Anybody here ever own a corvette?

[Earlsays]

I'm thinking that I might sell the thunderbird and ride my bike around until the weather turns cold again--until october...save up my money and get a corvette.

I'm thinking either a late Mako Shark, like 1974-1981 or so, or a C4 like 1985 or later...what do you'all think of them? Are they decent vehicles? I've always been a die-hard ford guy, but over the last year I've kinda been thinking I want a vette. Opinions on them?

The thunderbird is OK, but it needs a paint job, will need a transmission soon, will need a front end rebuild, could use some upholstry work soon, has a small oil leak, etc. etc.

[outshined]

I bought a '86 'Vette new. I loved it. I wish I never sold that car.
You can find some really nice examples of this model year, but I would, personally, stay away from the 1st. gen 1984 model. Anything '86 and up is great.

I believe the 1989 or 1990 was the last year for the all digital dash. That was a real pleasure to look at and was easy to use, and had some very useful features.

The 2000 'Vette is one of my favorite body styles. I am not sure if others have the same style?

I sat in a $80k Z06 a couple of weeks ago when I was picking up my '07 Monte SS. I'd almost go to the crossroads for that car...

Good luck, and let us know if you buy a 'Vette!

[pahtcenter77]

They quit building Corvettes in 1972.....................:tears:

[Rat44]

They quit building Corvettes in 1972.....................:tears:

My son had a '92.It was fun to drive.He tired of it after a summer.He said it was too cramped inside.I'm only 5'9" and also found it uncomfortable.
Did I mention it was fun to drive?

[whoaru99]

They quit building Corvettes in 1972.....................:tears:

Yeah...sure.

I like the looks of the old ones, but the high performance new ones will pretty much run circles around the high performance old ones.

Nostalgia aside, my money is where the rubber meets the road, and that's today's Vette.

505hp AND 28 MPG, hehehe....if only I could afford one....

[DENNYDOG]

My brother gave me his 74 vette but its all in pieces. One of these days I will find the time to get her back together.

One of my favorite newer vettes would be the last of the c4's that had the oval taillights. Get one with a manual and you should be blessed with decent mileage if you keep your foot out of the gas. Decent build quality too compared to the early c4's. Good luck!

[MAXZ28]

My brother gave me his 74 vette but its all in pieces. One of these days I will find the time to get her back together.


Denny, don't waste your time on that jigsaw puzzle [ at least for now, that is ].....devote your time restoring your '64 Impala SS first. At least it's in the shed in one piece verses your upstairs hallway, spare bedroom, attic, basement, shop, and who knows where else. Was that door panels I saw sitting in your bathtub?:D


I've never driven an older vette...just a '99 hardtop 6 speed and my father-in-law's '07 coupe....incredible performance - but that goes without saying. The great thing about corvettes is that you can usually find clean examples of almost any year. I'm particularly fond of the '69 and the '73 model years of the older vettes. '90-'95 models I like as well. I remember a Motortrend magazine article on the ZR-1 in the early nineties and distinctly recall the article picture of the vette breaking the rear tires loose at 70mph! - that was wicked. Keep us posted on your vette quest.

[Negotiableterms]

Bang for the buck, an 85 is a great deal. I had an 84, and loved it. All of the problems of the 84 were ironed out of the 85. The 86 has that ugly third brake light that sticks out of the top, so I'd skip till... hmmmm... about 90, I think.

After that, my favorite is the 96. Again, great bang for the buck, and a fairly modern engine.

Is there such a thing as a boring Corvette? No. :thmbsp:

[KR7600]

I have a 1968 427 convertible and a 2007 ZO6. 1963-1982 had basically the same frame under the body, C2-C3. Small block cars are a better balanced, the big block cars ride and drive like trucks. All have stiff suspensions and are very hot, especially coupes and BB cars. C4 cars are nice, especially 1992 and up with the LT1 motor. The C4 cars are also very stiff and the frame rails are very high, you almost fall into the car. My C6 ZO6 is really something else. It will go 75 mph in first gear and the rear will break loose at 100mph. The engine has a 7K redline. It is probably the fastest street car I have ever driven. It has 8 pot brake calipers on the front and 6 pot calipers on the rear and will stop on a dime. It rides well, has ice cold air and heated seats. It makes driving my 68, like driving an ox cart. Each suceding year Corvette gets better and better.

