Hoopie

I've been dreaming about owning a C3 ever since I was a young child playing with my brown plastic model Vette I received for my 4th birthday. I think the C3 is by far the best looking vette. I particularly like the offerings from the late 70's/early 80's.

Here's my dilema: I am now considering the purchase of a cheap Vette (less than $15k). I am concerned about the weak hp in the late 70's and early 80's 350's. Forgive my lack of mechanical knowledge, but is power easily and affordably added to these engines, or should I consider getting a C4?

Gator81

YES, that is the answer.

About power: All it takes is money. How fast do you want to go? You use the word "affordably". That's rather subjective. I would say that for any given amount of investment, the performance levels of a C3 and a C4 would be about the same. I bought mine for 11K, then put another 3K into a crate motor and associated parts.

Depending on where you live, you may be limited by emissions laws, like I am. My '81 (originally 190 hp) is now somewhere over 300 hp, and still legal. With some exhaust work that would be in the gray area of legality (technically illegal, but it would still pass the test) I think I could easily see another 30 hp. And of course, there are always the magic goodies: boost and nitrous.

Check this out for the details on my '81.
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/free/morris.htm


[Modified by Gator81, 11:52 AM 8/27/2003]

e3pres

With the years that you specified, you shold be able to get a NICE C3 for <15K that has already had plenty of power mods done. Just make sure the work was done properly. Good luck finding a car. :cheers:


[Modified by e3pres, 1:53 PM 8/27/2003]

Fevre

After you buy it, bring it over to my place and we'll have that thing over 300 hp in a weekend. If you need another set of eyes to check one out let me know. :cheers:


[Modified by Fevre, 12:55 PM 8/27/2003]

gerry72

But you may want to get a stock, or close to stock 'Vette. The lack of power in the mid-70s and on years is a bit oversold. The lower horsepower cars can be very satisfying daily drivers or weekend cruisers.

Drive one before you make that determination. You may be surprised at how well they run.

You should be able to pick up a very nice example for $15k.

Stewart's74

C3 :yesnod:
C4 :nono:

My 74 started life as a 195hp pig. Now with the help of the Forum and its awesome members, I'm pushing close to 350hp and leaving two black stripes wherever I go. :D

OHSIXX

Here is my advice: Buy a car that someone else has already poured a ton of money into.

You should be able to get a good one for $15K.


[Modified by OHSIXX, 4:29 PM 8/27/2003]

LAvetteman

Welcome Hoopie. It sounds like you are pretty hung up on the C3. IMO every vette nut should own a C3 first and then....skys the limit. Get it out of your system. :lol: Any C3 can be made fast, comfortable, and efficient. It just takes time and money. My 71 has been a joy(somewhat fast). But it would take ALOT to make it comfortable and efficient. My 94 is fast, comfortable, and efficient but as you know, it don't look like a C3. ;)

BlueL36

Buy one... you'll love it. :yesnod:

Hoopie

Let me clarify: I want to spend a total of less than $15k (wife limited) for the complete package. Meaning, if I pick up a C3 for $10k, I have less than $5k to spend fixing it up.

It's been a few years since I've driven a C3, so I don't remember how much power they have, but anything less than 200 sounds weak. I basically just want the car as a weekend toy that I can lay rubber with if the moments right. Mostly I'll just be crusing, GT style. I guess I just hope it at least gets to 60 in under 6 seconds, making it faster than anything else I've owned (sadly). I've also considered the occasional auto-X event and trip to the Milan drag-way, but I am not sure those are good ideas with such an old car.

Thanks for the offer Fevre. Do you have a shop or are you just a fanatic?

Fevre

More like 'wanna be'. :lol: Got all the tools to yank an eng and 'upgrade it', send my stuff out for maching if needed. Since we have no smog tests in MI you should be able to get some extra hp just by change to duals and a better cam. For about $1,000-$1,500 you can upgrade even an L48 vette to over 300 hp and still have it be a very nice cruiser the wife would enjoy riding in.

