ghoastrider1

Friend of mine has an 84 he wants ro sell me for 2 grand. Its in pretty good shape, better shape that the 86 I now own. Problem is he cant get it started. He has thrown parts at it, I am not sure which ones but know he has replaced the ECM and a tune up. A, do you think its worth it? B, where should I start to look if I do buy it? thanks.

PatternDayTrader

Two grand is pretty cheap. Impossible to say if its worth it. Start by checking for spark and fuel if you do ...

mickey5

What will you do with 2 Vettes? Sell one? would you want a cross fire rather than an L98? Are you good at wrenching? Do you want to make a profit on this deal? Do you have room to store a second car? Do you have the funds to put into the '84?

Just a few thoughts. Good luck.

383vett

Buy it and turn it into a race car. Pull the electronics and use your own motor and tranny.

corvettenorway

just by it

Hot Rod Roy

Does your friend know something about the car that he's afraid to tell you about? $2,000 is a gamble with a non-running car. It may be a major problem that he's not willing to admit.

Basics: Fuel (easy to verify on an '84. Look at the injectors as you crank the engine). Spark (easy to verify). Compression (should be over 125 on all cylinders). Timing. If these are right, the engine will run!

ghoastrider1

He is a pretty good guy and I doubt if he would lie to me. I have known hem for some time.(a few years). He drove it into his driveway one day. never started again. He had been driving it for some time. Yes, I know my way around an engine compartment. No, not looking to make money, why nort have rwo Vettes the same color? I am now retired, widower, have tools and room, no one to bitch about another car AND, engine is sound ( as in no holes inb block, no noise,ecct, just will not start. I know her has installed a new feul pump and filter and I believe coil..not sure what else besides ECM

JungleCat

Too many unknowns. I would try to get it running at least before I would consider it.

mickey5

widow...retired....HAVE FUN!!!

yd328

You would have to diagnose first. Checking spark and fuel is easy. How many miles? If you are familiar with the car that's a plus.

Gary

FOURSPEEDVETTE

Man, for only $2k, running now or not, buy it! You already know the car and its owner and knew it was running. You can use it for parts or create yourself a nice winter project. It may be something simple to fix that you just need to slowly diagnose. $2k is chump change for a Corvette unless the car is a complete basket case. Even without the engine that car may be worth that kind of money.

Mr. Peabody

Heck yea, go for it!! It will make a great second car and..... you can tell us about every single issue and with all the little things that come up we'll all be able to spend several years arguing if it was a good deal or not

QCVette

That is pretty cheap for on that is "in pretty good shape". I would go for it.

Even though it is not running, you know some history on the car since it was running and it is a friend telling you about it.

Like others have said, look for fuel, spark and compression. Those results should point you in the right direction for getting it running.

Good luck.

c4cruiser

Another thing to think about is the condition of the rest of the car once the engine is running. Is the trans and diff in good condition? What condition are the brakes in? Will the cooling system keep the engine at operating temp? Check the passenger side footwell; any signs of moisture or being wet. Steering and suspension: no slop, bushings good or bad, steering rack looks and feels good. Shocks OK?

How is the electrical system? Good battery? Once the engine is running check the voltage output at the alternator.

The purchase price may be reasonable but you could wind up spending another few thousand getting the car "right".

856SPEED

It's in good shape but doesn't run?

It could be a $10K Vette before it's over.......

BTW; did you ever get your hood open on your 86?