Questions on buying a vette

[Humanvirus]

Hi all, first post. Figured this would be the place to ask. May be long. I have only driven older vettes a 1973, and a 1978. Both customized drive trains...450 - 600 HP I have some money coming and I am using part of it for a vette. I live in eastern Canada and will be importing from the States. I need/prefer a vette that was built on or before 09/93. If it is 15 yrs old, I can pretty much drive it home. Any newer, it spends time at customs and more paper work and more cost to import = more of a headache. That being said, I will have 10 - 12,000 to play with. I would prefer the 92 and up as it has the 300 HP motor. I also prefer the 6 speed. Would take auto with Greenwood pkge. I have seen beautiful 84 - 91's and the only reason I am not really considering those is the lower HP. 1) Is this really noticable? I am not looking to race the car, but do like to hit it every now and then...know what I mean? 2) What other quirks should I look for/avoid in buying a vette? My aim is a 1992 - 1994 red on red targa with a 6 speed, under 65,000 miles that had recent repairs (alt, starter, fuel pump, weatherstripping kinda stuff). Oh yeah...a Greenwood package would be a plus, plus... I fly very very cheaply and plan to look around and drive one home...3 or 4 days would be max. ps: I live 3 hours due east of Bangor Maine. 3) Suggestions?

[xlr8nflorida]

I'd get a 93 with the polished rims. The 92 has painted rims.
Good choices on the LT1 and 300HP with 6 speed.

Yes, there is a noticeable difference between an L98 & LT1 motor. The L98 is a torque monster and can rip tree trunks out but it kind of falls flat on its face in the higher RPM ranges where the LT1 starts to shine.

I would not buy an auto or a greenwood package but obviously that is your personal choice. Greenwood cars have less of a market when it comes to resale and personally I think most Vette Owners dislike them.

You should look for the normal mechanical things, try to get a car with a recent optispark and waterpump. Check for old weatherstrip, oil leaks, clutch, idle of motor, compression etc.

My suggestion is if this is your first Corvette purchase, that you bring someone along to help you and you also don't buy the first few you buy. Look at 5-10 cars minimum. I bought my first Corvette at 25 and now have had 5 over the last 10 years. Over time you become an expert on a specific generation and know what to look for. I still am learning about my C5 but luckily I have good friends that look out for me.

Good Luck

[79L82owner]

Originally Posted by xlr8nflorida

I'd get a 93 with the polished rims. The 92 has painted rims.
Good choices on the LT1 and 300HP with 6 speed.

Yes, there is a noticeable difference between an L98 & LT1 motor. The L98 is a torque monster and can rip tree trunks out but it kind of falls flat on its face in the higher RPM ranges where the LT1 starts to shine.

I would not buy an auto or a greenwood package but obviously that is your personal choice. Greenwood cars have less of a market when it comes to resale and personally I think most Vette Owners dislike them.

You should look for the normal mechanical things, try to get a car with a recent optispark and waterpump. Check for old weatherstrip, oil leaks, clutch, idle of motor, compression etc.

My suggestion is if this is your first Corvette purchase, that you bring someone along to help you and you also don't buy the first few you buy. Look at 5-10 cars minimum. I bought my first Corvette at 25 and now have had 5 over the last 10 years. Over time you become an expert on a specific generation and know what to look for. I still am learning about my C5 but luckily I have good friends that look out for me.

Good Luck

I pretty much agree 100% with this post. The only thing I would add is do NOT settle for anything less than what you truely want. If you want a 92-94 6spd, then only go look at those. Thats what you will be happiest with in the end, and you'll enjoy the car that much more.

[Humanvirus]

Thanks for the feedback, Yeah I heard the optispark is an issue, if not replaced before I buy it would be on the list after I get it home...prices in Canada for the parts can be higher..Does anyone have all the parts/part numbers for everything needed for the opti/water pump replacement process for a 92/93?

[Humanvirus]

Saw this on ebay...I am in love
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-...QQcmdZViewItem

[Humanvirus]

Man, if that was in Boston...but it is just outside of what I want to spend, and it is too far to drive 2200 miles...and it is under (by 5 months) the 15 yrs I need to import into Canada...c'est la vie

But IMHO that IS beautiful..in red I would have to be nice to my wife for a few weeks....LOL