1979 L-82 vrs 1967 327/300 -Impressions
09-10-2003, 09:42 PM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
1979 L-82 vrs 1967 327/300 -Impressions
You see the date of delivery on the pic. That is the day I took delivery of a 1967 Coupe from PA delivered to my driveway. Many of you know my former 1979 L-82 that I owned and nourished for some 17 years. A pic of it also. It was a delight but I could not keep two Corvettes so I sold it. The summer is basically gone and winter storage is at hand so here are my impressions with the two cars:
1979 L-82 with TH350
1967 with 327/300hp with PowerGlide
these are stock vehicles
Comfort:
-the 1967 takes it hands down despite the small seats. The C3 is confining and claustrophobic. The Al Knoch seats I had were great. But I could never bring myself to drive with the tops on in many years. I did so twice when I was caught in a rainstorm but that was it. The 1967 Coupe is very roomy but for people with back problems those seats are iffy. But I can't say the 1979 was much better because of the confined seating position.
Power:
-the 327 base engine is much like an L-48: a slug. Coupled with PowerGlide it is a slug with a health problem. But I love it; don't get me wrong. That is the kind of driving I do so no regrets. In fact the current fine condition of the 1967 can probably be attributed to that motor/transmission combo: who would want to race it? I believe the 0-60 was 8.8 secs!! The L-82 by comparison was relatively quick for its day: 0-60 in 6.6 secs (Road&Track, April 1979). A few mods with a Lars kit and a proper tune-up would keep those stats up-to-date. With the 3-speed TH350 it is much the superior car. Of course it needs a 4th gear but this has been addressed ad naseum in the Forum.
Handling:
The 1967 has a composite spring in the back and ? shocks. The 1979 had the stock nine-leaf and Delco Reactek shocks. The former has P215 skinny tires and the latter 255-60R BFG fat ones. No comparison: the C3 goes around corners with a lot of confidence. The 1967 needs some nudging to maintain control.
Quality of Build:
I would say about the same. The usual fiberglass spider crack issues but basically the same flaws. The mechanical underpinnings and the engines are essentially the same. Including the infamous rear wheel bearings! And 1965 up the disc brakes. Things electronic in later C3s such as tachs are balanced off by mechanical glitches such as cables in C2s. And the oil pressure tube can make a mess when it fails. But I give the edge to the C3s: technology did progress. My 1979 was a very dependable car.
Ease of Maintenance:
Thumbs up to the C2! No pollution equipment. I can get at the spark plugs from above the car, etc. Love it. No AIR pump, EGR and EFE TVSs etc. with hoses. Keep in mind I am comparing stock vehicles, not those stripped of emissions. Having said that, OEM mechanical parts for a C2 can get pretty expensive. And trim parts are no better. I have to give an edge to C3s on this one. Try to get a decent 1116689 ignition switch for a 1967.....
Curb Appeal:
This has to go to the 1967. People love the mid-years. Sharks have a lot of appeal but my experience, even with the younger set, has been that the C2 shape has been associated with the Stingray image. I do not know where this comes from but it is there....
Overall:
Flame away! No disappointments with the 1967. And none with the 1979. They are both fine automobiles that will give great pleasure to owners who cherish them. Thought I would share a few impressions this evening. I have been very general but would be pleased to answer specifics.
[Modified by paul67, 10:02 PM 9/10/2003]
1979 L-82 with TH350
1967 with 327/300hp with PowerGlide
these are stock vehicles
Comfort:
-the 1967 takes it hands down despite the small seats. The C3 is confining and claustrophobic. The Al Knoch seats I had were great. But I could never bring myself to drive with the tops on in many years. I did so twice when I was caught in a rainstorm but that was it. The 1967 Coupe is very roomy but for people with back problems those seats are iffy. But I can't say the 1979 was much better because of the confined seating position.
