What to look for?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 961
Likes: 118
From: Panama City, Florida
What to look for?
Hi all, i have had a C5 and C6 in the past and now thinking of getting a C3 (when the bass boat sells). Probably in the 1978 - 1982 and probably in the 18K range. Anything I should be aware of or look for?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,681
Likes: 1,830
From: Huntsville AL
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,509
From: Virginia
At that price, don't settle for an automatic. Or, find a really nice automatic for $12K, and set aside the rest to manual swap it.
Hidden rust is the killer. Post 107 in @Mr. D's link shows what to look for.
Hidden rust is the killer. Post 107 in @Mr. D's link shows what to look for.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 961
Likes: 118
From: Panama City, Florida
At that price, don't settle for an automatic. Or, find a really nice automatic for $12K, and set aside the rest to manual swap it.
Hidden rust is the killer. Post 107 in @Mr. D's link shows what to look for.
Hidden rust is the killer. Post 107 in @Mr. D's link shows what to look for.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,509
From: Virginia
Then make sure it's a really nice car. Rust, and paint, are the hardest things to fix.
I have one of each, 4-speed and TH350 auto. My wife's 79 auto is a beautiful car, easily worth twice what my 80 is worth, but it is a complete dog to drive. A higher-stall torque converter might really wake it up, but I expect my wife to further insist on an LS and 4L60e swap.
Try to drive a few before you commit, and save some money for mods. Coming from a later Corvette, in stock form, you may be very underwhelmed by a C3.
I have one of each, 4-speed and TH350 auto. My wife's 79 auto is a beautiful car, easily worth twice what my 80 is worth, but it is a complete dog to drive. A higher-stall torque converter might really wake it up, but I expect my wife to further insist on an LS and 4L60e swap.
Try to drive a few before you commit, and save some money for mods. Coming from a later Corvette, in stock form, you may be very underwhelmed by a C3.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,248
Likes: 7,840
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yes if it's automatic your after in the latter C3's. You should find something VERY nice, well under your budget.
