Hello everyone. :seeya I'm new to the forums. I am wanting to buy a corvette for myself and wanted to get some advice/tips. So I searched online and found this forum. Let me share a little in the hopes that you may be able to understand me better.

I'm a 23 year old guy living up in Toronto, Canada. I am planning on buying my first car hopefully this summer. I browsed through many car catalogues and encyclopaedias and discovered that with the exception of the super expensive cars like Lamborghinis and Ferrari's, and the moderately expensive newer cars like the latest Covettes and Camaros, I hate how most cars look. They seem bland and without style. The only 3 exceptions I found were the old Firebirds, Corvettes and Camaros.

Now my bro owns a 3rd gen Camaro, and Firebirds are as I understand a less expensive knockoff of Camaros. So that leaves me with Corvettes, which is my preferrence of the three anyways. I love the look of the later 3rd gen Corvettes.

I want my Corvette to be a manual car. (More fun to drive than an automatic) I realise that those Corvettes are old though (25+ years) and might have outdate/inferior systems in them (How are the brakes in a '79 Vette?). I also know though that most of the parts are simple parts which can be easily repaired/replaced compared to today's high tech chips and gadgets.

I have been looking for Vettes in the 78-82 year range. I recently realized that I don't think they made manual ones in 82. I also know that Corvettes were fast cars in their day, but how do they compare to cars from 10 and 20 years later? I do want my car to be speedy obviously and not a convertible. Is it possible/easy/recommended to maybe upgrade the engine or something? I am just starting to learn about cars and am still a noob at it.

I guess some of the questions I have are. Is there anything important I should know that I don't? Would anyone recommend I try to get a car from any specific year and why? Is there anywhere that you would recommend that I can learn a lot about Covettes from? Should I look for anything specific? Are there any specific repairs/replacements/upgrades I should make on a the car once I buy one? Any issues/problems with any specific years?

I know when my bro was shopping for his car, he also joined a Camaro forum and got a lot of good advice there that helped him get his car today. (It's a beaut!) Some things he was told was to get a specific years because they had changed the engine from carborateur to fuel injection, to look out for some year because of problems with the frame integrity (due to some design change or other), etc. Any tips like this I would love to get as well.

Also, being ignorant as I said about cars, :confused: is it possible/feasable/recommended to replace an automatic system with a manual? In my mind, I'd obviously love to get a later car as I think that with later years, problems would have been worked out in the rest of the car. Right? I don't know what else to ask right now so I'll see what responses I get and work from there. Thanx in advance.


[Modified by StarLord, 6:05 PM 3/22/2003]

 

First of all, good choice picking a vette. but, first of all, u must realize that there is NO comparison between a f body and a vette. u c, a vette is not just any ole car. with very little research this will become very clear.

(i have a corvette facts section on my web page, good info)

second, as far as w/ one (year) to buy, that depends on how deep your pockets r, and w/ u like best. for the most part, the newer the better....as far as performace, drivabilty, comfort etc.

third, seems like the 84-92's r the current "good buys" but, as u stated, u prefer the c3. good choice also, i agree, i feel they r a good combo of style, nastalgia and performance.

as far as "buying a good one", well, thats a tough one.

my mom always claims that if a resturant has a dirty bathroom, then the kitchen has got to be a mess. kinda applies to cars, get my drift? beleive none of what u hear from the seller, and half of w/ u c.

also, dont be fooled by price, just cause its expensive, dont mean its a good car. i have look at tons of them that w/ slap wore out, and they wanted tons for them.

good luck man, may the force be with you. if i can help u in any way at all just let me know.

 

"I want my Corvette to be a manual car."

Manual cars are easily found for all years except '82. No manuals in '82.


"I realise that those Corvettes are old though (25+ years) and might have outdate/inferior systems. . ."

Uh, no, not really.


"How are the brakes in a '79 Vette?"

Superb. As are all Corvettes since '65.


"I also know though that most of the parts are simple parts which can be easily repaired/replaced compared to today's high tech chips and gadgets."

Absolutely.


