Bradley3

I'm going to get a C3 as my next vette.... Not right away (I just got my C4) but In a year or two and I like to do a lot of research on these cars.

Anyways I know that Corvettes can very greatly from year to year. So what years should I be looking for? And what years should I stay away from?

Corz

just a warning, you are going to get mixed answers from everyone. I'd say a chrome bumper car. but then again others would say to get a rubber bumper car. then there is the shark rear window, or the flush rear window. car with cats? side pipes... it all depends on your personal prefference, how much you are willing to spend, and the status symbol type thing you will get into. if you get a rubber bumpered car, people will ask why not chrome... i got pulled over by a cop cuz he thought mine was an 82 when its a 69.. they all look the same to someone who doesnt have a clue on vettes.

Mayo_007

Get a 74 BB vert :D

Upside: Last year of the Big Block :yesnod:

Downside: Lots of 1 year only items, :smash:

Bradley3

Well I was really looking more for mechanical reliablity, performance, things of that nature......

Vette's all look nice to me. Some better than others, but they're all unique. As long as the car is in good shape I'm sure I'll be happy and proud of it's appearance.

daniel77350

any C3 will take a bigblock with minimal changes to the car(swap mounts, belts, thats about it)....so get any car and shove a 427 in, you'll have all the performance you want :yesnod:

I would personally get a vert. Those are just :cool: , but to me a coupe looks meaner(no flames please), whereas a vert is more of a enjoyment of cruisin and listening to the exaust and nature, and the world around you, and a coupe is more "lets race". Thats just my opinion.

Daniel

73Ken73

It depends on how much money that you have to spend. Also what are the emissions laws in your State. Even though your Vette probably wont have to take a sniff test because of its age you might have to have all factory emissions equipment on the car. If that is the case then you should get a Vette before 74 with no cats. When your car is pre cat , the inspectors don't even look at the exhaust. My car should have an air pump but nobody ever thinks it should. I would also get a convertable, I didn't because of security reasons but I never put my tops on anyway , so I should of bought a convertable.

Easy Mike

Brad -- do your homework. Read the Corvette literature, then make your choice.

Unless a model or major styling change occurred, you will find most Corvettes do not change much from year to year.

Flareside

I'd recommend a '68-'82

KenSny

Then you want to stay away from old cars. They require work. Unless you want to spend really big bucks and get one completely restored and never drive it. If you get an average-good condition C3 it will still require more maintenance than a newer car. Whatever has not worn out during the previous owner(s) time will certainly wear out during yours......

scottw

I recommend a 1977.

Maybe because I'm getting one this weekend :D

Alwyn678

I would recommend them all.......I like them all.......But I am partial to the Drop tops.......I like the Chrome bumper cars but they are a bit high here in Georgia..People are very proud of them here.....Take a look at the 73-75 verts...U can sometimes find a good deal

Ganey

Depends on what you want. There is something for everybody in C3. Many will rec. the yr. they accidently bought. Selected mine. :cool: Rec. get the body you like & build an engine for it ! :cool:


Scott

Ex. choice. You might want to see 77Facts on my website.

Tom73

Agree. They are all great. But, depending upon your taste, some may be greater then others.

It would go back to what you are looking for and want out of a C3. The highest values are in the chrome bumper cars. Have a low price point, try the 75-79, they are the lower priced Vettes. Want an original monster motor car, the 69 is the year for you. Want a hot rod, any of them will do. All kinds of options out there, just depends upon what you want. (Not like the C4 where all had the same basic engine; at least 85-91 with the L98 and 92-96 with the LT1.)

Me? I have a soft spot in my heart for the '73 and its one year only body style (rubber front and chrome rear bumpers). It stands out from the others.

tom...

MacA1979

You've gotten a lot of good advice here! My recommendations:

* Learn as much as you can about the different years. Read as much as you can. Narrow your search down by doing this "research".

* Buy the Corvette that is in the best condition for the amount of money that you are willing to spend. (someone on this forum gave me this advice back when I was looking and it was the best advice that I received!!)

* Don't let emotions make you buy something now that you will regret later!! Once you find a Corvette: 1) ask for more opinions on this board, 2) Take an "expert" (NCRS or local Corvette club memeber) with you to look at it, 3) take it to a mechanic that knows Corvettes.

* A lot of C3s out there look great on the outside, but are money pits on the inside.

* Lastly, BUY A BIG BLOCK!!! :cool: :cheers: :lol:





[Modified by QikStik, 10:14 AM 10/4/2001]

Leos 81

What years are good?

ALL OF 'EM!!! :yesnod: :cool: :D ;)

jvm

Just make sure you get one that has not been Bubbaized. If not sure who Bubba is search in the archives. Believe me you don't want anything Bubba had worked on or even gotten near. Jim

Alwyn678

I also think that you should find one that has been restored as much as possible. It is NOT Cheap to work on the cars so if you find one where someone has done most of the work...Look for good Paint and body for sure cause painting a c-3 seems to run about 5-7k if it it done correctly.. I think the mechanical aspect is by for the cheapest improvements that you can do on the car sine parts are readily available

Tim80

I agree. Choose the body style and performance that YOU like best. I like the fast back look so I have an '80. Other people hate that style. It all comes down to personal preference.

SteveG75

Wanted convertible, 4 spd, chrome bumper. Could afford two out of three.

75 was the last year for the vert.

stingraynick75

Go to http://www.stingrayalley.com, good info on vettes


[Modified by stingraynick75, 1:48 PM 10/4/2001]