Hi everybody
I stopped in a local Corvette shop (County Corvettes in West Chester, PA if anyone has dealt with them) to ask some questions, and lo and behold, they had purchased two C3s that morning, and knowing that is what I am looking for, asked if I wanted to see them (tough question!)
The first is an 82ce, 49k on it exterior and interior in exc. condition all service records present. The second is an 80 L48 auto in maroon (claret), which is my favorite Corvette color of all time. It has 45k and the condition appears equal to the 82, records present also. The mechanical inspections had not taken place yet since the cars had only been there a few hours, but both cars belonged to regular customers of the shop, so they are familiar with them. My question is, if mechanical conditions are equal, do you recommend one over the other, or are they close enough to just go with the color of the 80? Thanks for your input and I apologize for a long first post.

PS Pricing will be fairly close, and I am not the most mechanically inclined person in the world, but am willing to learn.

 

According to this link, the '82ce is worth a lot more:

http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cf...s_for_sale.htm

But I'd suggest deciding on your favorite year of any Vette, which you can afford. And then being patient, until the right one comes along.

 

The 80 will lend itself to any future power modifications much more easily. Choosing a vette for your self should be done by you alone ,,,,,,,,,,, Enjoy ! The west chester facility you speak of has an excellent rep around here !

Geo

 

It's your money,so get the one you really like. 80 was the last year w/o any type of computer contolled carb.

 

I'm a big fan of the 1980 because I love mine. The 82 ce is probably worth more,I think the major diffrence is the 82 has cross-fire injection, a type of fuel-injection. As ram82fire stated modifications may be easier on the 80 because it has no computer to worry about and the 80 has a carb. As always check for frame rust. Cars that old are always going to need something. A friend of mine has an 82 and he does'nt care for the cross-fire but loves the car. The 80/82 usually have more more power options that some of the earlier c3's don't have plus they seem to ride a little better due to better seats, just my opinion. What color interior does the 80 have? Mine has Claret leather interior it cleans up very nice and does'nt show age and wear. Good luck,

 

This 80 has the claret leather interior as well. Is there any appreciable difference in ride quality between the two? I am looking for a nice cruiser, not necessarily a show car or racer. (Although I can and probably will be swayed by the mod faction )

 

The question is: What's important to you. There is a bit of difference. I love 82's, Even the x-fire injection with the computer, lots to play with. The 82ce will be of higher value, but along with that any interior stuff is also quite expensive. The striping and stickers on the outside can also cost a bit. So take a critical look at the condition.

The 82CE back window is a hatch (only the ce) and is a really nice option. The 82 came with the 700r4 transmission many people like. There are several threads about people putting 700r4 in earlier C3's. It also has the computer controlled throttle body fuel injection (cross-fire). Which can be made to run well, but takes some work.

The 80 has a straight carb, no computer (like 81). This make it easier and cheaper to mod for more power, if that's what you're after.

I agree with the above post. Decide on what YOU want and what year vette that best suits you. Then start looking for it. My guess is that the shop will put a higher price tag on the 82ce because of the market value.