"I recently realized that I don't think they made manual ones in 82."

Correct.


"I also know that Corvettes were fast cars in their day, but how do they compare to cars from 10 and 20 years later?"

http://www.corvettearchive.com Read road tests of the era and decide if the stock performance is up to your expectations.


"I do want my car to be speedy obviously and not a convertible. Is it possible/easy/recommended to maybe upgrade the engine or something? I am just starting to learn about cars and am still a noob at it."

C3's have what amounts to unlimited potential for modding. A car that dips into the twelves in the 1/4 or a has top speed in excess of 150mph, though a stout performer, will not cause jaws to drop in absolute disbelief with this crowd. There are some very, very seriously quick/fast cars owned by forum members here. You will find this to be true with the Camaro/Firebird crowd, too.


"I guess some of the questions I have are. Is there anything important I should know that I don't? "

Yes. These are old cars at this point. You are not merely buying a Corvette, you are getting into The Old Car Hobby. As such -unless thoroughly rebuilt- these things need to be treated as toys, not a daily driver. In proper working order they are every bit ar reliable as a "modern" car. I, for one, would not hesitate to strike out for a trip to California (I am in Maine) and back with my car.


"Is there anywhere that you would recommend that I can learn a lot about Covettes from?"

http://www.corvettearchive.com
http://www.corvettefaq.com


"Are there any specific repairs/replacements/upgrades I should make on a the car once I buy one?

This depends entirely upon what you want to do with it.


"Also, being ignorant as I said about cars, :confused: is it possible/feasable/recommended to replace an automatic system with a manual?"

Yes, but manual cars are plentiful, so one can make the argument that the effort is not worth it. Just wait until you find the RIGHT car.


"In my mind, I'd obviously love to get a later car as I think that with later years, problems would have been worked out in the rest of the car. Right?"

Uh, not really. The C3's were pretty much "right" from the beginning, though they certainly evolved over the years. Whether they evolved into something better or not is a very subjective thing.


Read everything you can get you hands on. Ask questions. Read the answers carefully. It is very easy for a newbie to buy a POS and not realize it. You must educate yourself thoroughly on the subject of C3's. Do NOT rush into it. If possible, hook up with somebody that is already up to speed on C3's, they could save you a lot of trouble and time.


[Modified by 45ACP, 6:50 PM 3/22/2003]


[Modified by 45ACP, 6:52 PM 3/22/2003]

 

I am at the same point as StarLord... I am going to be in the market for a C3 (probably a 72 or 73) soon and need to know what to look for and what to look out for. I've also been thumbing through the Corvette trader and notice some really nice examples of restored and original 'Vettes, the price range varies a lot depending on condition, options, engine and year. Has anyone bought a car from out of state and had it delivered to their home without looking at the car in person?
These places have the car online so you can view it and the ship worldwide... now since I live in NY, finding one here that's mint is going to be a task so I might go with getting one out of state. Is there any downside to this beside not being able to sit in it and drive it first?

 

one piece of advise i can offer....no matter how cool the car looks--do not buy it right there just because it is awesome looking!! i spent $4000 for my 1979 vette and i got ripped off by about $3500. my engine, frame, suspension, interior, and everything else are in dire need of repair, and repairs mean $$$ spent. i was just too excited to get a vette. if you can, get an experienced eye (corvette person) to come with you to check it out. hell, i'm sure if you live near any members on this forum, they'd be happy to go check out a vette with you. good luck, and you'll soon find out that this forum is invaluable. :auto: :thumbs:


[Modified by radwebster, 12:09 AM 3/23/2003]

 

Hey. Thanx for all the great info sofar. I'm definately checking out all those links.

After checking out a lot of the rest of the forum, I think I've come to the conclusion that I do not want to keep the car I get all stock. If there are improvements I could make I would probably end up doing them down the road.

I saw this term in another thread. "Purist" Is this someone who thinks vettes should be restored to all original and factory spec parts?

I was wondering. I seem to have noticed (and maybe I'm imagining things), but people seem to prefer (or it seems more predominent) the 68-74 year Vettes. Is this my imagination or is there a reason for that?

After doing some more searching, I think I've decided to go with a '79 Vette. I don't like the look of the air dam in the '80 and '81 Vettes. Now, if you were to buy a 79 Vette, is there anything specific you would look for or make sure it has?

 

Good choice. Also keep your eyes open for a 78', which is the same unless it has the pace car spoilers.

You should watch for the same problems that plague most Vettes... look at the frame in front of the rear wheels for rot, and also in the windshield posts. While these are not impossible to fix problems, they are problems that would require a lot of work and patience. When shopping for an old Vette I don't think milage really matters. Just check the frame, see what condition the body and interior is in, and how the engine runs and the brakes function.

As for future mods, the best ones by far without tearing the engine down are 1. Intake, probably an Edelbrock Performer or something equivalent, and 2. headers and true dual exhaust. Next you'd get better flowing heads, and go from there.

Good luck with finding a Vette!

Jerry

OneHotV6- Nice GN! I might be selling my driver (93' Riviera) and getting an 87' Regal in upcoming months.

 

I definately want to get out and see some Vettes for myself. There's a few in my area for sale I'll be visiting soon to get a firsthand impression of.

Out of curiousity, are there any members that live in Toronto?

Now, I've also got a couple of more specific questions about things that caught my attention and I'd like to know more about. What is a rear drive ratio? This was an option on some Vettes but it sounds more like a math formula than a car part. :D Another question. On the 80-81 Vettes, having the new rear, how does the trunk open? Is it both the entire back and the glass part, or only the glass part?

Now, I do want to have excellent brakes. While I know Drum brakes aren't bad, I understand that Disc brakes are better. I have not been able to find a spec sheet on 79 Vettes that listed the brake types. Can anyone que me in? Also, I understand that there are improvements for disc brakes (Bear brakes?) which offer better performance. Is that a break type or just a company? Any other brakes that are better than disc brakes and any recommendations on which to get? (Can they fit in a 79 Vette)

Let's see. Engines. I keep reading about big block, small block, etc engines. Also given are cubic units (cu). Are one the actual size and the other a general category or do they define something different? Also, does the chassis of the car define which type of engine can fit in it?

Finally. I think I read that the 1/4 time for a stock 79 vette was between 15.5-17.5. I know that <10 is considered very fast. Is 12-14 respectable? What sort of upgrades would I have to make to get it to run like that?

I think that's it for now. Thanx a lot for all the help and please keep the great and helpful info coming.

 

Amount of revolutions the rear wheels turn vs. the crankshaft.
C3s do not have trucks. The closest you will find is the '82 model where the rear hatch glass opens.

You start out with four wheel discs brakes with four pistons in each caliper. It is plenty good until you get more to being a race car.

Big blocks have a larger block and small blocks do not. Common big blocks: 396, 427, 454, 502. Common small blocks: 283, 302, 327, 350, 400. There are some non-factory displacements also. A 383 is a 350 with a 400 crank, a 377 is 400 with a 350 crank. A 355 is a 350 with .030 overbore and a 406 is a 400 bored over. Big blocks ended in '74. They are big heavy overrated pigs. If you want the car to handle and stop better, it is best not to have the extra 200lbs on the front of the car. People will say they are better because they produce more torque, but a stout small block does just as well if not better.[/quote]


[Modified by Schmucker, 1:07 AM 3/23/2003]

 

Let me see if I understand you right. C3s have no trunk access from the back? How do you put stuff into the trunk then? Or if you can't, what's taking up the space in there?

I thought that C3s had regular trunk access from the back and that the 80+ had an additional quick access through the rear windshield as well. No?

 

A few weeks ago SuperFast80, a fellow Toronto vetter posted about setting up a panel of experts, this seems like a perfect cance to jump on his offer and take him up on it to see how viablle this idea of his is.
I would email him and get his phone # and start talking to him asap and get the ball running. :cheers:

 

Starlord & OneHotV6

One great thing about the Corvette Forum. Everyone wants to help.

