1984 Or 1985?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
1984 Or 1985?
So the reason I wanted a Corvette in the first place is the 1984 and now I'm starting to think about getting one to complement 'Grace' ...
What I'm wondering is if I'm absolutely crazy to be locked in on an 84 instead of an 85.
I know the CrossFire in the 84 gives up horses to the TPI in the 85 (I drove an 85 IROC for a while), but I'm willing to accept that - any stock 80s C4 is going to give horses to what we have now (please don't take any offense - we want to keep our Corvettes relatively stock).
:)
The car would be for occasional short to medium range enjoyment driving (I work all the time) and not for show - at least for a while!
Are there major 84-specific issues that make it best-avoided, given the choice to get an 85 instead?
Thanks in advance for your valued insights.
:seeya
[Modified by j3studio, 2:24 PM 8/14/2003]
What I'm wondering is if I'm absolutely crazy to be locked in on an 84 instead of an 85.
I know the CrossFire in the 84 gives up horses to the TPI in the 85 (I drove an 85 IROC for a while), but I'm willing to accept that - any stock 80s C4 is going to give horses to what we have now (please don't take any offense - we want to keep our Corvettes relatively stock).
:)
The car would be for occasional short to medium range enjoyment driving (I work all the time) and not for show - at least for a while!
Are there major 84-specific issues that make it best-avoided, given the choice to get an 85 instead?
Thanks in advance for your valued insights.
:seeya
[Modified by j3studio, 2:24 PM 8/14/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: NM
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
Only real negative that I am aware of is the super stiff suspension on the '84. They sofened that up somewhat for 85, had too many complaints from owners and the press.
tom...
tom...
Instructor
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From: Newport News VA
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
A quick search through aftermarket supply catalogs lists alot of '84 only' parts. this would lead me to believe that some parts are diffrent due to it being the first year (84 owners correct me if I'm wrong). I would get an 85 since it's much the same car with new engine and better performance. 84 will definately be a 'milestone' car no doubt ! It's your call.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: El Paso Texas
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
There are no reliability issues. A properly maintained '84 will be just as reliable as the '85. The crossfire is simple to work on, and requires little maintenance. The aftermarket doesn't support performance items for the 84 like it does for the TPI cars, but if you're wanting to keep it stock, this isn't an issue anyway. Stoplight to stoplight, I've driven both and can't tell much of a performance difference between the 84 and the 85. 1/4 mile is another story.
For just a daily driver or occasional use, either car will give you what you're looking for. Find the nicest car and work the best deal.
For just a daily driver or occasional use, either car will give you what you're looking for. Find the nicest car and work the best deal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Los Angeles Ca
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (9T4YY1)
84's are very dependable. The ride is a little rough though but I like it. If your looking comfort then get a 85, if your looking for a sweet ride and a dependable car then get a 84, as long as you don't plan to mod the car
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: modland CT
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (Tom73)
Only real negative that I am aware of is the super stiff suspension on the '84. They sofened that up somewhat for 85, had too many complaints from owners and the press.
tom...
tom...
Team Owner
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
Horsepower aside, I'd still go with the '85. The softer suspension makes it manageable to drive, and the engine is so damn pretty, second only to the ZR-1. :D The '84 will be hard to keep the squeaks out of. The only main differences between 84 and 85-86E is the intake, computer, and suspension.
If you want to avoid the 4+3 for whatever reason, then get an auto. It would be a fine car for just cruising.
[Modified by CentralCoaster, 12:27 PM 8/14/2003]
If you want to avoid the 4+3 for whatever reason, then get an auto. It would be a fine car for just cruising.
[Modified by CentralCoaster, 12:27 PM 8/14/2003]
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Pro
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Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
The '84 is the best handling Vette to date (with the Z51 suspension). Check this link if you don't believe it--the section, "Corvette Forum thread, "Is the '84 really the best handling Vette?" is about a third of the way down the page: http://www.c4restore.com/factoid.htm
If you're not buying the '84 for it's awesome handling or because it's the first of the C4 generation, figure out what you want in your new Vette. If it's horse power, get something other than the '84. If you want the first of the C4 generation, the best handling Vette to date, and a unique vehicle in several other ways, get the best one...er...the '84!
Check out this link for info about the '84:
Cross-Fire Injection Vault: http://www.crossfire.homeip.net/
If you're not buying the '84 for it's awesome handling or because it's the first of the C4 generation, figure out what you want in your new Vette. If it's horse power, get something other than the '84. If you want the first of the C4 generation, the best handling Vette to date, and a unique vehicle in several other ways, get the best one...er...the '84!
Check out this link for info about the '84:
Cross-Fire Injection Vault: http://www.crossfire.homeip.net/
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
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Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
heres the dillema...
You get a standard 84, it rides rough, get the better handling Z51, and it will kill you...and itself...