[soundcraft1]

I still have my '58 that I bought in 1968. Sadly, it's in need of a full restoration. I may have an interested buyer, and if the price is right, it will pay for a good portion of the Lotus Elise I am lusting for. The Corvette was fun, but pre-63 models all had pre-55 passenger car suspension designs and handled akin to a truck. My modded '99 Miata handles infinitely better than the Corvette, and we won't go into gas mileage with 11.25 compression heads and a thirst for extremely high octane fuel!

[rickr15]

I have a 69 427 and its a blast to drive on a nice afternoon. Other than that its pretty much useless as any kind of commuter car.
If you want a Vette I echo what most have said. Get the newest you can afford and youll have the least problems.

[slow_jazz]

I owned a slow one from 1977 and purchased it used. It didn't have the get up and go I would have wanted but it was a decent car. It actually drove pretty good in the winter surprisingly. Tires weren't as wide as they are on today's Vette's.

[Sandy G]

This gal that worked at our office has an '80 that I big-dealed her into letting me drive-once. I had to drive the damthing sittin' on my back, the "flying buttress" front fenders made it difficult to see, & I really wasn't impressed w/the performance. Of course, I teased her that I got it up to 75 between the office & the town post office...about 1/4 mile...

[SDA SRS 1.2]

I own a '98 6-speed coupe that I've owned since new - took delivery at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. 72,000 trouble free miles so far. One of the many things I love about the car: 60 mph in 6th gear turning only 1200 rpm getting 32 mpg on a trip! :)

[Fisherdude]

Ok, I love this thread already.

I've been thinking about getting a 'Vette for, oohh, about 40 years now.

I currently have a 2000 Jaguar S-Type with the 280 HP V-8, and a 1962 MGA 1600 MKII. I've had the Jag since new, no significant problems whatsoever in 135k miles. It's been, without question, the most enjoyable car I've ever owned. Been to the west coast three times. It's not a true sports car, of course, but it's an amazing highway cruiser. In the past I've owned a BMW, a Porsche 911, I've driven Ferrari's, Nissan 350Z's, etc. I love sports cars!

One major issue, though, is that it's got to be able to carry at least one set of golf clubs!:D I do have my priorities!

I would be interested in an 85 or newer. Any particular years to avoid? I'm not interested in any of the higher-performance versions (Z06, etc., etc.). Best suggestions for engines, years, etc.? I'd like to stay under $25-30K or so. Any suggestions appreciated!

[zr1gary]

I've owned 12 Corvettes over the last 25 years....including 3 ZR1s (2 1990s and one 1995)...as well as a 1969 427 that I modified...reworked engine, added 6:71 Blower, Nitrous and tons of drivetrain mods.

Loved the ZR1s...the 1969 Blown 427 was just a BEAST...every time I took it out I got pulled over...:dammit:but it was a straight-line car...not refined I think they would say.

Got rid of my last Vette a couple of years ago....but here is the one I want....:yes:

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Certified for an Outrageous 638 hp, 604 lb-ft - Car News

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_chevrolet_corvette_zr1_certified_for_an_outra geous_638_hp_604_lb_ft_car_news

[Fisherdude]

I don't think that's the one I'm looking for...