If you find a vette that you really like, find a CF member that lives close to you, and invite them to go look at it with you. They will find any problems with it that you might miss by yourself.

You can find CF members close to you with the locater.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/ziplocator/locator.php

Good luck on finding your C3. And welcome to the greatest Forum on the internet.... :seeya

 

where the hell is the toronto shark pack right about now?
start a new topic and title it, "calling toronto shark pack". there are 6 or 7 guys up there in your neighborhood that are regulars here. they can certainly help you when looking at a perspective purchase. like someone else said, don't buy the first thing you find. there's about a quarter million c-3 corvettes out there. one has your name on it, but it might not be the first one you fall in love with. the c-3 can run with the best of them with a little 'investment capitol'. everything you would need to make one accelerate, handle and brake as good or better than 90% of the iron out there is available and the guys here on the forum will help you figure out what you need to accomplish that goal.
most important, learn. read all you can, ask questions and look at every car you find. take some time, even though you feel like that cherry one will get away. in many cases, that is the best thing that can happen. don't buy someone else's headache.

 

My problem is that I fall in love with every C3 I see!!! :lol:

The answer to StarLord's question about the trunk issue, the 68-77's don't have trunk access from outside the car. You have to recline the seats forward to access the small area inside that they call a trunk. The 78-79 has the non-opening glass hatch and access the trunk area the same way as the 68-77's. After that year they have the opening glass hatch. Hope that helps...

 

Not quite right. Only the 82 (and I believe only the collector's edition) had the opening glass hatch. All of the others are only accessed by folding the seat forward.

The biggest advice I can give you is to decide exactly what you are looking for, then don't settle for less. You will be unhappy if you buy something that was close, but not quite what you wanted. Obviously things like the engine and performance can be changed, but if you want a 79, don't settle for an 80. If you want a car that you can use as a daily driver, don't settle for one that has a couple "fixable" items. You'll quickly learn that there are a lot of little things that will annoy the heck out of you and get in the way of your dream. Most of the C3's you will find have quite a few things that will need worked on, I suggest you do a LOT of research before diving into a car. If one gets sold before you find out all you want to know, another one will pop up sooner or later.

79 performance is not the greatest stock, however, you can change the exhaust and have the distributor recurved to get the best bang for the buck. After that, you will need to dive into the engine to get more performance.

Brakes are very good on C3's, but they have a few issues occassionally, such as air being pumped into the lines if the rotors aren't true. But these are 4 piston caliper brakes, and they are very good when properly operational.

One thing you have to watch out for is the fact that rubber parts DO wear out on these older vehicles. Check the suspension and steering components very well.

You've made a good choice by first coming to this forum for advice. One other thing I can tell you is that you may want to have a backup car in case you have problems with the vette. If you aren't a mechanic, you will definitely want something else to drive while your vette is being worked on. Even if you can do all the maintenance yourself, it's still nice to have a second vehicle for those times when the vette won't cooperate with you.

It is very important that you don't "settle" or "rush in" to a purchase. I highly advise taking someone knowledgeable along so they can keep you from rushing into a bad choice.

Vette's can be very expensive hobbies, you may want to click on the accessories, parts, and restoration links on the side bar to get an idea of what different parts cost.

 

Serge...i am in Mississauga and with the weather getting nicer i hope that the Toronto guys would want to get together soon with the cars....that would be a great chance to talk to guys like GDH,Superfast and Motorhead, 3 guys that are very knowledgeable about Vettes...there are also a variety of years in are group which would give you a great chance to see the different years and what the guys have done to them...off the top of my head there is 69,72,74,75,76,78,80,92....keep on the look out for na T.O. Pack posting...

 

Hmm. That kinda sux. I didn't realize there was no trunk access. Is it possible/feasable to replace the rear glass on a 79 Vette with an opening kind? Would it make sense or is it too far up to conveniently use as an access?

Though I don't like the look of an air dam, it's not a crisis. Can anyone tell me if there is any negative aspects (aside from cost) to getting an '82 and replacing to a manual transmission?

