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Auto Talk => The Fast Lane => Topic started by: Raza on August 15, 2005, 04:18:16 PM

Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: Raza on August 15, 2005, 04:18:16 PM
I saw a C3 Vette split roof parked in a lot with a for sale sign and I had to stop by and take a look at it.  Miraculously, it's a stickshift!  A 4 speed, but hell, it's a stick!

The guy there doesn't know much about it, other than the fact that it's a 78 and the mileage.  He doesn't know about the engine or anything like that, but he gave me the number of the owner.  It looks to be in pretty good shape, other than a few pain chips here and there (it might need a paint job soon).  He's asking 14 grand.

What questions do I need to ask?  What can go wrong?  What engines were offered in this car?
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: TBR on August 15, 2005, 04:21:34 PM
It likely has a 350 and probably is very low on power due to emission equipment. Don't waste your money or time.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on August 15, 2005, 04:24:55 PM
Exactly, they are slow and probobly don't handle all that great.

A 4 year old civic offers more performance than that thing.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: BMWDave on August 15, 2005, 04:25:52 PM
Yup...Corvettes were absolutely raped by emissions rules, etc.  The engine in that car is making about 190 hp, I believe.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: R33 GT-R on August 15, 2005, 04:26:02 PM
As the above have stated, it's a pig Raza.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: BMWDave on August 15, 2005, 04:26:11 PM
But there is no denying the looks...that Corvette is the best bodstyle, IMO.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: TBR on August 15, 2005, 04:26:24 PM
I didn't figure it was even making that.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: TBR on August 15, 2005, 04:26:58 PM
QuoteBut there is no denying the looks...that Corvette is the best bodstyle, IMO.
I prefer the C4 and C2, myself.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: BMWDave on August 15, 2005, 04:27:50 PM
QuoteI didn't figure it was even making that.
But the car is heavy, and its not an efficient engine.

and manuals are rare.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on August 15, 2005, 04:28:21 PM
it probobly doesn't even make 190hp,

THe mid 80's vettes(still suffering from emissions), only made 5 more hp than a comparable(turbo Z) of the time.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: Secret Chimp on August 15, 2005, 04:29:28 PM
I like that body style, but aside from the rare variants that actually had powerful engines, I wouldn't leave one of those things stock. 3-4k for a crate 350 and there you go.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: Raza on August 15, 2005, 04:29:35 PM
Okay, guys.  Thanks for the warning.  I'll pass.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: R33 GT-R on August 15, 2005, 04:31:35 PM
Now if you want to pull the engine and build up a shortblock you can make it dance.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: TBR on August 15, 2005, 04:33:30 PM
If you're willing to put 6-7k into it you can make it a fast car, but it really isn't worth it imho.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: R33 GT-R on August 15, 2005, 04:34:50 PM
QuoteIf you're willing to put 6-7k into it you can make it a fast car, but it really isn't worth it imho.
Yep, unless he just wanted straight line acceleration.  Could you imagine trying to setup that suspension.  Arrrrgh.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on August 15, 2005, 04:35:14 PM
Sure you can make it fast for very little, but it will still handle like sh*t, just like 95% of the cars of that era.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: Raza on August 15, 2005, 04:39:43 PM
I wasn't willing to put more money into it--14K was more than I was willing to spend as is.  I can get a newer 911 for that price.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on August 15, 2005, 04:40:40 PM
14K???

I wouldn't bother with it, you can get such a better car for half of that price.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: Raza on August 15, 2005, 04:42:14 PM
Quote14K???

I wouldn't bother with it, you can get such a better car for half of that price.
I thought he was asking alot.  But I bet he's betting that the stick will get him the extra bank.
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: R33 GT-R on August 15, 2005, 04:54:03 PM
Quote
Quote14K???

I wouldn't bother with it, you can get such a better car for half of that price.
I thought he was asking alot.  But I bet he's betting that the stick will get him the extra bank.
There is an ass for every seat as the car business goes.  
Title: Tell me all you know about Corvettes in 1978
Post by: Raza on August 15, 2005, 04:56:29 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote14K???

I wouldn't bother with it, you can get such a better car for half of that price.
I thought he was asking alot.  But I bet he's betting that the stick will get him the extra bank.
There is an ass for every seat as the car business goes.
He's moving out of state--my guess is he won't end up selling it for a penny over 10.