Power:
-the 327 base engine is much like an L-48: a slug. Coupled with PowerGlide it is a slug with a health problem. But I love it; don't get me wrong. That is the kind of driving I do so no regrets. In fact the current fine condition of the 1967 can probably be attributed to that motor/transmission combo: who would want to race it? I believe the 0-60 was 8.8 secs!! The L-82 by comparison was relatively quick for its day: 0-60 in 6.6 secs (Road&Track, April 1979). A few mods with a Lars kit and a proper tune-up would keep those stats up-to-date. With the 3-speed TH350 it is much the superior car. Of course it needs a 4th gear but this has been addressed ad naseum in the Forum.
Handling:
The 1967 has a composite spring in the back and ? shocks. The 1979 had the stock nine-leaf and Delco Reactek shocks. The former has P215 skinny tires and the latter 255-60R BFG fat ones. No comparison: the C3 goes around corners with a lot of confidence. The 1967 needs some nudging to maintain control.
Quality of Build:
I would say about the same. The usual fiberglass spider crack issues but basically the same flaws. The mechanical underpinnings and the engines are essentially the same. Including the infamous rear wheel bearings! And 1965 up the disc brakes. Things electronic in later C3s such as tachs are balanced off by mechanical glitches such as cables in C2s. And the oil pressure tube can make a mess when it fails. But I give the edge to the C3s: technology did progress. My 1979 was a very dependable car.
Ease of Maintenance:
Thumbs up to the C2! No pollution equipment. I can get at the spark plugs from above the car, etc. Love it. No AIR pump, EGR and EFE TVSs etc. with hoses. Keep in mind I am comparing stock vehicles, not those stripped of emissions. Having said that, OEM mechanical parts for a C2 can get pretty expensive. And trim parts are no better. I have to give an edge to C3s on this one. Try to get a decent 1116689 ignition switch for a 1967.....
Curb Appeal:
This has to go to the 1967. People love the mid-years. Sharks have a lot of appeal but my experience, even with the younger set, has been that the C2 shape has been associated with the Stingray image. I do not know where this comes from but it is there....
Overall:
Flame away! No disappointments with the 1967. And none with the 1979. They are both fine automobiles that will give great pleasure to owners who cherish them. Thought I would share a few impressions this evening. I have been very general but would be pleased to answer specifics.
[Modified by paul67, 10:02 PM 9/10/2003]
09-10-2003, 10:00 PM
#2
Race Director
Re: 1979 L-82 vrs 1967 327/300 -Impressions (paul67)
Good comparison. I've driven many midyears and come to many of the same conclusions, except I love the '68-'77 interiors, even though they can be tight, I like it-almost like a cockpit in a jet fighter :D
09-11-2003, 01:57 AM
#3
Re: 1979 L-82 vrs 1967 327/300 -Impressions (paul67)
Good write up Paul, clad you are still happy with the 67. How's your brother liking the 79? :cheers:
[Modified by groovyjay, 12:58 AM 9/11/2003]
[Modified by groovyjay, 12:58 AM 9/11/2003]
09-11-2003, 06:29 AM
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Re: 1979 L-82 vrs 1967 327/300 -Impressions (groovyjay)
He is having the time of his life with the 1979! Drives it several times a week while I would drive perhaps 2-3 times a month. We have attended several club events together (see pic from last weekend). Aside from hiccups from a batch of bad gas it has run very well for him. It was a great summer!
BTW the red car beside my 1967 is a 1981 convertible with a 454. Very pretty car and the conversion work is flawless.
[Modified by paul67, 6:36 AM 9/11/2003]
[Modified by paul67, 6:37 AM 9/11/2003]
BTW the red car beside my 1967 is a 1981 convertible with a 454. Very pretty car and the conversion work is flawless.
[Modified by paul67, 6:36 AM 9/11/2003]
[Modified by paul67, 6:37 AM 9/11/2003]
09-11-2003, 07:22 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
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Re: 1979 L-82 vrs 1967 327/300 -Impressions (paul67)
Paul:
I know what your saying BUT I'll take that 67 any day of the week. I've always loved the body style. If you decide you dont want it I'll be glad to take it off your hands. Good luck with the car. :thumbs:
Mike
I know what your saying BUT I'll take that 67 any day of the week. I've always loved the body style. If you decide you dont want it I'll be glad to take it off your hands. Good luck with the car. :thumbs:
Mike
