help in choosing a corvette C3
Discussion
New to this forum...thinking of buying a 1973ish C3 Corvette and would appreciate some general pointers from the boffins on here that would help the corvette novice to avoid a big mistake! What should i look for , how critical is the engine size, fibleglass problems/re-paint costs? parts availability in UK? did search but not much came up thanks s
My first vette was a '73.....I was actually looking for a '72 
Sort of depends what you want, but here's a quick guide.
1968-82 C3 "Coke Bottle" classic shape of vette.
1968-72 Chrome bumper cars, most expensive and desireable ones IMHO.
73 crossover car with chrome rear bumpers but soft polyurethane nose.
74 onwards all poly bumpers.
75 last convertible C3.
76-77 Least power and most common C3.
78 silver anniversary cars including the Indy Pace Car replicas.
79-81 new shape rear hatch.
82 Final C3 (Mitch's favourite
)
Engines started as 327 then 350 for small blocks and 427 then 454 for big blocks. L-48 base small block from about 1973 onwards and L-82 for higher output small block. LT-1 small block from 1970-72 solid lifters and more power.
Your best bet it to buy a copy of the Corvette Black Book off Amazon as this details each year model with all the engine horsepower, options etc. etc.
Sort of depends what you want, but here's a quick guide.
1968-82 C3 "Coke Bottle" classic shape of vette.
1968-72 Chrome bumper cars, most expensive and desireable ones IMHO.
73 crossover car with chrome rear bumpers but soft polyurethane nose.
74 onwards all poly bumpers.
75 last convertible C3.
76-77 Least power and most common C3.
78 silver anniversary cars including the Indy Pace Car replicas.
79-81 new shape rear hatch.
82 Final C3 (Mitch's favourite
)Engines started as 327 then 350 for small blocks and 427 then 454 for big blocks. L-48 base small block from about 1973 onwards and L-82 for higher output small block. LT-1 small block from 1970-72 solid lifters and more power.
Your best bet it to buy a copy of the Corvette Black Book off Amazon as this details each year model with all the engine horsepower, options etc. etc.
As usual you get what you pay for, normally so get a realistic budget, you mention 73ish so I assume you have already excluded the 68 to 72 chrome bumper cars which are usually more expensive than the later models. The big 2 are chassis and or birdcage(the steel frame round the cockpit) rust and bodged and badly repaired bodywork and paint. Mechanical parts are in the main very reliable and not expensive to repair or replace. If you are doing the work yourself then the electricals and the vacuum system (headlights and wiper door) can try your patience. Engine size you have the 350 (5.7l) small block or the big block as mentioned above by Cliff. The big block is rarer and heavier, those who know say that the small block cars handle better because of the better weight distribution but that would only be a factor if you are looking to the extremes of handling. Tuning them, the sky is the limit, guys in the US have 1000hp small blocks! Gearboxes are either auto or manual and both lead to cruising mid rev range unless you change to a 4 speed auto or 5 or 6 speed manual, these give you much more relaxed cruising and better economy. There you go, a starter for 10!
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orangeLP400 said:
New to this forum...
Suggest you get yourself signed up here as well if you've not already done so,http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk/forum.php
I like the body revisions made to the 1982 Collector Edition. It's also one of the most 80's things I've ever seen other than a Countach!! There were so many different styles of C3 though it's hard to say. My '82 has been in the family for 12 year now and likely will be for a good few more. Well remembered Nigel!
orangeLP400 said:
New to this forum...thinking of buying a 1973ish C3 Corvette and would appreciate some general pointers from the boffins on here that would help the corvette novice to avoid a big mistake! What should i look for , how critical is the engine size, fibleglass problems/re-paint costs? parts availability in UK? did search but not much came up thanks s
I'm a novice with Vettes, been an owner 5 years but still a novice. Here's my ramblings.....engines are all 5.7 V8, thats all that really matters. Rule of thumb, the older the C3 the more powerful. Fibreglass problems - zero, don't worry, just don't crash them. I've spun twice, hit something once, cost £300 respray, panels are available if you tish one. Parts, don't worry, the internet rules. For all C3 queries I'd look at Corvette Kingdom in Norfolk, speak to Scott. Join the Corvette Club UK as suggested, most helpful forum and plenty of info.I bought a couple of books first, decided on the year, test dove a 78 Silver Anv and then bought a 78 Pace Car. Don't let your heart rule, stick to a budget, decide what you want the car for - are you a show & shine person fair weather only person (I'm not) or do you want to drive it in all weathers and enjoy it (like me) - then decide on the quality of the car. I looked at a show winning car first, not worth the money as you can't see the shiny bits when you're on the N138 to Le Mans.
Try to find a car with history. If it's a '73 and it's been in the country for say 15 years the previous owners will have kept a folder of bills, club member cards, tax, valuations all stuff like that.
Well that'll keep you going.......
[quote=Vette_1978
I'm a novice with Vettes, been an owner 5 years but still a novice. Here's my ramblings.....engines are all 5.7 V8, thats all that really matters. Rule of thumb, the older the C3 the more powerful. Fibreglass problems - zero, don't worry, just don't crash them.
[/quote]
Don't forget the big-blocks..........
I'm a novice with Vettes, been an owner 5 years but still a novice. Here's my ramblings.....engines are all 5.7 V8, thats all that really matters. Rule of thumb, the older the C3 the more powerful. Fibreglass problems - zero, don't worry, just don't crash them.
[/quote]
Don't forget the big-blocks..........
Thank u all for taking the time and effort to post on my behalf..it is appreciated....bought a book on ebay "corvette by mike mueller" which i think must be aimed at 5 year olds so have now ordered as suggested the "black" book which i presume is some sort of spec bible and i am sure will help....budget means i will not be able to afford the best or the best spec but looking at pics i can see why the early cars are so sought after...engine size is not critical to me, reckon 5.7 is enough in the UK...and i want to be able to use it and not worry too much about stone chips and general wear and tear although i am a sympathetic driver and track days and the like are not my thing......fast cruise to the pub on a sunday is more my style but i want something i can drive on the continent for long distance touring or down to Goodwood......so must be reliable and easy to fix....thanks for link and yes , i will join the club...nice to find such a friendly bunch here stephen
mitch_ said:
Vette_1978 said:
I'm a novice with Vettes, been an owner 5 years but still a novice. Here's my ramblings.....engines are all 5.7 V8, thats all that really matters. Rule of thumb, the older the C3 the more powerful. Fibreglass problems - zero, don't worry, just don't crash them.
Don't forget the big-blocks..........
Isn't that just the ultimate DB's (or am I biased?)orangeLP400 said:
New to this forum...thinking of buying a 1973ish C3 Corvette and would appreciate some general pointers from the boffins on here that would help the corvette novice to avoid a big mistake!
For a start, why 73, when you can have a '72 and get free tax orangeLP400 said:
What should i look for , how critical is the engine size, fibleglass problems/re-paint costs? parts availability in UK? did search but not much came up thanks s
Engine size is only critical depending on how deep your wallet is. Big blocks drink the squirt LOTS, small blocks ever so slightly less.Parts availablity isn't any problem, just order online from one of the many 'vette specialists in the USA.
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