Good Morning CF,

I have had an interesting scenario pop-up, which I am seriously considering but would like some opinions... Keep in mind that I do already own a 1997 Coupe.

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1984 Corvette which has a C5 Conversion Kit, though it falls short of looking exactly like a C5, it does get pretty close. What disappoints most is the interior, it is still all stock C4 style (which I am not too fond of), digital gauges, square dash/console, C4 seats, etc.

The car owner does not know exactly what he has, he claims it is a 454 (but I highly doubt that), my guess is probably a L83 Crossfire Fuel Injection. But anyhow, car is not perfect; he says when it sits for a while it takes some cranking to get it started, but once it starts it runs reasonable. The owner was told it has a hard time starting because of ground issues and not getting enough voltage. Not so sure I'm convinced on this...

Body is in good shape, however, someone buffed the paint and burned-through in some spots, looks good from afar but up close you can see imperfections. The headliner has been recovered and he is having the seats done; tires are in o.k. shape and has C5Z wheels gray w/ chrome lip. I gather the car is not perfect and I don't expect it to be, as I can purchase for only $4,000; title is clean/clear.

So my question is as messed with as this car is, do you think it's worth that amount of money? The conversion kit alone costs about $1,800 uninstalled/unpainted: http://www.corvetteswestonline.com/c...on-Upgrade-Kit

I'm thinking this car would be good for my young son, and something we can throw a little money at over the years (paint, fine tune engine, wheels, tint, etc.) to get it to look reasonable and within a low budget. I know there is no way in hell I'll touch a true C5 for this amount of $'s, so this gives me an alternate route to getting him in a C5 later.

I guess the thing I'm trying to avoid is buying this C4 for $4K, throwing another $4k within 10 years; when in 10 years I can outright buy a C5 w/ $7K. I know there is no comparison from a C4 to a C5, but this car is unique in that the value is low now, and it significantly resembles a C5 and at this point and time you will not touch a C5 w/ that amount of money.

What are your thoughts? I figure the L83 isn't the most powerful engine, which could be a good thing for a young kid to learn on. I know if it was your average C4, I wouldn't even be considering it, but this conversion kit makes it a fun toy to tinker with and something I can give to my son later when he grows up. I haven't seen the car as of yet, but will be making the drive tomorrow... Any input you guys might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

~ 5ltrEATER

 

No. I had a '94 and quite frankly I liked the seats and the tilt front end.

I remember seeing the C5 kit for the C4 in one of the catalogs (Mid America I think) back then and thought to myself "why?".

 

NOPE....not a chance.

 

No way.

Neighbor of mine where I lived before leaving for the Army has one. You don't know who did the work, how extensive other work was done and if the work was done right. If the guy claims that it's a 454 in there and it's really not, he was probably taken for a ride on that car.

The guy I know who bought one was taken for a bad ride. His was built on a '96 LT1 car and it's a piece of junk. Sure it looks cool with it being red and the 19" front and 20" rear rims. But upon closer inspection, the body panels are cracked, the engine bay is a mess and the interior has been modified in a horrible way. For some reason, the OBDII reader was taken out of the car. He can't get it emission tested and his registration expired.

My opinion is that unless you know the total history of the car, don't even go near this. Electrical problems to me are a nightmare and this car could just turn into a money pit of disappointment for you and your son. Having to put too much in this could really turn him away from a properly maintained Corvette.

Don't do it, just save the time/money to get a real C5.

 

the 84 was throttle body injection.

that alone should stop you.

NO! if that was not clear enough.

 

I wouldnt. Too many variables and questions. Putting your son in that kind of car handicaps him from the get go. I'm all for a project car for a first car, but this car was someone elses project. You are going to find alot of things done that you'll wish were done differently. Some may be easy fixes, but alot of times its either irreversable or exponentially more work to correct.
For that money I'd just buy a C4 in good working condition or maybe a newer F-body. Something that is what it is and far easier to work on and maintain. Less chance of suprises and headaches

 

I agree with MawneeC5. Buy him a nice F-body or an LT1 C4 in good condition. You should be able to find some really nice C4's in the For Sale section of the forum. I just looked and saw quite a few nice ones for around 6K. There's also a place on the forums to find F-Bodys for sale.

 

I say no way. You're going to inherit some problems with that car. You can find a nice C4 if you keep your eyes open. Like you said, you don't want to spend $4K, then another $4K and still not have what you want. You can find a NICE C4 for $8K-$10K.

 

For $2000.00 maybe but even at that it might be too much for it.

 

Sorry, but I would not buy this Vette....I love the lines of the C4....a true classic. Why would anybody do a silly conversion to make it look almost like a C5....like those Fieros with the F355 Ferrari Kits...just silly in my opinion. Buy a regular C4 for your son and he'll have a great car. Indy

 

No way.

 

A stock 84 Vette in average condition isn't worth anything more than $4,000.

One that's been hacked into a wannabe C5.... I wouldn't pay more than $2,000 for it.

It's pretty much junk.


I'd recommend a 93-97 F-body. You should be able to find something nice for $5000. Then you get the LT1 and a decade newer car less prone to problems.

 

HAHAHA NO FREAKN WAY !!

 

I wouldn't buy it, but hey, it's your money.

 

I also would pass,this looks like a money pit to me!

 

Looks like a never ending project... For 4k you can get a beat C3 that will be easier to work on and actually appreciate in value.

 

Well, I'm definetly not looking for a stock C4 of F-body; I would much rather get a C3...

The C5 is really where it's at for me, just don't have 11/12K do invest in one at the moment. I will take a look at the car tomorrow and see what it shows, if it looks like it was assembled correctly and seems to run fine, I may offer $3K. We'll see what my initial thoughts are on seeing the car.

The car has to have some sort of value, I mean to purchase the kit itself costs $1,800; the wheels are at least $700 w/ tires; not to mention labor costs to get the kit put on the car.

I know the car has been messed with alot, but I think it's worthy for me to at least give it a look and see if it's got potential. If it doesn't, I'll pass....if it does I may throw an offer.

Any other thoughts? I do not want to fall into a money pit though, if I have to throw a little cash it's way, that's okay, but I don't want a myraid of problems. Thanks!

~ 5ltrEATER

BTW - I wonder if responses would have been different had I posted this in the C4 General Discussion... Just a thought.

 

OK I'll be the stick in the mud. I say maybe.

Go drive it, see if it seems like you could get it mechanically sound for not too much money.

I'm sure you could get it for way less since the seller obvioulsy doesnt understand what the value is. Or maybe he sticks to his guns out of ignorance.

If it seems like you could make a solid driver out of it and your son thinks it's cool, go ahead.

On the other hand if it turned out to be a real dog, it would be a good lesson for him to see why you would walk away from a car.

 

Well you are asking a question about a C4 in the C5 forum. It would make much more sense to ask the C4'rs their opinion.

 

You have the right idea. If it is in OK shape that's a good price for a C4, even an TB '84. The money pit thing is an issue, but seriously, if I read you right about keeping it for 10 years, throwing $4K at it and being disappointed if it is worth only $7K, then I don't know what to say -- nobody should expect to own a Vette for 10 years and come out $1K in the hole -- that's a miracle!

You got some good advice here, but I would discount the "C5 kit haters." Your kid will appreciate a "unique" car, and basic C4's, even '84's, are unlikely to ever be collectible so who cares how it has been b@st@rd!zed. I also agree with the one post about the seats. Fix 'em up and they are WAY better than the C5 couches.

IMHO, if you plan on keeping it for 10 years and want it as a shared project for your son and you, then why not?