Hello all, i've been silently reading many posts now for months and just made my first Corvette purchase as in a 1977 black 4-speed. This car has never had anything done to it (very original- except for the paint) and has 58k miles. I've been trying to do the research about the different engines offered over the years, but you'll see i have much to learn. I believe i have the L-48 engine? I realize that the BB of the earier times are very desireable, but what are the strengths and weaknesses of mine- and within reason budget wise i'd love some imput on what i can do to get the best outta what i have to keep this a reliable driver and an all-around good performer. Also just curious to know if i got taken for $7,500. Everything's strait, never hit and garaged most of its life supposedly. Paint is 3 months old. New rubber. Thanks all in advance, response is very appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum. I am sure you already know, you will find all the help you could ever need right here. As for an opinion on the price you paid for your ride, it sounds like you got a pretty good deal to me.

Enjoy the ride. :cool:

 

well they go kind of like this

You lack performance
you dont have overdrive transmissions
you have a really high gear in the back 3.36 is about right a 3.73 or 4.10 will make it a rocket but you loose top end
the milage more than likely isnt that great and the carb probably bogs

the engine is probably ready for a refresh or a 383 stroker :reddevil

and my question for you is since you are new77guy at what time are you an old77guy? :jester :p: sorry but my humor i ussually find funny :D

 

Welcome to the forum. Click on the link below that will get you to the 77 registry and there is lots of good info there already then go outside and jot down all your info and you will be #53.

 

Well, you're right about my username....was never really old *anything* i'd like to belive (as i'm in my mid twenties) -but since i'm new to THIS '77 its all i could come up with in the 2 minutes i took to complete my user profile. Maybe i should look into this 383 stroker a little more..... :chevy

 

I'm kind of the new guy here myself.I'm shure that I don't have to tell you that this forum is great.The people here are very helpful.I would think 7500$ is a good deal on a 58k car all original and straight. Good luck with the car. :cheers:


[Modified by strat68, 3:13 AM 10/2/2001]

 

Welcome!

Sounds like you got a fair to good deal to me.
Corvette paint jobs aren't cheap ($2k-$3k).
With clean interior, new paint, and new tires, it sounds like a really nice car.

You may like to pick up a copy of The Corvette Black Book by Mike Antonick.
It has all of the facts and some of the "story" about each year.

As far as the engine goes, from the factory it's not terribly impressive. But, depending on how much work you want to do and what you want to spend, you can pump an amazing amount of HP out of a 350. Even with weekend bolt-ons (headers, intake, carb, & cam) you can achieve some drastic improvements in performance. You'll also see users here who have transplanted newer drivetrains into their cars. Fuel injected engines & overdrive transmissions. There are a lot of possibilities and there's usually someone here who's "been there before".

Oh, and I've guess you've been a "lurker" long enough to know to WAVE to other Corvettes :seeya

 

Congrats, a very good deal. You got one of the best years. You might want to see 77 Facts on my website. There have been posts that GM says 77 is most desirable of the later years 74-82.
Suggest Increase Power :cool:
(as w/ any car!) You might want to see: See Why Exhaust is problem for HP on 75-81 http://www.corvetteforum.cc/ubb/Foru...ML/008082.html
As little as exhaust & cam will make it run like a Corvette. More rec. !

 

NewGuy -- post your VIN. It contains a code which will tell you whether you have the L48 base engine or the optional L82. Others will disagree, but your car is worth more if left unmolested when it comes time for resale. Why not cruise and enjoy the car for a while before deciding on possible modifications? During the interim, do your homework and begin reading the Corvette literature.

$7500 is a fair price based upon the description of your Corvette.


Remember, Shark drivers wave!!! :flag :flag

 

Hi New77Guy
Welcome to the great obsession. Sounds like you've got yourself a winner. As to your questions I would say that you should optimize what you already have before you start any major mods. The first place to start is to make an assessment of the engine. Get a compression check and see if you use any oil in the next few thousand miles. If this checks out well you can bet that your engine is healthy. If not you can get away with a refresh. If you're a hands on person you can do a refresh on the engine for a few hundred dollars. This would include new rings, bearings, oil pump and a new cam and timing chain. Most of the major speed catalogs have kits for this. Next I would optimize the timing. Either have your distributor set up for you or get a kit with springs and an adjustable vacuum advance. You can probably have this done for you for under a hundred dollars. Check with Lars who seems to have a large (no pun intended) following and has supplied kits to other members. Next I would look into a good exhaust system. Go with stainless steel pipes, which aren't that much more expensive, and good mufflers. If headers are in the budget they will make a nice addition but if not you can change over later. this should get you a nice running car without having to take out a mortgage. From there you can go where your heart tells you. As far as the paint goes, check out my website for tips on paint care and restoration. Good luck. :seeya

 

Welcome NewGuy to the forum. For a little more performance,on your 77, go with an aftermarket intake, Headers, and if you can get away with it, true duals. You will see a nice inprovement from your stock L-48..