Which c3??
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2003
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From: providence ri
Which c3??
I am looking to purchase a c3 I like the 78-79-80-81-82 styles.
However, I am wondering what would be the best purchase. I understand that this is up to ones taste but I would like to know the pros and cons of each. I am looking for performance as well as reliability.
However, I am wondering what would be the best purchase. I understand that this is up to ones taste but I would like to know the pros and cons of each. I am looking for performance as well as reliability.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Re: Which c3?? (ac34me)
Those are not the preferred years for performance. You can get a clean, reliable car from that period at a very reasonable price though.
There are some neat cars from that period too. 78 pace car, 78 anniversary, 82 collectors are a few of the specialty models you should look into. Good luck!
There are some neat cars from that period too. 78 pace car, 78 anniversary, 82 collectors are a few of the specialty models you should look into. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,906
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From: Berlin
Re: Which c3?? (ac34me)
Although none of those years have good performance stock, you can build up any of them pretty easily if your local smog requirements aren't too strict (except the 82. their poor excuse for a fuel injection system has almost zero upgrade potential without redoing most of the engine compartment).
The drivetrain is also weaker on the 80-82 models, so if you plan on lots of power, stay away from those.
Manual transmissions are rare, and get more rare on the newer models (none in 82).
The drivetrain is also weaker on the 80-82 models, so if you plan on lots of power, stay away from those.
Manual transmissions are rare, and get more rare on the newer models (none in 82).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: Which c3?? (aharte)
The later C3s are a little more civilized due to interior comforts. Power is down in stock form from the earlier models, but the cruising fun is still there.
I went with an 82 since I wanted the 700R4 OD tranny and the fuel injection for decent gas mileage. The CFI unit does have upgrade potential and you could explore that. Really it is a good drive it and forget it set-up. Some people convert over to TPI which would be fairly easy to do with an 82 since you have the 700R4 tranny already set-up.
The 80-82 body style is my favorite.
The 78-80s are normal carbureted and the 81 has a CPU controlled carb. You can get a 4 speed in the 78-81s but only automatic in 82.
Start looking at collectercartraderonline to see about pricing and condition of vehicle to familiarize yourself so when you go to buy, youll have a good idea of what to expect. Also you can go to terry rudy's CorvetteFaq.com and read the 3 section mechanics checklist summary in Just got your Vette for what to look for when looking at a C3 to buy.
Best of Luck. The search is alot of fun.
Brent....
I went with an 82 since I wanted the 700R4 OD tranny and the fuel injection for decent gas mileage. The CFI unit does have upgrade potential and you could explore that. Really it is a good drive it and forget it set-up. Some people convert over to TPI which would be fairly easy to do with an 82 since you have the 700R4 tranny already set-up.
The 80-82 body style is my favorite.
The 78-80s are normal carbureted and the 81 has a CPU controlled carb. You can get a 4 speed in the 78-81s but only automatic in 82.
Start looking at collectercartraderonline to see about pricing and condition of vehicle to familiarize yourself so when you go to buy, youll have a good idea of what to expect. Also you can go to terry rudy's CorvetteFaq.com and read the 3 section mechanics checklist summary in Just got your Vette for what to look for when looking at a C3 to buy.
Best of Luck. The search is alot of fun.
Brent....
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
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From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Which c3?? (ac34me)
To the forum....
When did GM go back to the mako shark rear end? My '80 had it. Was it in '79? I like the front ground effects that the '80 vette had along with the much more comfortable interior compared to the earlier C-3 styles. I can't say that the HP in '80 was any worse that all the way back to '74.
When did GM go back to the mako shark rear end? My '80 had it. Was it in '79? I like the front ground effects that the '80 vette had along with the much more comfortable interior compared to the earlier C-3 styles. I can't say that the HP in '80 was any worse that all the way back to '74.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,729
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From: Vancouver, BC
Re: Which c3?? (ac34me)
reliability only has to do with how well the previous owners took care of it. As far as performance, they are all in the same ballpark as each other unless of course if it's been modified at all. I wouldn't look into the pacecar unless you're buying it as a trophy car to take to shows. It's basically the same car with a different paint job and a spoiler (ya, there's some other minor things), but you pay a big difference in comparison to other 78s. If I was in the market for an "affordable" C3, I'd try and find a 73-74 vert.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 203
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From: Willows Ca
Re: Which c3?? (djcwardog)
this may help. It's the engine codes and options for all year C 3
http://www.thevetteheads.com/Dforms/.../1968info.html
http://www.thevetteheads.com/Dforms/.../1968info.html
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2003
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From: providence ri
Re: Which c3?? (ac34me)
Thanks for all the info it is much appreciated. More comments are welcome. I think I may go for a 78 l82 4speed. I have seen a few out there for ~ $7,500
Looks like I just missed this nice 79
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2416551006
Looks like I just missed this nice 79
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2416551006
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,729
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From: Vancouver, BC
Re: Which c3?? (ac34me)
from what i've seen, there aren't too many l82 4spds around, even 4spd l48s seem to be uncommon. be sure to check the vin before you buy and be very careful buying on ebay.