Sereguial

Hello to everyone, I am brand new to this forum. I have a question for anyone interested in replying. I am looking for a Corvette (my first one ever) I have done some research as to what I want and have narrowed the search down to a '68 to '72, (for the body style in general, I love the chrome) I want a 427 L88, with the appropriate hood style, and I want a 4 speed manual M-21. I don't care about matching numbers, and I don't want one in "perfect" condition I want one that runs, but could use SOME body/interior work, Some engine work is ok too. I want t-tops not convertable, and I would really like side exhaust too but I am willing to go with what I get (not that I will be dissapointed).
Also what are some specific differences between each car year from year, I know what some people's opinions are but I just want to know what the tech. differences are.

Thank you all so much!

BB wowbagger

Welcome to "The pond" :cheers:
Hope you brung your wallet,because this site will make you wanna spend money :lol:
:cheers:

Metal Wulf

:seeya

OHSIXX

:hurray:

PatsLs1vette

Welcome to the forum and good luck with finding your first corvette,and i think you already know what you want by the sounds of it,but dont settle for something,if you want side exuast then find one with it.Good luck :cheers:

standup

Welcome!!!!

427's were only offered in '68 and '69, and an L88 is an extremely rare option. '70 - '72 came with 454's for their big blocks.

Sereguial

Thank you Standup, information like that helps a LOT! that narrows my search down a bit.
One more question to add, M-21 Manual xmission is there any other manual out there or is it the most prominant 4 speed? I want to know because some people selling there '69 with a 4 speed don't know if it is a m-21 or anything about that aspect for that matter... If you guys/gals could point me in the direction of a site/book that has this type of information that would be great! Thank you again, I am a member of a couple other automobile forums and they tend to have a much different attitude to them.

72LT1Steve

Answer to this question is; "yes". Basically three different 4-speeds. M-20, M-21, M-22. M-20 is the widest ratio, M-21 is close ratio, & M-22 is close ratio heavy duty (Probably would see this with an L-88). In 1969 for example some 16,507 cars came with the M-20, while 13,741 came with the M-21, & only 101 cars came with the M-22. Usually the choice of 4-speed had an effect on rear end ratio combination as well. :cheers:

Steve


[Modified by 72LT1Steve, 1:13 PM 1/27/2003]

killain

I'd get a copy of "The Corvette Black book' by Michael Antonick it at any Borders or Barns and Noble. It covers all the models from 1953 to persent, but it's real charm is by breaking down each model year and what was the options and what was standard equipment. That way you know exactly what your looking at BEFORE you go to look at a car. And I really don't think you'd want a L-88 as they wern't all that common and they cost way too much money for what they are. You want a big block and there's a lot of them around. I'd also invest in a Hemmings Magizane, it comes out monthly and has a listing of all the corvettes for sale across the country. A very informative and complete listing of cars and equipment.

MYBLU71

You are headed in the right direction looking for a bumper car. As the previous posts say, get the Black Book and watch out for the wind burn on your wallet if you spend as much time on the forum as some do. Everytime I take a look, I have to go catalog and ebay diving for more mods...

Welcome Aboard!! :cool:

BlueL36

Hiya Sereguaial :seeya

kfede1

I like your goal. I have similar interests.... A numbers matching l88 would be very expensive (And almost a crime to drive everyday, since such a beast should be savored and cherished), so if you do not care about the numbers matching part, I would suggest getting a big block Vette, and putting a crate motor in it. The hood is easily obtainable from aftermarket sources, including JC Whitney.. The crate motor will take unleaded gas, and still put out incredible HP in sizes from 454 to 502 or larger. I am a bit ignorant about the side exhausts, but the people who know better than I say they are pretty loud. Loud is the reason I got rid of my last "fun" car, a 300zx Twin Turbo w/ 400+ hp.