should buy a C4. I've never heard anyone else make that statement, at least in the C3 part of this Forum. Otherwise, find an 82. All of them are automatics.

 

Ive had both an 84 c4 and my current 74 c3... The 84 handled better and was a bit more comfortable and got great gas mileage. It was relaible for me as I bought it used and had it for 12-13 years selling in 2012 I believe.

Everyone is different but I prefer my c3, mainly because its easier to modify and work on. I like the styling better on the C3. Its going to be a couple decades at least before the c4s become popular again IMO.. The 84 did seem peppy around town but at 205hp it was a dog compared to even the 4cyl Toyota camry my employer assigned to me at the time which led to me selling it... I would look for at least an 85 or higher with TPI if you go that route. The crossfire cars (82 and 84) are limited on performance by a restrictive intake manifold and its not easy to acquire an upgrade as I dont believe theres anyone making them anymore but theres a few member here that know more about that. Hopefully they will chime in.

I'd love a stick personally but they are not right for everyone.. My uncle has a 4 speed 76 and he would prefer an automatic. He traded a boat for it... the same boat I sold him after trading my 84 vette 2 years earlier for it because I couldnt give it away otherwise.

 

Funny thing happened to me on my way to buy a C4 to replace my 85, I found 82 collector edition with only 12k miles on the clock at a great price. After now owning a c4 and a c3, I say go with the c3. I too like the c4 looks but the c3 is the best looking corvette there has ever been! I like my 82 because it's still an old school corvette but also has some of that 80's "high tech".

 

So, do you like that cross fire injection?

 

like AUGIEDOGGIE, My wife has an '84 4+3 and I have an '74 auto
'84 (stock except roller rockers) feels like a under powered go cart at the stop light but drives like it on rails in the twisties and can stop on a dime and is very comfortable cross country
'74 is a beast at the stop lights (modded # motor) and spent a lot of time and parts to get it to take on the twisties but the '84 beats it hands down when stuffing it into a curve, plus its reving 3000rpm on the highways
Two different animals when it comes to driving, both of ours do not look stock, both of ours have a great paint jobs, seems the younger crowd likes the C4 but the '74 gets a lot more waves on the road

 

Yes I do like it! I was hesitant from what I read but after getting hands on experience with it I've found it easy to understand and work on. I am not winning many drag races with my 82 but it starts right up every time, idles perfectly, and never a stumble. Pretty much operates like any modern car.

 

My crossfire was VERY reliable. its really just dual throttlebody injection but with manifold more or less "tuned" for a narrow performance range. (kind of like the TPI motors that followed)
I Second everything Wallerfisher said... If I could combine the handling of my 84 Z51 with the looks and power of my 74 I would. I am in the process now of installing an overdrive 2004r transmission to get the cruising rpms down near the levels my 84 had. Also the super low 1st gear of the 700r4 trans the 82 and up corvettes had made even the weakest 2.8-2.7X rear gears seem stronger on take off than the 3.08 and 3.36 gears with the th350 and th400s the older c3s came with. They gave it a better final cruising gear also so much better mileage and a much more pleasurable drive on the highway due to this. The 82 has a clear advantage over an 81 and older in this regard IF your going with an Auto transmission car. If you are concerned with performance though, You will likely wish you did not have the crossfire. The intake is restricted to less than 500cfm flow. This makes the car run out of steam by 4500rpm.