Get the faster, more agile 85, get stock suspension, your ride is great, but your handling sucks bad...Get the Z-51, and your the same as an 84...lol
Ive driven an 84, and a regular Susp. 85...The 84 lacks power, sure, it may get through through the turns, but if you cant rapidly accelerate out of them, what have you accomplished??? :confused:
TPI in a camaro is different than the TPI in vette...pretty much goes for the LS1 put in the Firebirds and Camaros more recently. Its a corvette engine, but tuned down drastically!
I wouldnt ever own a Cross Fire engine...sorry to those who own them, but TPI is the shiznit!
You get a standard 84, it rides rough, get the better handling Z51, and it will kill you...and itself...
Get the faster, more agile 85, get stock suspension, your ride is great, but your handling sucks bad...Get the Z-51, and your the same as an 84...lol
Ive driven an 84, and a regular Susp. 85...The 84 lacks power, sure, it may get through through the turns, but if you cant rapidly accelerate out of them, what have you accomplished??? :confused:
TPI in a camaro is different than the TPI in vette...pretty much goes for the LS1 put in the Firebirds and Camaros more recently. Its a corvette engine, but tuned down drastically!
I wouldnt ever own a Cross Fire engine...sorry to those who own them, but TPI is the shiznit!
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
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From: Southeastern Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
I've had the 84 and now an 85. I loved my 84, but when I found the 85 with lower miles and in better condition, for only a little more $, I couldn't pass up the deal. Plus the 84 stayed in the family. Parts availability seems to be a lot better (at least intake stuff) with the 85. Lots of TPI stuff out there. I'd find the one I like the best (best condition, lowest miles, best price, etc.) and be happy with either. That's my $.02. Good luck in whatever you choose!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Henderson NV
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
I bought an '84 new. No brainer, opt for the '85. The cross-fire can be a bitchkitty if it isn't working right. Very limited on what you can do to the engine to boost hp on the '84. :nonod:
Team Owner
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (vetteseniorcit)
As far as parts availability goes... 86 is even better. I don't know about 84, but 85 has it's share of unique parts to that year.
Dash panels, MAF, catalytic converter, smog pump, just to name a few...
I couldn't imagine chasing down parts for the crossfire. Plus, the Corvetteforum will be much more use to you with a TPI setup.
Dash panels, MAF, catalytic converter, smog pump, just to name a few...
I couldn't imagine chasing down parts for the crossfire. Plus, the Corvetteforum will be much more use to you with a TPI setup.
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From: Maryville Tn
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Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
I'm going to be a little biased on this one, since I own a '85. More HP and torque over the '84 and the ride doesn't beat you to death. Plenty of aftermarket parts for the '85. They're both great cars to cruise around in. Drive them both and decide! Enjoy! :D
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: alexandria LA
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
I loved my 85 Z51 it was a fun car to drive. A total BLAST.
84 for a show car and for future value
85 for a driver and to have fun with
The crossfire was a great engine in 82, I will never understand how it went to crap in 2 years. I didn't people just compare forward for the 84 and back from the 82.
Good luck and make the choice that fits you.
84 for a show car and for future value
85 for a driver and to have fun with
The crossfire was a great engine in 82, I will never understand how it went to crap in 2 years. I didn't people just compare forward for the 84 and back from the 82.
Good luck and make the choice that fits you.
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From: Kingman AZ
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Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
Ron Kane in Springfield IL has a good reputation with getting the most out of a crossfire. I don't have his card right in front of me now but I think it is http://www.kaneautomotive.com If that doesn't work then try a Google search to find his site. He has many customers who make an appointment then drive to his shop, get a rental car to see the sights and then pick up the Vette to drive home a couple of days later. He is a Bloomington Gold C4 instructor and I have met several folks who drive hundreds of miles to get him to work on their C4s. Ron states that the 84 is the best bargain out there right now. By the way, I've been around long enough to see old Vettes that were considered dogs turn into gold. Examples: A friend sold a 58 for $750 in 1968. I sold a 65 for $2,500 the same year. At one time you could not give a a 54 away and as time went by the same could be said for the 70-73. Now the 74-82 prices have taken a dive along with the 84. Now is the time to buy them as they can only go up in value! ;)
Pro
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From: decatur il
Re: 1984 Or 1985? (j3studio)
bought my 84 in april 1983, still have it. 104k miles z51 and all. have had lots of fun and still believe it is as close to a f-1 car as you'll ever get for those dollars. going for survivor and gold certificate for sure. benchmark ? maybe. they all look like restored cars rather than a car that has miles on them.
you might want to hold on to the nice clean ones, they seem to be going fast and that may mean that the vzlue may go up. regardless they will still be sharp looking. :flag
you might want to hold on to the nice clean ones, they seem to be going fast and that may mean that the vzlue may go up. regardless they will still be sharp looking. :flag