Should I keep it stock?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
Leave it as if possible - My 2 Cents
Hello,
As a 10 year + owner of an all stock '87 convertible, may I add my 2 cents.
"I have a near perfect condition 1987 corvette convertible DRM with 12,300 miles on it. I bought it for 13,000 and intend to sell it someday for close to that or more. I was wondering if putting exhaust on it or other modifications like tires etc. Would affect the price much. Exhaust sounds so good it's hard to resist. Is the car worth more if it is completely original and stock?"
Since it is near perfect, I would suggest resisting the temptation to do any major modifications. It will impact future value. It is already close to 25 years old which makes it desirable to collectors or those seeking out Corvettes that will hold their value because of its low mileage and original superb condition. Each significant mod will detract from its desirability to future buyers of this type of car.
If you do an exhaust, I would suggest a Corsa cat back and to keep the original pieces. The Corsa cat back eliminates the annoying resonance at certain RPM's, but is expensive. I live with the 1600 - 1800 RPM resonance and downshift to a lower gear to eliminate this nuisance. Future prospective buyers will not pay an additional amount because of it. Most will deduct. I know this because I have had great success marketing and then selling Corvettes like yours for top dollar. I know these buyers very well too and they are very selective in parting with their hard earned dollars. The last three years have seen a depressed market though and those with similar Corvettes as yours have had a hard time finding qualified buyers. Ask the C1 & C2 guys which have had a real hard time getting what they desire.
As others said, it is your car. Do as you please. Just understand that this action will have financial consequences. If this is what you want to do, you may be better served to part with this particular C4 and buy one that has the mods you desire. You will discover that these Corvettes are bargains when factoring the losses the current owners sustain when the mods cost them dearly. You should be able to get $13,000 for your too. Just be patient and market it properly.
One final personal story. I bought my first Corvette, a 1966 model, in 1977. It was mostly stock and I kept it that way. When I sold it, I received 50% more than I paid for it in 1980. It was the beginning of the C2 rise in prices. If I told you what it recently sold for, you would be shocked. The past owner suffered from cancer and let it sit for 8 years. It needed a complete restoration from top to bottom. Not cheap. But it was stock and original and the new buyer paid dearly for this. In 10 years C4's like yours will be rare. Less 1987 Corvette convertibles were produced than in 1966. And the 1987's will go up in price, although probably not like earlier models. Collectors buy originals and the rarer models.
You made a smart buy on yours by the way!
Best of luck,
John
PS You may need to consider replacing the fuel injectors and the intake manifold gasket in the future. I have done so and the new fuel injectors made my C4 run so much smoother than the old ones. The intake gasket is a known flaw and if you notice antifreeze on the rear of the motor on the passenger side, it is time to replace it. I f no leak, leave it be. Other than those two actions, I have done mostly maintenance activities. (A new fabric convertible top which is expected after 20 years.)
As a 10 year + owner of an all stock '87 convertible, may I add my 2 cents.
"I have a near perfect condition 1987 corvette convertible DRM with 12,300 miles on it. I bought it for 13,000 and intend to sell it someday for close to that or more. I was wondering if putting exhaust on it or other modifications like tires etc. Would affect the price much. Exhaust sounds so good it's hard to resist. Is the car worth more if it is completely original and stock?"
Since it is near perfect, I would suggest resisting the temptation to do any major modifications. It will impact future value. It is already close to 25 years old which makes it desirable to collectors or those seeking out Corvettes that will hold their value because of its low mileage and original superb condition. Each significant mod will detract from its desirability to future buyers of this type of car.
If you do an exhaust, I would suggest a Corsa cat back and to keep the original pieces. The Corsa cat back eliminates the annoying resonance at certain RPM's, but is expensive. I live with the 1600 - 1800 RPM resonance and downshift to a lower gear to eliminate this nuisance. Future prospective buyers will not pay an additional amount because of it. Most will deduct. I know this because I have had great success marketing and then selling Corvettes like yours for top dollar. I know these buyers very well too and they are very selective in parting with their hard earned dollars. The last three years have seen a depressed market though and those with similar Corvettes as yours have had a hard time finding qualified buyers. Ask the C1 & C2 guys which have had a real hard time getting what they desire.
As others said, it is your car. Do as you please. Just understand that this action will have financial consequences. If this is what you want to do, you may be better served to part with this particular C4 and buy one that has the mods you desire. You will discover that these Corvettes are bargains when factoring the losses the current owners sustain when the mods cost them dearly. You should be able to get $13,000 for your too. Just be patient and market it properly.
One final personal story. I bought my first Corvette, a 1966 model, in 1977. It was mostly stock and I kept it that way. When I sold it, I received 50% more than I paid for it in 1980. It was the beginning of the C2 rise in prices. If I told you what it recently sold for, you would be shocked. The past owner suffered from cancer and let it sit for 8 years. It needed a complete restoration from top to bottom. Not cheap. But it was stock and original and the new buyer paid dearly for this. In 10 years C4's like yours will be rare. Less 1987 Corvette convertibles were produced than in 1966. And the 1987's will go up in price, although probably not like earlier models. Collectors buy originals and the rarer models.
You made a smart buy on yours by the way!
Best of luck,
John
PS You may need to consider replacing the fuel injectors and the intake manifold gasket in the future. I have done so and the new fuel injectors made my C4 run so much smoother than the old ones. The intake gasket is a known flaw and if you notice antifreeze on the rear of the motor on the passenger side, it is time to replace it. I f no leak, leave it be. Other than those two actions, I have done mostly maintenance activities. (A new fabric convertible top which is expected after 20 years.)
Last edited by silverja; Jun 27, 2011 at 09:54 AM.
