Imothph

So I wanted a 74-77 but after looking at a 78 Ive just about convinced myself that I need the extra room in the back ( this vette will be my daily driver). I figure I can live with the squared off guages and they almost look more pointy....probably just my imagination. Before I do though...can I still install a 74 style dual exhaust set up? ( Yes, I know about it being illegal). For that matter, are there any downsides with a 78 versus a 77? any problems, issues, particulars to look for on a 78? Any good points or advantages over a 77?

Ive always had Camaros.....somehow they seem .....easier :chevy

Corvette_fetish

I don't have my Black Book in front of me, but I believe there is a horsepower increase in a '78 over a '77. '78 is an anniversary year. The fastback looks cooler (my opinion). I'd go '78 over '77 if given a choice.

Is a '79 or '80 an option? Even more horsepower over a '78, plus the '78 Pace Car seats are standard in '79+. I'd go '79 or a non 305ci '80 if it were possible. I went '79 with my car.


[Modified by Corvette_fetish, 1:54 PM 11/12/2003]

jerryp58

Is a '79 or '80 an option?

I agree. Higher horsepower. Better seats. Spoilers. You have the 85 MPH speedo, but that can be replaced.

Somewhere along the line (don't know the year) the crossmember was changed from the two holes through the crossmember (on either side of the tranny) to a "arch" in the crossmember on one side (I believe the passenger side). You can still run dual down that one side though.

Corvette_fetish

Most '79s came from the factory with 140 MPH speedos. Only the late production '79s had the 85 MPH, but you're right. The "85s" can be replaced with "140s". No big deal.

mvftw

True Duals will work just fine on a '78

Double Aught

As a driver, the 78 will be way ahead on convience. You can actually carry allot of stuff back there. Groceries, luggage, whatever. Get a Black Book and you can see all of the changes made between the years. I would take a 78 over a 79, JMO.

joeveto

There was just a huge post debating 78 vs. 79. Personally, I say 79. I own a 77 and I love it. But it spends most of the time in the garage. Aesthetically, I like the 78's+ as much as I do the 77's on down. The extra space would be nice. And with the glass tops and big back window, the car should feel a lot more open. But heat will also be more of an issue in the summer time.

The seats in the 79 and up cars are far better, IMHO. Others can't stand them.

Let me say this much: they can all be modified to go fast. :yesnod:

corvettemaster

i'm thinking 79 was the last year for the two hole crossmember. on my 81 tho, i still ran dual exhaust down and straight back. i didn't run it to one side. the pipes hang pretty low but never have dragged on anything :D
with saying that, i'd try to get an 80. the newer shark look without a computer :yesnod: definitly the way to go for a daily driver. i used my 81 as a daily driver for 2 years :smash:

bmar

1977 or 1978 that is a tough one. my advice is to buy one of each. :steering:

snakey

Everyone has his own opinion. I have a 1977 and have always preferred the "tunnelback" look.

Shark Racer

Just a question to those advocating the 79 over a 78 in terms of hp...

If I put a ZZ4 in a 79, would it make more hp than a ZZ4 in a 78? ;)

And in 25 years, you'd really have to wonder about that 10 hp difference. Hell, is 195hp really all that much better than 185? Sounds like brass tacks to me...

I think you should go with whatever's best. But the one MAJOR advantage the 79 has over the 78 is in the seats. The 78PC+ seats are just ten times better than the others.

-Steve

Blackened 79

74-77'S ARE NOTHING SPECIAL...EXCEPT IF YOUR TALKIN 74 OR 75 CONVERTIBLE...MY DAILY DRIVER IS A '79...MORE ROOM AND NO BLIND SPOTS LIKE THE '71...I'D GO WITH THE 78

Imothph

Thanks all, Ive pretty much decided on the 78. Its good to know the exhaust will still work. A 79 on up isnt an option because there are no emmissions testing in Washington state for a 1978, but 79 still has to pass and by the time Im done....my vette probably wont :cool: Im looking at a 78 with 49,500 origional miles, probably go see it tomorrow so we'll see what happens. :yesnod:

Double Aught

You made the right decision. :thumbs: