Ok, I am new here and have yet to get my frist Vette. I plan on getting one soon but I have a couple questions first.

1. What is a Opti? I have seen this mentioned a few times when talking about working on a Vette. While I have rebuilt a motor or two in the past (pre 85 cars) this is a new term to me.

2. What is a Shark?

I am in the Dallas area and looking for my fist Vette as a hobby car. I do not want to drop a bunch of money into it becuase I am getting it to work on. I like the looks of the C4s but I also like the classic looks of the older vettes (C3s). I don't mind a car with excessive miles becuase I want to replace the motor. I also don't mind bad paint as I don't have a problem laying down a few layers of paint. I do however want it to be running when I get it so I have a good starting point.

I did find a guy in Houston with an 89 for sale and he only wants $5,500.00 for it. It has over 200K on the car so I know that will bring the price down. However would it bring it down that much?

Does anyone else have something in this price range that is in the Dallas area? Yeah, I know.. I should get something better and not sink money into a cheaper car. However, I am getting a car like this for 3 reasons.

1. I want a hobby car and I want to work on it.

2. I will not have to sink in all the money right at first.

3. I have a 400, 350, and a 305 setting in the garage waiting to be rebuilt and put into something. (Depeding on the car I may just rebuild the motor that is in it.)


Tim Sapp
Dallas\Carrollton Texas

 

First of all, welcome to Corvette Forum! You'll find INSANE amounts of info here as you get further into the obsession...

1) The "Opti" is short for OptiSpark, which is the distributor GM used on the LT1/4 cars. Anything 91 and earlier, and you won't have to worry about it.

2) Shark? Ummm...older 'Vette design, I guess?

As for the 200k mi. car in your area, I think you can do much better for around the same money. That's not to say that the car isn't worth taking a look at, but there are so many other things to consider with a car of both that age and mileage *aside* from the motor (interior, suspension components, weatherstripping, etc., etc., etc.). You'll be in a better overall starting position going with something a little newer or with fewer miles. The general rule of thumb around these parts is to buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford.

Best of luck in your search, and again - WELCOME!

 

Welcome to the forums, lots of help here.

 

Welcome to the Forum.

The term Shark was applied the Vettes after the Sting Ray, and I believe through the C3s. I've heard that term even applied to C4s but not sure it that is accurate usage.

An '89 Vette would be a good choice: it has an improved L98 yet still has the MAF intake, it is the last year to have the controversial digi-dash, it is the first year for standad 17" wheels and the last year of the tele steering wheel (last year w/o air bag) and has improved steering which began in '88.

According to the pricing guide in May, 2004 Vette magazine, pricing on an '89 coupe with an A4 based on condition is:
$16k - excellent
$12.5k - good
$9k -average

If you look at that '89 check out tires ($900 to replace), interior ($1000 seats, $400 carpet), paint ($$), frame condition, engine & A4 leaks, operation of all accessories.

Though you can handle all the above issues maybe you can use some to get the price a little lower.

You might check out Vettes in "Corvette & Chevy Trader". Some times you can find a "project car" that has a fair body but needs engine and/or tranny.

Good luck with your search.

 

Welcome..... I would build the 400 Block. The cooling jackets are much better but remember that the heads have to match the block cooling ports. I would shop around for a vette at the right price. In my opinion...I would stay with the C4. You can do almost anything with a C4... Autocross, drag race, what ever you want with little money.

 

Welcome to the Forum.. You'll get as much info as you need is all phases of vette ownership. From buying to maintance.

 

Welcome. I don't know the market for vettes in your area-but that sounds a little high for the mileage-except if it's in good to great shape-tires, naw, around $500. I think Shark had something to do with the term MAKO SHARK-and I do believe it was more a term used for C3s. While I certainly prefer the C4 over a C3, I believe if you want a power machine, there's probably more available with the earlier carbed cars, for the $. Hope I don't get flamed over that comment. Good luck.

 

Ok a quote from an earlier message...

"an '89 coupe with an A4"

Whats an A4?


Tim

 

A4 is C4-speak for "four speed automatic transmission"
You'll also see M6 (manual, 6-speed) and M4+3(manual, 4-speed with overdrive on the top 3 gears)

$16k - excellent
$12.5k - good
$9k -average

...sounds juuuuuust a little high, to me. (If you are the buyer. If you are the seller, it's juuuuust right!)

Welcome to the world of Corvettes.

The chassis of the C4 is so far advanced from the C3 that, for your purposes, the C4 would be far and away the best choice.

Larry

 

A4 = Automatic Tranny (4-spd)

You'll see manual trannies described as M6, ZF6, or (for the older C4s) 4+3.