Woooohooo!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 499
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Woooohooo!
Found out my first car is going to be either a 84 Vette or a 87 Vette . My father found an 84 for $3500 and a 87 for $2500 and told me he is buying me one of them for my christmas present. We don't have all the information about the cars but we do know the 84 will start and run, and the 87 might have a cracked engine block. I am only 14 now and we have plenty of time to fix one of them up (we plan on buying the car around January 1st and taking it to be painted the same day, then to a friend of my father's to do the interior work.) So which would be a better buy, an 84 that runs for $3500 or an 87 that might have a cracked engine block for $2500?
Thanks in advance, Mike
Thanks in advance, Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
Of it depends on the options, mileage, condition and features. Remember restoring a Corvette isn't an inexpensive proposition.
Remember that the '84 has a very early computer and has a Cross Fire motor; the '87 has the faster compter and sports a TPI engine.
Generally, of those two choices, I'd vote for the '87. You or your Dad pick up a copy of the Corvette Black Book. It provides needed data on all years of Corvette so that you can make an informed decision.
Remember that the '84 has a very early computer and has a Cross Fire motor; the '87 has the faster compter and sports a TPI engine.
Generally, of those two choices, I'd vote for the '87. You or your Dad pick up a copy of the Corvette Black Book. It provides needed data on all years of Corvette so that you can make an informed decision.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
Always buy the BEST car you can for the money you have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: Woooohooo! (Mikes80L48)
I would choose the '87. The '84 will be hard to find parts for; the '87 will be (relatively) easier.
IMHO, painting it before doing the motor work is putting the horse before the wagon...
...I'd get it running nice and steady; leak-free; all systems (including AC) working; brakes *new*; tires *new*; belts & hoses *new*; repack all wheel bearings; 4-whl alignment; oil change in trans...
...*Then* the paint and leatherwork...
...But that's just me... :crazy:
IMHO, painting it before doing the motor work is putting the horse before the wagon...
...I'd get it running nice and steady; leak-free; all systems (including AC) working; brakes *new*; tires *new*; belts & hoses *new*; repack all wheel bearings; 4-whl alignment; oil change in trans...
...*Then* the paint and leatherwork...
...But that's just me... :crazy:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 0
From: Warrick County IN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
Re: Woooohooo! (Rich B.)
I concur with Rich B. about the paint and leather. You always stand a chance to mess the paint up taking out and putting back in the motor. The interior stands a chance to get some grease in it also.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Green Bay WI
Re: Woooohooo! (Vic'89)
I agree with the above, 87 car. Always mechanicals first, make sure you have a solid car, then cosmetics! Your dad sounds like a great guy, it will be a fun project, just make sure to take a break from it now & then to stay sane! :cheers:
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: La Fontaine Indiana
Re: Woooohooo! (Cliff Coppens)
I would buy the 87 it is the more desirable of the two besides the 84 may need engine work put new engine in the 87 and you know what you got. 84 don't have much resale value they ride really hard the 1000 dollars less for the 87 will go a long way towards another engine. Sounds like you have a cool dad wish mine would have bought me a vette but I couldn't even talk him into a new bicycle. :cool:
