I saw the official introduction forum, but I wanted to introduce myself here and talk about my Corvette dream, since it is a C4 dream.

Like many here I am sure, I grew up in love with Corvettes. My dad worked for GM in the Flint area, so GM was in our blood and in my young eyes, the Corvette was the king of GM cars. My all time favorite is a 74-76 C3, but I am not sure I have the desire to put in the work to restore one of those, and I am just not that rich to afford to pay for a restored car.

I am currently separated from my family (military) until the end of the year, and my son, who is 12, and I are talking about having a car to work on together. We have decided (mostly me, but he agrees) on buying a 1985 that needs some TLC and make it our father and son project.

My reason for this long introduction is to put forth my thoughts for deciding on an '85 and see if I have missed any important thoughts. I decided on a C4, mostly because there seem to be some good bargains to be found in them and, as I mentioned, I am not exactly rich. I decided on an '85 because I wanted a TPI engine, but with iron heads. I believe that I am correct that this is the only year where I can find that combination. The ultimate goal, besides a father & son bonding project, is to make it as new as we reasonably can and maybe try for a respectible NCRS score. But mostly something we can drive, because I want those memories for later in life. When I get to old to keep her up, it will be his. That is my dream.

So, what might I be missing by selecting the '85?

 

I think the 85 is a nice car, almost bought one myself. Not sure of your situation financially so just search for the best car you can afford. They are all fun to own, good luck and keep in touch.

 

Buy the best car you can afford and there will still be plenty to do, restoring these cars is very expensive, you will have to endure the well known corvette tax and welcome to the nuthouse.

 

It sounds like a great project, and for the best reasons of all. Best of luck with it, and please accept my gratitude for your service to our country.
Btw, I think the 85 is a nice choice.

 

Try to find one with the Z51 Suspension RPO

 

Most of the 86 coupes came with iron heads also.
I have heard many times that the 85 is much easier to work on as there are fewer electronics to deal with.
You might consider an 88-91 C4 too as they were still equipped with the TPI intake and have the larger 17" wheels. Many folks like to use aftermarket wheels on their C4s and there are more choices out there for this rim size. But, there are always the wheel spacer route that you can use for the earlier C4s along with some of the aftermarket sellers who will supply some wheels with the correct backspacing so you do not need spacers.
Using 17" rims also allows you a broader range of tires.
Remember that there is a nice recycle yard market out there that can allow you to "cruise with used" when you start fixing up your C4.
Welcome from a Vietnam and Desert Storm vet and Vette owner!
Here is my baby. A 91 coupe in Steel Blue Metallic. They have the newer body style and interior and can be found for under $7,000.
I installed wheels from a 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette. 17" front and 18" rear. It needs some TLC but that is what makes it fun!

 

First off let me thank you for serving our country. Secondly this is great that you are keeping up the father/son project car tradition. I unfortunately haven't ever lived around my dad for that long of a period, but will soon and luckily we already have some projects of our own lined up.

 

Welcome to the (dysfunctional) family

Sounds like a fun father/son project. If you do your own wrenching, an early C4 can be kept running for decades for a reasonable amount of money. It's the interior and paint that can get pricey on these. That said, find the nicest car you can, not necessarily lowest miles. I'd rather start with a car with nice paint/interior and bad drivetrain than vice versa.

Thanks for your service to this wonderful country and welcome aboard. Post pics when you find the car

 

Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome. I send a warm welcome in return. My warmth is due mainly to the fact that it is 117 degrees today, can't wait for August...


I do my own wrenching, I am a pretty decent shade tree mechanic. I've rebuilt a few engines in my time and I am pretty familiar with the small block Chevys. My first engine I built was a 4 bolt 400.

I am of the same opinion about condition, I almost prefer to rebuild the engine since I know where I stand with it. I'll likely look for one with minor mechanical issues and the body/interior in good shape rather than the opposite.

Thank you again for all of the encouraging words and support, they mean alot. I'll make sure I post pictures when we get it.

 

Welcome aboard

If you want iron heads, get an early 86.
85 had a goofy MAF module that is hard to find, had problems with the overdrive, doesn't have ABS brakes and has a slower computer.

Why would you want iron heads ?

 

I have nothing to add but Welcome, and I think a Father Son project is great. It's not about the car, it's about the memories.

 

I may be old school (and wrong), but I have this recollection of head gasket issues with the early iron block/aluminum head motors. I am also not sure I really want ABS, the cars I've had and wanted to wrench on don't have it, could be it intimidates me. I know each year has pluses and minuses, but I am thinking of including the early year '86s in the search.

Thank you for the additional information.

 

TYVM. He's a great kid, loves his mom and has a big heart. Misses his dad. My driving compulsion is I know that another absence is a matter of when, not if.

It is what we do, rgr?

 

Thanks for watching over the place!