Best C3 for handling/reliability

[taracatac]

Which C3s are the best years for dependability and ride comfort/handling? Power is not a concern, as I would be doing an engine swap. Thanks

 

[81maroonvette]

I might get some heat for this, but 1980 to 82 handle and ride much nicer, the trade off is the loss of power.

 

[71LS5]

I think 80-82 would be best for ride if power is not a concern. The only problem with 82 is that it is the first year GM went with the computerized injection. It can be touchy.

 

[Willis76]

Which C3s are the best years for dependability and ride comfort/handling? Power is not a concern, as I would be doing an engine swap. Thanks

.... 'kinda sounds like an oxymoron to me .......

 

[MrGibbly]

What I looked for when I was shopping for a good C3 was a straight frame, a sound engine and a solid transmission because those are all expesive to repair. As far as handling is concerned, if you can find a car that has recently had its suspension rebuilt with polyurethane bushings and new shocks its going to feel like a whole different car from one that has blown out rubber bushings, spent shocks, and metal on metal in the trailing arm linkage... Switching the older C3s to the composite rear monospring instead of the steel will help handling as well.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I agree with Sherry

The best handling and most reliable vette will be the one that received the most care and maintenance throughout its' life.

I'd look for the best maintained C3 within your price range, one with good body/paint and solid working drivetrain components. If you can purchase one who has recently had the suspension upgrade, even better...otherwise, change the suspension when you do the engine swap.
Heidi

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

I have had two 78's and an 80. I hate to say it, but the ride of the 80 was the best of all of them. My 80 was a calf. package with the 305. It didn't have as much power as the others, but it had enough to get a ticket without trying. All that said, it was the best one to just drive. It was smooth and comfortable and gave 21 MPG on the hiway. I almost hate to say it , but I think I'd trade my 78 Daytona for a good 80 vette just for the driving. If I get the chance, and money, I'd buy other 80 just to use as a driver. The black 80 was and is the best vette I've ever had. I cried when it was totalled and miss it even today.

Gary

 

[69autoXr]

I would have to say that ride comfort and handling are not the same thing. A great handling car often does not ride comfortably, because they are usually setup much stiffer. A prime example is the 84 Z51, which was praised for its handling but criticized for it's bone-jarring stiffness. My 69, which is setup as stiff as possible for autocross, handles great, but I wouldn't want to drive it on the street (especially in Michigan), it's just too stiff.

Cars with better ride comfort are usually setup with softer springs, therefore sacrificing handling.

It completely depends on what you want the car to do.

 

[JR-80]

I have an 80. It handles great and has a comfortable ride. I went on a nonstop 500 mile trip , only stopping for gas. My ass never got tired and I could never have made it with my truck.

 

[clar2001]

I disagree my 75 is the best handeling now with new suspension & brakes built to suite only me.

 

[gooney0]

Gymkanaha

Well.. for best handling i'd look at the mid 70's with the optional suspension. Gymkanaha? I think it was called. I'm not sure about the spelling though.


-Gooney0