Woooohooo!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
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Woooohooo!
Found out my first car is going to be either a 84 Vette or a 87 Vette :eek: . My father found an 84 for $3500 and a 87 for $2500 and told me he is buying me one of them for my christmas present. We don't have all the information about the cars but we do know the 84 will start and run, and the 87 might have a cracked engine block. I am only 14 now and we have plenty of time to fix one of them up (we plan on buying the car around January 1st and taking it to be painted the same day, then to a friend of my father's to do the interior work.) So which would be a better buy, an 84 that runs for $3500 or an 87 that might have a cracked engine block for $2500?
[Modified by Mikes80L48, 10:35 PM 12/1/2001]
[Modified by Mikes80L48, 10:35 PM 12/1/2001]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Wichita, KS, USA Vote John McCain in 2008 God=Santa Claus 4 adults
Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
You should post this in the technical section too. I don't know but I'm going to guess that people are going to say the '87. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Kennewick, Wa. USA
Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
Welcome to the wonderful world of Corvettes! If the choice were mine I'd go with the 87. Either car is obviously going to need lots of work! If you start with the 84, your starting with a Crossfire engine. With the 87 you'll at least start with a TPI engine and I think you'll be much happier with the TPI set up.
Also, Chevy made lots of upgrades to the engine, interior, and suspension by 87 so you'll have the advantage of those also!
Either way, good luck and have fun! :cheers:
Also, Chevy made lots of upgrades to the engine, interior, and suspension by 87 so you'll have the advantage of those also!
Either way, good luck and have fun! :cheers:
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Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
the '87 would be a better car in the long run, in my opinion. Roller cam, better ECM, TPI, ABS... you're gonna have to spend money on either one, might as well get the newer one!
Congrats and good luck!
Congrats and good luck!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
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Re: Woooohooo! (96VegasVette)
I'll tell you my answer after you tell me whose flipping the repair bills. :D
My dad is paying the repair bills. The deal is I pay insurance and gas for it and he buys the car.
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Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
If you just want to go fast in a straight line, get the '87. If you want to go almost as fast in a straight line but like to go around fast curves too, get the '84 (if it's a Z51 model). Interior can be a high priced fix. Don't let the crossfire scare you - it's simpler than TPI and can be easily made just as fast if not faster. TPI is a good solid proven performer though. A cracked block may only set you back a few hunderd bucks if you do the work yourself and plan on rebuilding anyway, but you know that you won't ever have a numbers-matching car if you replace the block. The '84 would be a better choice in this instance, if it's the original engine and you care.
Bottom line, I would go with the one that would cost the least to get fixed up.
Good luck!
Bottom line, I would go with the one that would cost the least to get fixed up.
Good luck!
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Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
...ummmmm.....think yer Dad might be interested in adopting another son? I'm quiet, housebroke (for the most part) and don't eat much... :jester
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Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
Congratulations on the knowledge of your Corvette for Christmas. I think that the '87 would probably be the better choice due to its better suspension and TPI. I want to just commend your dad for a great gift and a even better comittment to you. Enjoy the times you and your dad spend building a personal vette for you. Not only will you have one of the best cars ever made in America, you will also have a lifetime of memories with him. Some of the best times of my life were spent with my dad building cars and motorcycles. Although, never a vette. He has been gone for almost 18 years now, but I still remember those days wrenching together as if it was yesterday. Oh well, enough of the sappy stuff, good luck on which ever year choice you make. :flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
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Re: Woooohooo! (fdcaptain)
That is a nice sentiment.
I'm 37 now and am sad to say I don't have any happy memories of my father. Well maybe one when I was 3 :) Mikes80L48 enjoy and appreciate the bonding!
[Modified by Jay Axson, 10:42 PM 12/2/2001]
I'm 37 now and am sad to say I don't have any happy memories of my father. Well maybe one when I was 3 :) Mikes80L48 enjoy and appreciate the bonding!
Not only will you have one of the best cars ever made in America, you will also have a lifetime of memories with him. Some of the best times of my life were spent with my dad building cars and motorcycles. Although, never a vette. He has been gone for almost 18 years now, but I still remember those days wrenching together as if it was yesterday. Oh well, enough of the sappy stuff, good luck on which ever year choice you make. :flag
[Modified by Jay Axson, 10:42 PM 12/2/2001]