BlackRocket

Hey guy's I'm probably asking the wrong audiance, but I always liked the '68 & '69 big-block C-3's and was considering trading my almost showroom C-4. I currently have a (torn apart) Black '91 vette that is like new, only 40K miles. I love the handling and fact that the car is practically rust proof. I have pulled the motor and have built it into a performance 383. Likewise, I have pulled apart the suspension and am in the process of installing a complete coil-over kit with bigger sway-bars and poly bushings. I really like the car, but also came across a frame-off fully restored '68 427/390 rag-top in silver on black. The fact that the '68 will slowly appreciate in value as my '91 continues to depreciate makes me consider moving over to a classic. I realize the performance of my '91 will be phenomenal when finished, but kind of like the classic cruiser machines as well. I don't feel I can justify owning two vettes. Any inputs??? Are the shark years maintenance headaches or as reliable as a C-4? Again I know I'm probably asking the wrong crowd, but I really like the fact that the '68's are getting rarer and will probably appreciate over time. :cheers:


[Modified by BlackRocket, 6:31 PM 12/25/2001]

1Bad69

you cant go wrong, whatever year you have..i am a little biased...i have always liked the bumper years..i got rid of a 73 BB last june to get a 69 BB..i like the harsh ride and raw power as opposed to the exellent handling and smooth power..but like i said ..any year is better than not having one....

daniel77350

Go for it!!!

But be aware, these cars need to be worked on. More horse power = more time under the hood. :lol: (well that depends its just a joke)

Anyway, maintenance is an issue with any 30+ year old car, so don't expect it to be perfect. Then again a show room '91 might get you a perfect '68-'69 big block (vert even). The car would be like new, so maintenance would be what all owners went through in '68-'69...

Daniel

Detroit Vette

you should own as many vettes as you can until your wife makes you stop!!!!! :crazy:

compuvette

I have a C4 and a C3. The C4 is defenetly easier to get into and just drive. Remember, they use fuel injection these days for a reason! If you are going to do alot of driving, the C4 is a more comfortable car (especially if you are tall). But, the early C3 is a much more enjoyable driving experience! It's kind of like riding a Harley. Lots of noise, bumpy ride, lots of looks, you get the idea. Plus, newer vette owners have to give you respect. Theirs might be new, but they didn't have to rebuild theirs from the ground up! And, nothing beats the open exhaust (no cat) sound. Of course my C4 doesn't have a cat, but the '71 sounds better. I bet it will sound great with the big-block. Either way, you have a cool vette. And that is better than most people can say!

Rolling Thunder

If you can, do BOTH! :D

Dave

ddn

Call me pathetic, call me what you will.

To me that's like asking if you should trade a lump of coal for a giant diamond.

Go for it!

PatsLs1vette

theres no question about this... a big block c3 over a c4 go for it.

Techno

The best Vette I think is the one you want.
The '68 won't have much work to do on it since you say its been rebuilt. It also is almost completely mechanical. Your present car is going to fall to the upkeep isssue also and needs electronics. You are already staying this upkeep since your rebuilding things on it.

If your tall you should get a '69 or later since they increased the leg room in these.
I have a '68 so I'm not being biased by saying this year is not the collectable type. It has all the first year problems that were eliminated in the later years.
It is the one shark that even someone slightly aware of Vettes can identify, the push button door release.

If your worried about appreciation the best way to make money is invest it.
$4,000 from '68 till present would have made much more money in stocks than the present asking price. Just a guess $16,000 VS. $160,000?

73 LS-4

When I was vett shopping, I was actually looking for a C4, I'd been restoring my step-fathers for years and pretty much got it done and really liked this car the handling was incredible (Z-51) and the power was very good (actually I thought really good till the 73). Then I came across the 73, and the rest is, as you say history. If you want to get noticed nothing beats a big block C3, the 86 looks pale in comparison to the 73. The C3's are also a lot easier to work on I found out as well, albeit I seem to work on it more. A c4 with a built 383, would be an excellent machine, and I'm sure a lot of fun, especially if you would want to compete in any sort of autocross, road racing etc. Much easier to get a C4 good at these things then a C3. If your looking for a street bruiser, nothing beats the potential of a C3 with a 427 or 454 rat between the fenders. Tough call, really depends on what you want to use the car for.

:cheers:
Pat Kunz

INTIMIDATOR ZO6

I agree if it's not going to be your daily driver the Big Block is awesome if it is a daily driver I would keep the C4. I enjoy both worlds I have two C4's an a C3. The 90' is mostly the daily driver untill I run low of fuel...sometimes I just jump in 93' vette :D

tictocdok

sounds like your C4 is gonna be great, and the C3 sounds great. do some tall thinking and creative financing. have them both in your garage :eek:

63Banshee

The chrome bumper shark prices (especially ’68 & ’69 BB) will shoot up as soon as the economy improves so this would be a good time to get one.

fireball

My friend and I swap cars regularly; his '96 black vert for my '73 black vert BB. The C4 is a nice break from the rattles, squeeks, and bumps of the C3. The difference is that no one ever stopped to ask me if my C4 was all original, or how much horsepower my C4 had, or to tell me how beautiful my C4 was! So I agree with above... daily driver = C4, second car = C3.

Alwyn678

I would go for the C-3

Tominator

Buy the legend, the early C3 with BB are what it's all about :yesnod:

LT-IV

My vote is for both.
:chevy

(see sig) :yesnod:

PRNDL

You might be surprised how much attention (maintenance and repairs) even a "fully restored" 68 will need!

Also, I have been watching C4 for sale ads regularly just thinking about getting a driver, and you may find it very difficult to get any money for your 91. Engine mods in particular, cost you a lot of money, make the car lots more fun, yet nobody seems to want to buy them.

Unlike a 91, I would not expect to put 10k miles per year on a 68. MJ

VolVette

Both? :confused: Have you considered just getting a "needs work" C3 and building up from there?

Stephen

Barry's70LT1

Hi..
Just an observation about the maintenance issue on older c3's.
It seems to be like discussing religion or politics. You get one end
of the spectrum to the other.

It depends entirely on the vehicle. If you get one that has been properly
built/maintained, you will have many years of enjoyment with only routine
maintenance. Perhaps less maintenance than the '91.
I base this on my own experience, and some others I know.

Go with the vette that you have the most passion for. You will be more
forgiving when you do have problems, simply because it is your "baby".

Barry