85 vs. 87 Corvette: model differences?
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85 vs. 87 Corvette: model differences?
Looking at an '85 and '87 Vette: both are same color, auto, with about the same miles. Are there model year differences I need to consider in choosing which to buy? Thanks for your advice!
Corvette Enthusiast
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From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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vettes.
I have always thought on the C4 its always best to get the newest year possible when selecting. I know there are some different components to do with electrical such as maf relays .
Hey ALL vettes are good. Never seen a vette I didnt like.
Corvette Mike
Hey ALL vettes are good. Never seen a vette I didnt like.
Corvette Mike
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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85 does not have:
Vats security system
abs
aluminum head
Some think that makes the 85 the better car, as it is simpler, and others feel the opposite is true.
87 has a better auto trans.
87 has a hydraulic roller cam, which most agree is a better arrangement.
Vats security system
abs
aluminum head
Some think that makes the 85 the better car, as it is simpler, and others feel the opposite is true.
87 has a better auto trans.
87 has a hydraulic roller cam, which most agree is a better arrangement.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
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between the 2 I would say 87, but if you are in the market wait for an lt1 to come up or later l98 that is modded!!! just my opinion,but you will get the bug so you should just wait before you in some way regret not getting an lt1 right away or screw around finding parts and asking info how to do l98. you won't regret waiting for an lt1 it is a much better base car to start with IMHO!! good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Vero Beach Florida
I have a 87 which I think is a better over all car a little more HP aluminum heads vats on a 87 I believe is a non issue so are the ABS. There are a few things on a 85 which are 85 only which makes them harder to find but buy the best one over all condition is the major reason.
CF JASOC Member
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I can take or leave the VATS. Mine has always worked flawlessly, but now that I've said this out-loud...
Don't discount having ABS. It has come in very handy on at least 3 occassions for me. I grew up in the pump-your-brakes era, but I'm just saying...
Technology is great when it's working right.
Don't discount having ABS. It has come in very handy on at least 3 occassions for me. I grew up in the pump-your-brakes era, but I'm just saying...
Technology is great when it's working right.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: The Old Dominion
Though I'd prefer ABS. Also the '87 has a center high-mounted brake light, and the wheels are grey in the center vs black. And I believe the steering wheel is thicker on the '87. But the big diffs were as listed, roller cam, alum heads, ABS.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
If it was me, I would get the 85. It's older, so it will rise in value quicker, and it's the first year of the L98. VATS I could live without myself.. but I don't live in a "bad" neighborhood. The ECM sounds like the only big deal, but PCM4less should help that out.
Check out both cars and see which is in better condition.
Check out both cars and see which is in better condition.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 213
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From: Lake Forest CA
Check out this link: http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1993.php You can view detailed info on all years and model corvettes.