[retrokeeper]

The wife drives a 2001 Coupe,it's her baby,her dreamcar...my name is nowhere to be seen on the paperwork for the car,but I DO get to drive it when I wash it and detail it out for her...I feel lucky....I think !?! :scratch2::yes::thmbsp: Rob

[KR7600]

The new ZR1 is twin supercharged but weighs a couple of hundred pounds more. I think Corvettes are reaching their limit with tire adhesion with 2 wheel drive. The 0-60 mph time is not much faster than the current ZO6 but the top end is in the 230 mph range for the ZR1 as opposed to the ZO6's 198 mph. Where are you going to go 198 mph, let alone 230 mph. The new Nissan GTR is faster at the Ring than the ZO6 and 911 turbo. I was thinking of getting the ZR1 but I will wait until the final reviews are in.

[AU20K]

Yeah...sure.

I like the looks of the old ones, but the high performance new ones will pretty much run circles around the high performance old ones.

Nostalgia aside, my money is where the rubber meets the road, and that's today's Vette.

505hp AND 28 MPG, hehehe....if only I could afford one....

Er Uh Ahemmm! I have a 1967 427 Stingray that I will gladly run against anything they have released in the past 25 years. With just a little over 840 hp, she peals your lips back to your ears and you know what a vette is sposed to feel like. Oh sure,,,a few mods here and there but it is still street legal. I had it out of storage a few days back as my Toyota was in the shop. The gas bill made me cry, but that loud squeeeeel half way through third gear and the nasty chirp out of fourth made me laugh again.

:yes: :D

[whoaru99]

Er Uh Ahemmm! I have a 1967 427 Stingray that I will gladly run against anything they have released in the past 25 years. With just a little over 840 hp, she peals your lips back to your ears and you know what a vette is sposed to feel like. Oh sure,,,a few mods here and there but it is still street legal. I had it out of storage a few days back as my Toyota was in the shop. The gas bill made me cry, but that loud squeeeeel half way through third gear and the nasty chirp out of fourth made me laugh again.

:yes: :D



Well, the assumption was stock vs. stock, but...I'm sure it's a bad-ass machine in a straight line. However, I like more than just that.

As long as you allow a "few mods here and there but still street legal" to the competition, I'm sure you'd not be worried about a 1,000hp Lingenfelter Z06 twin turbo. ;)

[KR7600]

To make a 427 with 800 plus hp requires quite a bit of modifications, nitrous? 6-71 supercharger? radical cam? I am sure it is very fast in a straight line. How well does it brake and can it lap the Nurburgring in 7:43?

[zman]

That is a good choice.
I`m a mopar guy myself but found a black 1981 with the tan interior back in 03`.
it was a watered down full smog edition with the 305 but it got up and moved better then expected.
I did go through all the vaccume hoses and parts and tuned it but you should do that with anything.
it was so darn comfortable I took 5 trips in it coast to coast back in 03-04.
it was a dream to drive and all the controls were where I needed.
Some trips coast to coast were as little as 3 days.
I did drive it in the canyons here in southern california as well and it was a dream to drive .
I suppose I got lucky because it had under 100K miles when i bought it and all the suspension was in good condition.
I dont know why but I feel the best looking vette was the 80-82.
The ground effect`s..The tail. it seem to all come together in those years.
I think it is a sleeper year.
But choose what suits you and enjoy the wonderfull Corvette.

[Fisherdude]

...With just a little over 840 hp...you know what a vette is sposed to feel like...
:yes: :D

With 840 hp, that's not what a Corvette is supposed to feel like, that's what a funny car is supposed to feel like!:D

[SPL db]

With 840 hp, that's not what a Corvette is supposed to feel like, that's what a funny car is supposed to feel like! :D

Actually... a Funny Car will have close to 3000HP... still 840HP is nothing to sneeze at! :thmbsp:

Scott

[Fisherdude]

Actually... a Funny Car will have close to 3000HP... still 840HP is nothing to sneeze at! :thmbsp:

Scott

Yeah, I know, but that didn't quite roll off the showroom floor that way! The fastest thing I was ever in was a very tricked-up Firebird with about 450bhp. I can't even imagine what 840 must feel like in a car that light!:no:

Peeling your lips back sounds about right!

