what c3s to look for
Popular Reply
Mar 21, 2022, 01:19 AM
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 126
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From: Mesa, AZ
Avoid the 83's. LOTS of issues.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
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From: Virginia
Every year is different. On a budget, 79 was the first year that all cars had clamshell seats, and 80 was the last year for no computers.
This site has some of the differences by year.
https://www.corvsport.com/c3-corvette-buyers-guide/
In the C3 world, there weren't different models (all 69-76 cars were "Stingrays", for example). The big difference is the engine option, especially in the earlier cars. Look for cars with a third pedal, and then sort by color.
This site has some of the differences by year.
https://www.corvsport.com/c3-corvette-buyers-guide/
In the C3 world, there weren't different models (all 69-76 cars were "Stingrays", for example). The big difference is the engine option, especially in the earlier cars. Look for cars with a third pedal, and then sort by color.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Some like the chrome bumper cars. Some like the rubber bumper cars. It really depends on what you like. They are all old now. Condition is King. rust in the windshield frame should be a deal breaker. Condition, condition, condition.
And what do you like?
Yes I would want a manual car. And no I wouldn't want a 81 or 82 because of the one year only systems. But even that can be undone.
Good luck, inspect well.
And what do you like?
Yes I would want a manual car. And no I wouldn't want a 81 or 82 because of the one year only systems. But even that can be undone.
Good luck, inspect well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
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Le Mans Master
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1967 Pedal Car Champion
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From: US-PNW
Google "c3 corvette" and go to the images results. Scan them and decide which style you like the best. After that, you can have a discussion of price range, options, problems, etc.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: Wayne, IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Texas City, TX Texas
I guess it depends on geography. It's 75 degrees here. today. A/C may not be a "must" but I am definitely going to fix mine. Actually, I am removing the factory system and installing Vintage Air.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Central Florida
2024 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Well if you want more stock power get a 72 or prior. If you are going to modify then any year you like but make sure chassis and bird cage is solid.