I'm definately going to keep my eyes open for that TO Meet announcement. Just don't laugh too hard when I show up to a Corvette meet in an oldsmobile. Please. :p:

I actually am not planning on running out the door and buying a Vette as soon as I find one. Like I said, this is something I hope to do this Summer once I save up enough cash. I also never plan to drive my Vette in the snow and will try to keep it out of the rain. In the meanwhile, maybe I should fix up the ancient moped sitting somewhere in my shed. :smash:

Alright, I got the part about bringing a knowledgable friend along, and of course I would take a prospective buy to my mechanic first. But can anyone explain how I would check for some of the things mentioned above? Example, how to I check the windshield posts for rot. Would it be obvious or on the inside?

Also, what about rust? Is a little rust ok or already too late? Would you take a car with a great frame but so so mechanicals which can be replaced, or a car that runs great but has a bit of rust on the frame?

I am not a mechanic though I hope to pick up a lot of info on cars, engines and the like through my search for information on Corvettes and my planning for such a purchase. I can do simple things on cars like change fuses, lightbulbs and replace simple screw held parts. :_dupe:

I would want to get a car that I could use as a daily driver during the summer. So it should work. And I would slowly upgrade it over time. That's why I'm really concerned that the replaceable parts are ok, but more importantly that the key unreplacable parts are in good condition. (I just need to know what those parts are :) )

 

it would be kind of impractical to find one of the few '82s with the opening rear hatch and replace the tranny. do-able but impractical. same for finding a non-opening hatch and converting it since virtually no parts for that assembly are readily available. i can tell you from personal experience though that a car with the 3/4 glass ('78-'82) are surprisingly easy to access and opening the glass isn't even an issue unless your trying to use your vette to haul stuff back from home depot or something (just call me bubba :bb ). if i were looking for a car to fit a budget and i had a second car, i would definately go with one that had mechanical issues and not rust. to answer your question, a little is expected, substantial rust and you should run screaming. just ask danger dave (NHvette). good luck with the search. keep us posted on how things go.

 

It really is not that difficult to put stuff in the back area by folding the seats forward.

No, it is not EASILY possible to install the opening hatch from an 82, and it would be extremely expensive. You can't even install it on another 82 that didn't originally have the opening hatch because the roof is slightly different. You would physically have to cut off the roof and install one from an 82 that had the opening hatch in order for it to work. Then you obviously have to mold everything back together to look right.
It's too easy to just flip the seats forward to gain access to the rear area for you to waste time and a LOT of money getting this modification done. Besides, then you would have to worry about scratching the rear as you lean over the back. Once you meet up with the Toronto guys, or you go look at a few vettes, you'll understand how easy it is to just fold the seat forward and reach into the back compartment.

One other thing you may want to consider:
If you have smog checks/inspections, you probably won't be able to install true dual exhaust on a post-74 car. I'm not sure what the laws are in Toronto, though.
I have true dual exhaust with no cats on my 79 but I live in a state with no inspections. However, I still had to do the work myself because no shop would touch it without putting it in stock configuration.

However, you won't have as much storage space in the rear of a pre-78 vette, but you also have to remember that you can't stack stuff too high in a later vette either. You do need to see out the back window. ;)

Different years have their positives and negatives, it's just a matter of doing a lot of research and deciding what you like best.


[Modified by Captain Morgan, 3:50 PM 3/23/2003]

 

I don't really know what you just said :p: but I get the general drift. Luckily, here in Toronto you don't need to pass any emission tests on cars 20 years or older. So a '79 Vette, or any other C3 for that matter, should have no problem.

Ok. Now I am really confused on one thing. Here are 2 pictures. The original and one where I highlighted the part I'm talking about. I thought this was the air dam, but I now suspect that perhaps I was wrong and it is an optional part? (This picture is of a 79 Vette which I thought didn't have them). Can someone tell me what it is and if it is infact an optional part or not. (If it's optional, then I can get an 81 without it. If not, I'm back to 79)






[Modified by StarLord, 5:09 PM 3/23/2003]