[AU20K]

With 840 hp, that's not what a Corvette is supposed to feel like, that's what a funny car is supposed to feel like!:D

I think the reason they call them funny cars is because when it hits that power band I just could never resist laughing my ass of at the g-force. It may hafta go though. Gas is too spendy and it sits all year except for a few miles in the summer.

[MAXZ28]

I've been thinking about getting a 'Vette for, oohh, about 40 years now.

I'm not interested in any of the higher-performance versions (Z06, etc., etc.). Best suggestions for engines, years, etc.? I'd like to stay under $25-30K or so. Any suggestions appreciated!

You can pick up [ well, at least around here in MN ] a super clean C5 '97-'04 for under $30K easy. I've seen C5 Z06's listed for $28K, in fact. IMHO, I'd stay clear of C4's if you have any concern about ease of access. C4's have the high frame rails so if you're tall like me they're a little harder getting in and out of.

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/650/s2007c6tz2.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/80/picture058ki7.jpg

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3593/picture014jp1.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/2522/picture017jq3.jpg

LOOK!!! Even dorks [ young & younger ] look pretty cool in a 'vette.

I was talking to my father-in-law [ 65 yrs young ] this morning over breakfast about his '07 and he's been itching to trade in his coupe for an '08 convertible. Like any car, they depreciate and the dealership is offering $37K trade-in value on his. :no: So keep your eyes peeled - you ought to be able to find one in your price range that will be a blast to drive and own.:thmbsp:

[whoaru99]

Nice ride... :yes: :thmbsp:

[twitch54]

Actually... a Funny Car will have close to 3000HP... still 840HP is nothing to sneeze at! :thmbsp:

Scott

"Alky" FC yes, but a TF FC actually develops closer to 8000hp when all "candles are lit".

With respect to the original question, unless you are a decent mechanic, then I suggest you subscribe to the notion of......."buy the most current, best condition example you can afford" !

[Fisherdude]

You can pick up [ well, at least around here in MN ] a super clean C5 '97-'04 for under $30K easy. I've seen C5 Z06's listed for $28K, in fact. IMHO, I'd stay clear of C4's if you have any concern about ease of access. C4's have the high frame rails so if you're tall like me they're a little harder getting in and out of.

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/650/s2007c6tz2.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/80/picture058ki7.jpg

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3593/picture014jp1.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/2522/picture017jq3.jpg

LOOK!!! Even dorks [ young & younger ] look pretty cool in a 'vette.

I was talking to my father-in-law [ 65 yrs young ] this morning over breakfast about his '07 and he's been itching to trade in his coupe for an '08 convertible. Like any car, they depreciate and the dealership is offering $37K trade-in value on his. :no: So keep your eyes peeled - you ought to be able to find one in your price range that will be a blast to drive and own.:thmbsp:

That looks gorgeous! I'm really getting close to this...will it hold a set of golf clubs?:D

[MAXZ28]

Looks like you can squeeze two average size sets of clubs under the hatch to me....definitely one set though.

[jlindsey86]

You can find a hell of a good Vette for around $20,000. Look for the model years '95 or '96 for the LT-4 engine. If you want a C5 check out 99-04. You can find them easily with less than 50,000 miles.

[vintage-yungin]

I can say that the 84-87 were built decent as the rear was not only independent suspension but was also a Dana 44 rear, now these C4's may not have needed a Dana 44 they would have been just fine with the Chevy 10 bolt but hell if you can break the Dana 44 your doing something stupid any ways!!!.

I will be putting a 84-87 corvette front and rear susp on my 54 Chevy 3100 pick-up should have an amazing ride to it smooth and comfortable--(this is years from now unless stricken with luck).

Shawn.


My brother gave me his 74 vette but its all in pieces. One of these days I will find the time to get her back together.

One of my favorite newer vettes would be the last of the c4's that had the oval taillights. Get one with a manual and you should be blessed with decent mileage if you keep your foot out of the gas. Decent build quality too compared to the early c4's. Good luck!

[skippy_ps]

That black 'vette is absolutely beautiful, Max!

Murray