Am I Crazy?
03-26-2018, 08:35 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Am I Crazy?
So I'm getting close to finally pulling the trigger on an 82 CE Vette. Yet I keep thinking about a nice solid, driver quality T-top 86 IROC. I know I'd save a few thousand bucks but is an 86 IROC in the same fun league as an 82 CE? Am I crazy for even asking?
03-27-2018, 08:56 AM
#2
Team Owner
Here's my take on it, since I've had experience with both C-3 Corvettes, as well as 3rd generation F-bodies. First of all, I'd have to say that the most important consideration is the condition of the car that you're looking at. The C-3s have frame and "birdcage" rust issues, highly determined by where the car was owned/driven. Frames can be replaced, but it's costly, and for that matter, so can rusted out birdcages, but they're REALLY expensive and complicated to repair/replace.
The Camaro can have rust issues, too, but the evidence is usually obvious, so it's easier to spot, and potentially walk away from. The down side to the Camaro's T-tops, is water leakage and rattles. That car is a unit body, so removing half the roof decreases structural integrity.
The Corvette's brakes are noteworthy, but in a car that old, the calipers will need to be rebuilt/resleeved, unless the car you find already has had them done. Interior pieces, especially the dash panel, may be in questionable shape, but are readily available, and for that matter, the same could be said for the Camaro.
If smog regulations aren't an issue where you live, and you're looking to "hop-up" either of them, the Corvette might be easier to do, since there's more room underneath for a performance exhaust.
This should be enough for a start.....
The Camaro can have rust issues, too, but the evidence is usually obvious, so it's easier to spot, and potentially walk away from. The down side to the Camaro's T-tops, is water leakage and rattles. That car is a unit body, so removing half the roof decreases structural integrity.
The Corvette's brakes are noteworthy, but in a car that old, the calipers will need to be rebuilt/resleeved, unless the car you find already has had them done. Interior pieces, especially the dash panel, may be in questionable shape, but are readily available, and for that matter, the same could be said for the Camaro.
If smog regulations aren't an issue where you live, and you're looking to "hop-up" either of them, the Corvette might be easier to do, since there's more room underneath for a performance exhaust.
This should be enough for a start.....
03-27-2018, 07:38 PM
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
Here's my take on it, since I've had experience with both C-3 Corvettes, as well as 3rd generation F-bodies. First of all, I'd have to say that the most important consideration is the condition of the car that you're looking at. The C-3s have frame and "birdcage" rust issues, highly determined by where the car was owned/driven. Frames can be replaced, but it's costly, and for that matter, so can rusted out birdcages, but they're REALLY expensive and complicated to repair/replace.
The Camaro can have rust issues, too, but the evidence is usually obvious, so it's easier to spot, and potentially walk away from. The down side to the Camaro's T-tops, is water leakage and rattles. That car is a unit body, so removing half the roof decreases structural integrity.
The Corvette's brakes are noteworthy, but in a car that old, the calipers will need to be rebuilt/resleeved, unless the car you find already has had them done. Interior pieces, especially the dash panel, may be in questionable shape, but are readily available, and for that matter, the same could be said for the Camaro.
If smog regulations aren't an issue where you live, and you're looking to "hop-up" either of them, the Corvette might be easier to do, since there's more room underneath for a performance exhaust.
This should be enough for a start.....
The Camaro can have rust issues, too, but the evidence is usually obvious, so it's easier to spot, and potentially walk away from. The down side to the Camaro's T-tops, is water leakage and rattles. That car is a unit body, so removing half the roof decreases structural integrity.
The Corvette's brakes are noteworthy, but in a car that old, the calipers will need to be rebuilt/resleeved, unless the car you find already has had them done. Interior pieces, especially the dash panel, may be in questionable shape, but are readily available, and for that matter, the same could be said for the Camaro.
If smog regulations aren't an issue where you live, and you're looking to "hop-up" either of them, the Corvette might be easier to do, since there's more room underneath for a performance exhaust.
This should be enough for a start.....
03-28-2018, 07:49 AM
#4
Team Owner
It might make the seller of the Vette a little nervous, but before committing any money to the deal, get the interior kick panels off, and look inside that space, at the lower legs of the birdcage. If there's more that a little surface rust, tread lightly. You are looking at a 36 year old car......
07-19-2018, 04:19 PM
#5
It might make the seller of the Vette a little nervous, but before committing any money to the deal, get the interior kick panels off, and look inside that space, at the lower legs of the birdcage. If there's more that a little surface rust, tread lightly. You are looking at a 36 year old car......
07-24-2018, 05:16 PM
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
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St. Jude Donor '05
Drive both, the Iroc is a hell of a lot of fun off the line and corners well.
10-20-2018, 02:00 AM
#7
Race Director
I went thru something similar and ended up with a 1997 Corvette but looking back I'd have been happy with either one. Best I can say is where does it fit with your other car
(or cars). Good luck
(or cars). Good luck
10-20-2018, 08:37 AM
#8
Team Owner
This discussion is now 7 months old....I wonder what, if anything, the OP did.