Fast81

Hoopie -- With 15K you should have no trouble finding a C3 in great shape. IMHO look for a 1980: you get 12+ yrs of C3 improvements without the 'dumb'puter control of 81/82. Of course, if you want a raptop its 75 or earlier.........and if you want to avoid the emissions ghestapo.

My69

Enjoy life buy the C3. :cheers:

DGT76

:iagree:

75Rag

First off, welcome to the forum. As for power, it depends on how much you want. There are alot of guys in here that have spent tons of cash and developed tons of ponies .... so far, I'm not one of them.

In 1975 the Corvette L-48 was the weakest (read low hp) ever produced. 165 net hp. With only true duals (2.5") stainless with highflow cats and a distibutor re-curve kit, I just dyno'd at 203 rear wheel horse, and that's with 76,000 miles on it. Investigate your options, you'll come up with something you want.

oh yeah .... all vettes are nice but go with the C3 :thumbs:

SuprJames

I agree with everyone that has suggested buying a Vette that has already been built right especially if you're not too mechanically inclined. Most Vettes from the 80's with lots of modifications and in great shape still don't bring $15,000+ pricetags. They're fun cars and simple enough to do general maintenance on yourself. Engine swaps aren't too complicated or expensive either and can net HUGE HP gains. You could even go to a LT1 for just a couple grand these days.

EDIT: If you decide to go with a C4, I would just wait a year and get a C5 for about the same price. Once the C6's hit the showrooms the prices of C5's will fall through the floor. I've already seen a 98 C5 6 speed with 65 grand on the odometer go for >$20,000.


[Modified by SuprJames, 4:42 AM 8/28/2003]

Marc80

425 HP cost me $2700 as a crate motor. (AR Racing) Of the improvements I did it was the biggest single item, but it is not only way more powerful but also new and I have gained the knowledge to replace this engine again if I needed to. Have someone who knows restoration go along. Suspension, brakes, interior, drivetrain, ....there are lots and lots of parts that wear out on an even a late c3 (and it adds up. I think I have 10k in parts)(Fortunately the culprits in an accident are paying for repair and repaint. In my opinion it is well worth it. Compared to a C4 ...actually there is NO comparison. c3 is batmobile. c4 is supernissan. Sorry C4 lovers, just my opinion. You may have a technically superior car and a more comfortable ride, but the cool factor is lacking for me. So, C3 or nothing ...although the C2s are looking better and better to me I must admit. I really liked the larger engines. Also, mechanikin on a C4 would be even more of a stretch for me with computer controls and fuel injection.

Glensgages

:iagree: Try to avoid the computerized C3s, for 'ease' of hot-rodding your Vette. I'd look @ '79 or '80s; both have the 'big' back-window, and the high-sided seats, but they have different 'styling' influences ('79s have the 'earlier-'70s look' at both ends, while the '80s have the integrated chin & tail spoiler).
Best of all, neither has a computer to fool-around with. Simple mods (cam, carb, intake, heads, etc.) work easily; 350 HP is a snap, on pump-gas.
IF, on the other hand, you can 'settle' for an low-mileage C3, without modifying it, you can still get good examples, if you look. I got my '82, with just 11,137 miles, in '00, for $15k; a buddy sold his '77 L82/auto with just 24,000 miles earlier this year for $12k.
Neither would leave you much $$$ for modifying (now), but you WOULD have a very desirable Vette, bringing a pretty penny if you DO decide to get a C4 or C5 in the future...
Just my $.02 worth..... :leaving:

Dwayne 76

I would say go for the C3. A C4, IMO, is not a true Corvette. Ask people what they think of, when you mention Corvette, and most will think of a C3. But you really need to have a C3 checked out for rust, on the frame and cage.

Glensgages

Amen, Brother Dwayne (and how was the Beach Cruise @ Wasaga?);
Our Father, who art born in St. Louis,..... (OK; so my '82 was 'hatched' in Bowling Green! :rolleyes: )

We hold these Truths to be self-evident:
1: Real food once said 'moo';
2: Real women wear skirts and heels;
3: Real Corvettes have bulging fenders!!!!!