I've been debating getting a corvette. I've driven several C5 and love them. However, I've always thought the 78 Pace Cars look amazing. Well, today I saw a 78 Pacer that I thought was a great car. It is a L48 auto with 40k miles on it for $14,500 including all original documentation. It appears to be very well taken car of. The weather was bad, so I didn't get a chance to drive it.

What are the highs and lows and chronic problems of this car? Why is the L82 so much more desirable in this car even if it has less torque than the L48?

Of my limited knowledge of C3's, the pace car seems to be much more valuable amoung "the dark years of performance" but also criticized on this forum. Why?

 

I really like the 78 pace cars, the only reason I did not buy one is that I think these should be kept original....

It's only the two tone paint and decals, silver interior and the spoilers.... it's basically a 'normal' Corvette with all the '79 options ...

I don't know why somebody would criticize the pace car... ok, the engine is kinda weak, the paint is not everybody's taste ... hey, some like what others hate....

 

the pace car has been cloned repeatedly so you may want to run the serial numbers and be sure what you are getting. if it is an original pace car and is in pristine condition it may be worth the investment. If you plan on "using" this car you may be better off to buy something else.
the pace car has their own serial number line so it won't be hard to tell.

 

Pace Car Vin = 1Z87_8S90XXXX

The _ is for the engine code, XXXX is build number. 1->6502

-Steve

 

Value wise it doesnt seem like a bad car to pick up. My favorite thing about being in my pace car, is it's like a cross between being Batman and getting to drive the Batmobile, and putting on a tuxedo. I don't think I would trade mine for anything.
Good luck, take the car for a drive and let us know how good it feels.
Alex

 

As mentioned/asked: Are you looking for this as a weekend cruiser or as a daily driver? If planning regular use, including highway and travel, the 78 is probably not the way to go. For the same money you could get a real nice C4 and a few more bucks an early C5 with a few miles on it.

If however you are looking for a weekend ride and something to take to cruise nights or Sunday Drives, then the 78 Pace is a beautiful thing (In my humble biased opinion).

If you go the 78 route, do your homework though and perhaps get someone familiar with Vettes (local Vette shop or club member) to check it out. Even if you have to pay a buck or so to do it. You may also want to read through the C3 Buying Tips websites posted on www.corvettefaq.com.

I love my 78 and it feels great cruising up the mountains on the weekend with the T-Tops off and the stereo playing some oldies. But it also took some effort and money to get it to where I wanted it.

Bottom line, decide what YOU want and go for it. But be informed when you do. If you talk to Chrome Bumper owners they will tell you to get a Chrome Bumper (68-72) and C5 owners will tell you to get a C5 and C4 owners, well, you get the point. They are all great cars as long as you get the most for your money.

 

Some great insights offered by fellow CF'ers but as Pacin points out, the unique serial number for the Pace Car is what sets it apart from other late model C3s...therefore its value. It's one of 6,502 and the vehicle identification number confirms this. The L82 is about horsepower and if you ever build up a late model motor...the L82 is the one to start with. The L48 is an "economy" 350 motor and therefore the difference tho modest. Four speeds are also desirable along with the Gymkhana suspension (FE7) because so few were produced with these options.

What to look for...rust and leaks! Look for rust underneath especially on the frame rails and up under the radiator. While you're there look for leaks: oil pan, power steering, transmission and brake calipers. Look at the brakes calipers from the back side. Bring a flashlight with...if its leaking, it will probably show it on the backside of the tires. Don't forget to look at rubber suspension bushings...cracked? Missing? Provides some insights to the extent to which the vehicle was maintained. Move to the backend and look at the brake calipers there...and while there check out the differential cover for seepage. Again...check out the rubber bushings which should be easier to see from the backend. Look at shock bushings (and shocks...replaced) and leaf springs bushings.

Actually, $14.5k isn't a bad price but you want to know what work will accompany that price for what you're looking at. Keep us posted and feel free to ask for what you need from us.

 

As everyone says make sure it's not a clone and the numbers for the Pace car are
1Z87L8S900001-1Z87L8S906502
The fifth digit L= L48 (175hp,185hp)
4=L82 (220hp)

Oh yeah I think the Pace cars are

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I was aware of the VIN "9" but in my complete amazement forgot to look for it on the car! The seller is a corvette freak who has about 50 or so in stock scattered around a small town in Indiana . The seller mentioned the typical leaking brake problems but said that this car had stainless brakes (as if the car didn't have the problems???). If I bought the car, it definitely would be a weekend car (maybe drive it 4-5k miles a year).

I'm now trying to cram up on C3 info to become informed. I'll read the corvettefaq site.

The body appears to be in great condition. One of the decals is peeling off though. The interior is in very good condition with the seats still shiny! I like the Batmobile comment because that is very true.