New to Corvettes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Burlington NY
New to Corvettes
Hi,
I'm the new guy on the block .
I'm looking to buy a 1975 to a 1982 Corvette. My first Vette.
I want at least a 1975 as i want he HEI ignition. These years look pretty much the same. I like the looks of these.
What are the differences, pro and cons etc? Which do you think is better and why?
Where online can i get a detailed year by year list of features and changes?
Thanks
Keith
I'm the new guy on the block .
I'm looking to buy a 1975 to a 1982 Corvette. My first Vette.
I want at least a 1975 as i want he HEI ignition. These years look pretty much the same. I like the looks of these.
What are the differences, pro and cons etc? Which do you think is better and why?
Where online can i get a detailed year by year list of features and changes?
Thanks
Keith
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: New to Corvettes (Racer78)
well 75 to 77 have the straight back window and 78-82 have roounded back window,between 75 to 82 interiors are different,for power they are pretty much close to each other with in 20 horsepower but its really your decision to make its a corvette any year is fine.Also what do you planon doing to it.stock modded?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Re: New to Corvettes (Racer78)
Hi Keith,
Welcome! You can see a year-by-year list of pictures, options/prices, hp and other info at Net Vettes.
Pick your favorite and watch for frame rust. Good luck!
Chris
Welcome! You can see a year-by-year list of pictures, options/prices, hp and other info at Net Vettes.
Pick your favorite and watch for frame rust. Good luck!
Chris
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,974
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: New to Corvettes (Chris B)
Why limit your search to '76+? You can always add the HEI along with a ZZ450? '68-74 have minimal emission requirements...which is what I wanted.
ChrisB--nice sig photo.
[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 8:30 AM 9/4/2001]
ChrisB--nice sig photo.
[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 8:30 AM 9/4/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: New to Corvettes (Racer78)
Hi Keith,
The late ones ('80 ->) had redesigned front/rear ends & apparently have better cooling due to an air dam directing more air through the rad/engine bay. A lot of weight saving was done in '81 (check out http://www.l81vetteregistry.com/). BUT a computer was added in '81, which is great for petrol consumption, so if somebody has altered anything & you get any electrical problems it can be a real PITA :mad :mad :mad
The best thing to do is go have a look at some different years & decide which you like the best. Get the best that you can afford & you'll love it :yesnod: :D
Good luck
The late ones ('80 ->) had redesigned front/rear ends & apparently have better cooling due to an air dam directing more air through the rad/engine bay. A lot of weight saving was done in '81 (check out http://www.l81vetteregistry.com/). BUT a computer was added in '81, which is great for petrol consumption, so if somebody has altered anything & you get any electrical problems it can be a real PITA :mad :mad :mad
The best thing to do is go have a look at some different years & decide which you like the best. Get the best that you can afford & you'll love it :yesnod: :D
Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park NY
Re: New to Corvettes (jerryp58)
You may want to relook the '74.
It has the benefit of NO catalytic converter and like someone said, you can add HEI.
It has the benefit of NO catalytic converter and like someone said, you can add HEI.
:cheers:
-Pedro
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Burlington NY
Re: New to Corvettes (Pedro'74)
Thank guys , good advice, and info. I will look close at the 74 , also i like the 80.
I picked up Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book today at Waldens, great book.
Keith
I picked up Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book today at Waldens, great book.
Keith
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,601
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: New to Corvettes (Racer78)
I have to agree with some of the guys about the '75. I drive a '75 L48, and that cat converter sucks away about 30 horsepower. After this last smog check for me, I'm going to true dual exhaust minus the cat convert. Or sidepipes. Haven't decided yet.