Just looked at a C4 Z51 for sale. 1984 with engine mod. Guy put a radical sb 450 horse motor in and cut the hood for clearance and put a hood scoop on it.
Bad news.Car has dirt everywhere. I wish I had a power washer with me because the areas I "spit" cleaned looked O.K. The car has sat 6 years. Here are the problems. Targa top cracked. It is missing both corners of the acrylic, about 3" moons missing. Hood scoop needs to be cut off. Because of the cracks in the targa water has rained into the interior leaving it musty and slightly rusty. Underside has surface rust but not bad. Car looks like it has sat outside through leaves, rain, snow etc. I put a wrench on the motor and it turns over. All the plug wires are pulled and sitting in the engine compartment. Tank had gas in it and did not smell varnished. (but it could be) Holley carb is dry from sitting but I have rebuilt them before. All body parts look good. Drivers door hinge is a little loose. Center console glove box door is trashed. Inside door panels need replaced.
OK Let's say the engine is not shelled and I can get it running and the rest of the drive train is o.k. Is the car worth 2500? I can do all the work myself but I have a 2 toys already a 67 Camaro and a 678 C3 with 27k on it. Am I in for a tough restore? What major problems can I run into specific to a 1984? All of the old crossram wiring is still in the car. Can I remove it easily? Can I get a hood reasonable? Help me out guys I think I'm avout ready to pull the trigger. Thanks Dave

 

2500 isnt bad, but that car is going to need $$$$$$. You will spend a fortune on that car! C4s and really any vette, is very expensive to fix up

 

2500 for any car = junk

rule of thumb...if any year vette is under 10k bucks it's either junk or a steal that goes for again....ANY YEAR.

 

I would pass. There are plenty of `84s out there.

 

I would pass.

 

I paid top dollar for my 68 vette and I've owned the camaro since 1970. I thought I might buy the 84 for the motor and part out the car if the rest of the drive train was bad. Lets say the motor is worth 500. Can I get 2000 out of the shell or part it out for as much?
Here are the specs on the drive train.....
Original 350 block was bored .030 over (355 cid)
4bbl Holley 750 CFM Dual Feed Vacuum Operated Secondary tuned to the engine.
Edelbrock Torker II intake manifold
Mallory Racing Dual Point Distributor (blue printed and dynoed to 8000rpms, spark curve tuned to the camshaft) used only has a crank trigger for the
Crane HI 6 (captive discharge multi-spark below 3000rpms) spark control system that heads up an
Accel 40,000 volt coil
Mallory High Performance/Racing 8mm sparkplug wires
Chevy 70cc HP heads
2.02x1.68 valves, extrusion ported and fitted with .550 high performance springs
Purple Racing Cam (.510x.530 in/ex 310* duration w/106* split centerlines)
Crane Roller tipped rockers
Rhodes Lifters (bleed down for use with vacuum brakes)
Factory Corvette Forged Rods connected to
.250 popup high silicone pistons (with these heads comes to 10.5 compression and runs on 91octane pump gas)
Factory Corvette Forged Crank turned .010 undersized and micro polished
Mildon High Volume Oil Pump
The Transmission:
The original 700R4 was rebuilt with all new B&M High Performance parts including reprogrammed value body. Shifts strong and hits hard!! Has 5800rpm street governor installed for better street driving. Chevy High Performance 1600rpm lockup stall converter.
Factory Posi IRS with factory 2.73 gears no real need for deep gears when using the 700r4 and its steep 1st gear. With the 3.06 1st geared 700r4 it acts like a car with 4.11 gears off the line and with the overdrive was getting 23+ MPG on the highway!

 

Ok, so if its over 10k bucks it's either immaculate or a rip-off? For any year?

 

I guess I got a steal

 

Well, I tell ya I could go look at this vette for 2500 and I think it's safe to say I wouldn't be pleased with the cond. of it.

you can't hardly buy a decent little dd honda for 2500 much less a corvette thats nice....

 

This car is not even close to nice.
I have a 1968 C3 with 27k miles..... I know what's nice.
What I was asking.... if the car is all there and it takes very little to get it running is it worth it? is it worth 1000? is it worth 1500?
I might like to bring this car back from the dead.

 

1984 was the second highest year for Corvette production, so there are still a lot of them out there. The `84s also have a bad reputation (engine & suspension) that discourages most buyers. So if you want one, you can get them for a good low price.

I recently sold an `84 in 4 out of 5 star condition with 43k on it for $8,000.

You could put A LOT of money into the one you described. Truthfully, its is difficult to determine a Corvettes exact value without seeing it in person.

BTW, wildman378, a lot my responses to you are just wise-azz sarcastic jokes, all in fun. I didn't want you to think I was actually being a jerk to you.

 

I'll open by saying that I miss my 84.

Now, they can be money pits. I could not find anyone to paint my 84 for less than $4000. When I figured what I had already spent on repairs plus purchase price, I realized that I would never get my money back and sold the car.

If I had it to do over again, I'd just drive it the way it was. My point is if you have the money to play with...have fun and get it! They are indeed a one of a kind...especially the Z51

Good luck on your decision,
Chris

 

Oh I know

 

Not to change the subject but I bought my 92 Lt1 Z51, AWESOME car, 6 speed 100K for 9K. I think it was an awesome deal though. NEEDS NOTHING. Even has the glass targa, and sport seats

 

Sounds like a motor put together YEARS ago from the description of the outdated parts used. 2500 sounds cheap, but I would definitely pass. That car will need everything. Spend another couple G and get a clean one that's not bastardized. You'll thank yourself later. Good Luck

 

What he said!

 

Well along with other things your car needs paint BAD.

 

 

Just reread the post. Doubt if that motor makes 350 hp.

 

Offer him a grand, if he takes it then piece the car out, use the money to buy one in much better shape. This poor car has outlived it's usefulness. Otherwise walk away, there's no way this car is worth $2,500.