Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Auburn WA
Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please
So I wanted a 74-77 but after looking at a 78 Ive just about convinced myself that I need the extra room in the back ( this vette will be my daily driver). I figure I can live with the squared off guages and they almost look more pointy....probably just my imagination. Before I do though...can I still install a 74 style dual exhaust set up? ( Yes, I know about it being illegal). For that matter, are there any downsides with a 78 versus a 77? any problems, issues, particulars to look for on a 78? Any good points or advantages over a 77?
Ive always had Camaros.....somehow they seem .....easier :chevy
Ive always had Camaros.....somehow they seem .....easier :chevy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Tempe AZ
Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (Imothph)
I don't have my Black Book in front of me, but I believe there is a horsepower increase in a '78 over a '77. '78 is an anniversary year. The fastback looks cooler (my opinion). I'd go '78 over '77 if given a choice.
Is a '79 or '80 an option? Even more horsepower over a '78, plus the '78 Pace Car seats are standard in '79+. I'd go '79 or a non 305ci '80 if it were possible. I went '79 with my car.
[Modified by Corvette_fetish, 1:54 PM 11/12/2003]
Is a '79 or '80 an option? Even more horsepower over a '78, plus the '78 Pace Car seats are standard in '79+. I'd go '79 or a non 305ci '80 if it were possible. I went '79 with my car.
[Modified by Corvette_fetish, 1:54 PM 11/12/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
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Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (Corvette_fetish)
Is a '79 or '80 an option?
I agree. Higher horsepower. Better seats. Spoilers. You have the 85 MPH speedo, but that can be replaced.
Somewhere along the line (don't know the year) the crossmember was changed from the two holes through the crossmember (on either side of the tranny) to a "arch" in the crossmember on one side (I believe the passenger side). You can still run dual down that one side though.
I agree. Higher horsepower. Better seats. Spoilers. You have the 85 MPH speedo, but that can be replaced.
Somewhere along the line (don't know the year) the crossmember was changed from the two holes through the crossmember (on either side of the tranny) to a "arch" in the crossmember on one side (I believe the passenger side). You can still run dual down that one side though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Tempe AZ
Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (jerryp58)
Is a '79 or '80 an option?
I agree. Higher horsepower. Better seats. Spoilers. You have the 85 MPH speedo, but that can be replaced.
I agree. Higher horsepower. Better seats. Spoilers. You have the 85 MPH speedo, but that can be replaced.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (mvftw)
As a driver, the 78 will be way ahead on convience. You can actually carry allot of stuff back there. Groceries, luggage, whatever. Get a Black Book and you can see all of the changes made between the years. I would take a 78 over a 79, JMO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Lake Villa IL
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Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (Imothph)
There was just a huge post debating 78 vs. 79. Personally, I say 79. I own a 77 and I love it. But it spends most of the time in the garage. Aesthetically, I like the 78's+ as much as I do the 77's on down. The extra space would be nice. And with the glass tops and big back window, the car should feel a lot more open. But heat will also be more of an issue in the summer time.
The seats in the 79 and up cars are far better, IMHO. Others can't stand them.
Let me say this much: they can all be modified to go fast. :yesnod:
The seats in the 79 and up cars are far better, IMHO. Others can't stand them.
Let me say this much: they can all be modified to go fast. :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
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From: Lebanon KY
Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (jerryp58)
Somewhere along the line (don't know the year) the crossmember was changed from the two holes through the crossmember (on either side of the tranny) to a "arch" in the crossmember on one side (I believe the passenger side). You can still run dual down that one side though.
with saying that, i'd try to get an 80. the newer shark look without a computer :yesnod: definitly the way to go for a daily driver. i used my 81 as a daily driver for 2 years :smash:
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From: San Jose CA
Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (snakey)
Just a question to those advocating the 79 over a 78 in terms of hp...
If I put a ZZ4 in a 79, would it make more hp than a ZZ4 in a 78? ;)
And in 25 years, you'd really have to wonder about that 10 hp difference. Hell, is 195hp really all that much better than 185? Sounds like brass tacks to me...
I think you should go with whatever's best. But the one MAJOR advantage the 79 has over the 78 is in the seats. The 78PC+ seats are just ten times better than the others.
-Steve
If I put a ZZ4 in a 79, would it make more hp than a ZZ4 in a 78? ;)
And in 25 years, you'd really have to wonder about that 10 hp difference. Hell, is 195hp really all that much better than 185? Sounds like brass tacks to me...
I think you should go with whatever's best. But the one MAJOR advantage the 79 has over the 78 is in the seats. The 78PC+ seats are just ten times better than the others.
-Steve
Instructor
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Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (Pacin'California)
74-77'S ARE NOTHING SPECIAL...EXCEPT IF YOUR TALKIN 74 OR 75 CONVERTIBLE...MY DAILY DRIVER IS A '79...MORE ROOM AND NO BLIND SPOTS LIKE THE '71...I'D GO WITH THE 78
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Auburn WA
Re: Buying a 78 versus 77.....info please (Corvette_fetish)
Thanks all, Ive pretty much decided on the 78. Its good to know the exhaust will still work. A 79 on up isnt an option because there are no emmissions testing in Washington state for a 1978, but 79 still has to pass and by the time Im done....my vette probably wont :cool: Im looking at a 78 with 49,500 origional miles, probably go see it tomorrow so we'll see what happens. :yesnod:
