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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 12:52 PM
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Default c3 or c4

i am getting a vette soon but still dont what will be better for me.
i like both models and both are cool but which would be better and less $$$$$
to repair or put into?
and whats is faster 75-82 or 84-88 years?
thanx :)
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 01:28 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

88 is faster than the rest if you wanted drivability and handleing than get the 88. Looks though have to go to the yellow 81-82 :chevy course thats just my opinion I could be wrong


[Modified by ASRoff, 11:28 AM 10/27/2001]
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 01:35 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

"i like both models and both are cool but which would be better and less $$$$$
to repair or put into?"

EVERYTHING ELSE BEING EQUAL the earlier cars are easier to work on, have no or fewer electronics, no funky early 700R4's (except '82), and no 4+3 trannies. That said, I'd buy a C4 without hesitation if that is what I liked.


"and whats is faster 75-82 or 84-88 years?"

Stock? '84-'88.

Modded? Both run small block Chevys, so power potential is identical.

Truthfully, the cars you mentioned are all old enough now that I'm not sure it makes a HUGE difference in the long run --> any of them are likely to need some TLC. Pick the body style that you like the most, then make a point of finding one that is optioned to your liking.
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 02:37 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

Just wondering, why isn't the '74 an option? It has basically the same looks of the 75-77, usually the same price range, and the advantage of true dual exhaust, no cats, and not a lot of emission stuff...

-Pedro
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 08:24 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (Pedro'74)

because i havent found a 74 in my price range
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 08:31 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

I would drive both. I have been fortunate in that a C2, C3 and a C4 have follow me home. Each has a different feel. Between your choices, the C3 is easier to work on (not as easy as my small block C2), is much easier to get into and out of, and parts are cheaper. The C4 is much more powerful and rides smoother on the highway, but the steering does not feel as nimble. The climate control and other creature comforts are a lot better in the C4.

Hope this helps.
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 08:42 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

I had a 68 roadster and now have a 85 vet I liked the looks of the 68 but the C4 handles much better and you can get more bang for your buck.
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 09:35 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (buzz 85)

The C3 feels more like a Vette to me. It's not so easy to explain..the C4 is much more tamed maybe :confused: Buy either of one you can afford and looks like it'll offer the fun you want, then get another later. :D :D :cheers: :cheers:
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 11:20 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (Rubyred)

Rubyred, any way to gauge how much more C4 parts are in general compared to the C3? On a scale of 1 to 10, or 1.2x, 1.5x, etc.?
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Old Oct 27, 2001 | 11:28 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

I like both, i own a 79.

My next will be a 90

89 up have 6 speed, and the 90 has the new dash digitasl speedo, but analog gauges and tach.

As stated the sharks are prettier, but the C4s handle better.

Keith
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 12:57 AM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (Racer78)

The '90 is my favorite C4 as well. Updated dash, but still have the round tail lights. And the L98 is a real torquey motor. They make awesome autocross cars :yesnod: If your budget will stretch to a '90 - that's what I'd go for, although the earlier C4s are nice as well. But, the looks of the C3 are tough to beat. As far as C3s being easier to work on, I'm not sure I'd be so quick to agree to that. If you are mechanically inclined, armed with a service manual, a code scanner and a digital multimeter - you can sort out the vast majority of electronic problems. Not harder necesarily, just different.


[Modified by 70L46, 11:58 PM 10/27/2001]
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 01:03 AM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (70L46)

The C4's whole front end lifts up making the motor easy to get at and work on.

Keith
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 01:14 AM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (Racer78)

i like them both but i do own a C3 and there easier to get in and out of :crazy: :cheers: :cheers: good luck on buying and with either model you will never regret it so have fun with it :cheers:
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 01:21 AM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (jerryp58)

Rubyred, any way to gauge how much more C4 parts are in general compared to the C3? On a scale of 1 to 10, or 1.2x, 1.5x, etc.?
Just look at the prices for items like the tires, dash cluster, suspension parts and you can say that c4 parts are 2x in many cases.

I personally would not touch a c4 before '88.
And why not an '80 ? Fun car.
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 09:02 AM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (84fieroburton)

Just remember that Chevrolet came out with the C-4 as an IMPROVEMENT over the C-3. The C-3's are, IMHO, the most beautiful and sensuous of ALL Corvettes. They are also, by today's standards, crude brutes that need nearly constant attention to keep running. They suffer from old age and old technology. I should know- I own one!
:chevy :chevy :chevy
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 04:38 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (jerryp58)

The best way is to look at a catalogue from the various vendors. Also, remember that a lot of the C4's use a lot of electronics which are hard for the average person to service. Later C3's and all C4's have polution controls that per 1974 cars owners don't have to worry about.

i recently had to replace the water pump on my 1993. It was expensive, hard/expensive to replace and I had to worry about the infamous optispark. Compare that to replacing the water pump on my 1963 or 1975 and you can see the difference.

Hope this helps
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Old Oct 28, 2001 | 05:14 PM
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Default Re: c3 or c4 (Rubyred)

That's kind of what I thought seven years ago when looking for my first Corvette. I opened that clamshell hood and my first though was :cool: . Then I looked at the different parts (locations & materials) and wondered "do I have the skill, patience, and $ to work on this car?". I'm afraid the answer was :nonod:

Maybe someday I'll be able to have a C4 or even a C5 (I can hope).

Jerry
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