85 Corvette Good bad?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 4
From: Heidelberg PA
Cruise-In V Veteran
It is a Maff car not speed density.
Expect the normal problems with a 20 year old car.
Tune up -
Burning oil - walk away
Auto vs stick(4+3)
Iron heads
Forged pistons
I would not pay more than 5000
Expect the normal problems with a 20 year old car.
Tune up -
Burning oil - walk away
Auto vs stick(4+3)
Iron heads
Forged pistons
I would not pay more than 5000
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
I love my '85.
100,000 is a lot of miles, that would be you're greatest concern.
I dont think there is anything major to look out for on an '85, except to make absolutely sure the digital cluster works. The Cast Iron L98 in them are pretty strong and durable. Some cheap mods will let you keep up with the newer LTx series.
100,000 is a lot of miles, that would be you're greatest concern.
I dont think there is anything major to look out for on an '85, except to make absolutely sure the digital cluster works. The Cast Iron L98 in them are pretty strong and durable. Some cheap mods will let you keep up with the newer LTx series.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
The biggest problem with the 1985 is that it isn't a 1986. The biggest problem with the 1986 is that is isn't a 1987. The best Corvette is the one they will build "next year". The problem with next year, is that like tomorrow, it will never get here. If you like the car and it suits your purposes, go for it. Each and every year, and car for that matter, has it's own quirks and personalities.
That 20 year old car has been driven an average of 5,000 miles per year. That doesn't sound excessive to me.
RACE ON!!!
That 20 year old car has been driven an average of 5,000 miles per year. That doesn't sound excessive to me.
RACE ON!!!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Ironically, I just bought a black 1985 this weekend. It is my first Vette. It has 105,000 miles on it. Overall it is in pretty good shape. Being an Arizona/Nevada car I had the usual interior deterioration problems to worry about. Also, like everyone says, the L98 engine may be starting to burn a little oil when it gets older. On my engine, the valve cover gaskets were completely dried out and seeping oil on to the headers, so you may want to look for this as a bargaining tool when buying the vehicle. Valve cover gaskets are cheap though ($15-$20).
I specifically picked 1985 since I love the TPI L98 engine, and the older Vettes are certainly affordable. I paid under $3000 including the cost of shipping!!!
Daniel
I specifically picked 1985 since I love the TPI L98 engine, and the older Vettes are certainly affordable. I paid under $3000 including the cost of shipping!!!
Daniel
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
For vanilla C4s buy the newest nicest one you can afford. Special models are a little different, however, C4s were evolutionary with many minor and a couple of major annual changes. Many love the early C4s me I don't like the early interior, but don't buy the first vette you see without looking at a few others. C4s are plentiful so condition should be your guide for example interior work is expension, ie replacement seat covers are big money and weather stripping costs can add up fast, so choose wisely.
Life is too short to drive an ugly car.
Good luck.
MIke
Life is too short to drive an ugly car.
Good luck.
MIke
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 377
Likes: 10
From: Chicago IL
I have had an 85 z51 for quite some time now. As mentioned above expect things to leak if gaskets (especially intake, water pump and valve covers) haven't been changed recently. Remember it is a 20+ year old car, so things on any car of this age are going to go eventually. The good news is that my antilock brakes, airbags, adjustable suspension, optispark, digital temperature control and third brake light will never break because I don't have any of those things.
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Brett Foote
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: Gansevoort NY
Originally Posted by viii
The good news is that my antilock brakes, airbags, adjustable suspension, optispark, digital temperature control and third brake light will never break because I don't have any of those things.
With everything but third brake light. My 85 had one. That is one of the reason I stayed with an 85 when I bought mine. Less computer controlled stuff to go bad. 85 121k on mine. Like others have mentioned its 20 years old. BUT that doesnt mean that it has to drive like a 20 year old car. Try to find one that has had less than 2 owners other than yourself. Ask for the service info from the prior owner. Ask who did the service and look for documentation. Then when you finally choose a Vette assume nothing was done to it and Tune her up with a good base tune.
Goodluck it will be worth the wait.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 1
From: sd
I love my 85. 39K on her when I bought her and in beautiful shape now with 57K. You'll enjoy it for what it is....a Corvette. Every year has its quirks but for me I wanted an 85. Stick with the forum and you'll find out all sorts of information and helpful tips.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
85 is the only year that came with forged pistons. I'd buy it as long as it has good compression, passes a leakdown, and if an A4. 5 grand? There's a 29,000 mile 85 here in the papers selling for 9K.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Salem Oregon
I bought my 85 for 4000, redid the bushings front and back and put another 50 thousand on it. It is a great car, but like any older car, you have to stay on top of things. I have a 78 also, so let me tell you, I know about staying on top of problems that come up.
