Hello all, im new to posting in the forums but ive been a reader for a while now. Im currently 16 (I hope me telling you this, does not mean that you will treat me as a child) and i have been in love with the c3 corvettes since i can remember. When i was 15 1/2 i got a job to start saving for one. The father of my best friend is a ups driver, and has informed me that there is a 77 on his route for sale. The man wants $5000 for it, because he needs the money to work on his 73. It is in decent condition, its black with tan interior. The interior is in surprizingly good condition for the price. The car used to belong to his son when, but the son blew the motor (dont know the details) so he has replaced the motor within the last month. I am unaware of what he put in. The problem is i live in california, so i have to pass smog. I have test driven a 77 before and i am sad to say that my honda CRX that i currently drive has better accerleration (1989 CRX Si 5speed).My question is, is there much that can be done while complying with the smog regulations, or am i pretty much stuck with the performance from the factory? Does $5000 seem like a decent price (it's an L-82)? Would i be better off continuing to look for a 75 or older?

Thanks for your time,
Unstopable1

 

in my opinion you should look for something older. the laws are just gonna get worse befor they ever get any better an the way things are lookin it seems they are never gonna get better so if you want to have a nice c3 get one that doesnt have to get emision tested and you can build it the way you want. anyways good luck and take your time lookin and you will find what you are lookin for.

 

If its in good condition and "everything works", $5K may be a good price. If can pass smog and he can prove it can pass smog, it may be a good deal. You could put on a manifold and a CARB approved cam and it more than likely pass smog. If it's missing all the key smog equipment you could end up spending alot of money just to get it on the road. $5K is not cheap to come by. If you want something to really work on and still want to live in CA, I would pass on this and try to get a pre 1976 and know smog won't be a problem. I've been where you've been and smog is a PIA.

Good luck and use the Forum, there's alot of experience here.

 

Performance would vary depending on setup & condition. Yes, you can increase power a lot. There are CA legal cams, headers, intakes, etc.

 

for more money then the regular perfomance parts

 

Welcome to the forum! What part of California are you in?
Greg

 

Im in northern california, Modesto to be exact (for those who dont know it is about an hour away from sacromento)

 

welcome

 

I'd look for a 75. Should be able to find one for a similar price....

 

I'm from Lodi, currently in college in San Diego. Welcome, and I too recommend something older, but if you fall in love with this car when you see it.. then take it home

 

Not necessarily, cams are same just limited. Headers, could use Dynomax w/ a little effort. Some are running 383+ in CA in 77 up.
The first thing would be to find out what the CA standards are for 77.
SEE Admissions by EPA - What emission standards before 80 !
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...light=emission
"... the HC standard is delayed until 1980 and the CO standard until 1981. The NOx standard is delayed until 1981 and is relaxed to 1 gram per mile."
"1981
New cars meet the amended Clean Air Act standards for the first time."

 

Welcome...grasshopper!

 

If you lived in any other state I would say a 77 is ok. But CA or any state for that matter that is serious about smog testing - Look for something 75 or older that way whatever you do at least you dont have to worry about the smog test.

 

Nice to work for something you want. I started much younger then you and got my first vette,67 coupe,at age 18.

As the others said look into the CA laws so you don't get into a big problem.

77 has steel floors so you have to be sure about the rust issue. For $5,000 it might be a decent buy or it may be a money pit. I would keep on working and learning about these cars. It will be better to wait another year and build up your account then drop it all into something that you might not be able to keep up with.

Another thought is the seller knows vettes I'm guessing. What does he have to say about the car? Does he push it as ready to drive, needs a little work(be careful there) or doesn't say much(run away) Without the original L-82 it's not worth much. I've seen 74-79's sell for less.

Good luck
Gary

 

I might be wrong, but I thought in order to sell a car in CA it has to pass a emissions test.