Buying a 1978 vs 1979 vette

[manti6]

The vette bug has bitten and I have finally decided to purchase a 1978 or 1979 vette (because I like the style and features of the 78 & 79 model years). I am a rookie with two questions: (a) Does anyone know of a checklist of "things to be sure to check for when buying older vette " that a new vetter lover can refer to? I am comfortable buying older cars and know what to look for in general - I am looking for "vette specific" questions that one should ask. (b) From a mechanical / repair point-of-view, is one year (1978 or 1979) known as a better year model? In other words, is one year known as being a better built model with fewer problems than the other year? Your opinion / recommendation will be appreciated!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome Manti6!

Welcome to Corvette Action Center.

I think that both 78 and 79 are equal regarding quality. Regarding things to look for when purchasing an older vette...we have a checklist of things that you can print out to take with you when looking at vettes. Click on the blue tab marked "Tools" at the top of the page, scroll down to Miscellaneous Tools and print out the Corvette Buyer's Form.

As far as what to look for in general...I'd recommend purchasing the best maintained vette you can find. It has been mentioned before, pay the money upfront, or pay later...but ultimately I feel that buying a vette that has already had the repairs/upgrades performed to it will be a better value than one that you need to do yourself.
Happy shopping!
Heidi

 

[Yoda]

manti6,
Heidi provided some good advice and I'm sure you will see a few more responses here in the C3 forum.

BudD

 

[Stallion]

Mechanically I'm pretty sure the '78 and '79 are quite similar, maybe with a base engine bhp difference of 5 or 10. Nothing to choose a specific one over. If you find a '78 that's in better condition than a '79, go for it. And vice versa.

If you'd be willing to purchase a book, look at Richard Newton's Restoration and Modification book for C3 Vettes. It has a big form, just like the one on this site but a little different, for what to look for and inquire.

Good luck!

TR

 

[silver 80]

didn't the 79 have different seats from the 78 except the pace car?
I had a 79 and those seat are very comfortable. i would go with a 79 because of the seats.
tom

 

[Eric]

didn't the 79 have different seats from the 78 except the pace car? I had a 79 and those seat are very comfortable. i would go with a 79 because of the seats.
tom

Yes, the 78 Pace Car seats became standard in all 79s, this included reviesd seat tracks (I think) that gave more room for adjustment. Silver is right, those seats are loads more comfortable than the older seats. Also, both the L-48 and L-82 had slight HP increases in 79.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

seats...

My 78's seats are a bottom and a solid back, was the 78Pace and 79 the 2-piece back? It folds over in the middle?

I think my seats are very comfortable, and I have an old hip injury that can make sitting for long periods uncomfortable. (except when I'm in the 78 )
Heidi

 

[Eric]

Re: seats...

My 78's seats are a bottom and a solid back, was the 78Pace and 79 the 2-piece back? It folds over in the middle?
...Heidi

The Pace Car (and 79) seats were still two piece designs but they folded over in the middle as you stated. The portion below the fold is a one piece bucket, unlike the framed version the you and I have in our cars. These seats had much larger bolsters so they kinda suck you in, keeping you in place better on the twisties.

- Eric

 

[sscam69]

These seats had much larger bolsters so they kinda suck you in, keeping you in place better on the twisties

I can vouch for the 79 seats. The are definitely the most comfortable seat I have been in up to this point. Even though it was designed over 20 yrs ago :eek

Definitely love the seats!! In fact it was one of the first things I noticed about the car, but not before the stunning good looks:L.

 

[page62]

I'm biased here...but the '78 Pace Car/'79 seats also make the car look more modern. I even had a C1 owner ask me if my car's interior had been modified!

 

[manti6]

Thanks for referring me to the buyers checklist. It was worthwhile reading and will be put to good use. It is good to hear that the 78 and 79 models are considered comparable as it provides more of a selection to choose from.

 

[Stallion]

"(because I like the style and features of the 78 & 79 model years)"

I'm just curious, but what does attrack you (as far as the features go) to the late '70s? Just curious...

TR

 

[manti6]

Reasons for prefering any model car are personal. So I am not suggesting that my reasons suggest that 1978-79 models are superior to any other year -- only that these are my personal reasons.

The 1978-79 models are in the "twilight zone" sandwiched between two major events:

1. The oil embargo of 1979 affected ALL cars made after that date. For example, very late 1979 production vette speedometers show 85 MPH (instead of 140 MPH). In short, the federal government forced modifications on all high performance cars (and low performance cars) from 1980 forward (are you old enough to recall maximum interstate speeds of 55 MPH?)

2. Even though the 1978-79 years are not true "Stingrays", they still have the "Stingray" body-style fins. I just think that body style is neat. The 1978-79 years were at the end of the Stingray era - with all of the most "recent" and most "modern" features possible for that era - coming at the close of that era but just before the modifications forced by the oil embargo.

Finally, in addition to the above, cost is a factor for me. 1979 is a record production year for Corvettes (1978 being 4th in production), so they should cost less since more of them were made. I guess I just feel like I am getting more for my money with the 1978-79 models. Plus, I will have more to choose form in selecting one to purchase.

Again, all of this is not to suggest that these vettes are superior or more desireable. I am new to the vette market and know very little about these cars. But these are my reasons.

Just one man's opinion. Your mileage may vary...

 

[sscam69]

. The oil embargo of 1979 affected ALL cars made after that date. For example, very late 1979 production vette speedometers show 85 MPH (instead of 140 MPH). In short, the federal government forced modifications on all high performance cars (and low performance cars) from 1980 forward (are you old enough to recall maximum interstate speeds of 55 MPH?)

NOW THAT I DIDN'T KNOW!! I have a 140mph speedo on mine

Pretty good reasons if you ask me. But I think I am bias

 

[Stallion]

>> Even though the 1978-79 years are not true "Stingrays" <<

Are you serious? What makes them not Stingrays? I didn't know that. I was just looking at a '78 SA and it had the Stingray trim. I didn't think the body was that different. Could you go into more detail? Thanks.

>> Again, all of this is not to suggest that these vettes are superior or more desireable. <<

I understand. I, personally, prefer the earlier C3s (chrome ) and I woudl like to have a big-block one day. Although I would prefer an LT-1 SB as a daily driver (mpg ).

TR

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Stingray

The 'stingray' body style persevered, but GM stopped using the "Stingray" emblem several years before they stopped production of that body style.

I think I would consider a vette that had the Stingray emblem to BE a stingray, while one that was manufactured without one would be a stingray body style.
Heidi

 

[groovyjay]

My vote goes to 79. Most produced Vette with 53, 807 made (easy to find). No additional 25th anniversary price tag. I know there's pretty cheap 78 out there too. Try to find the best vette you can afford. Maybe L82 (225hp) and 4 speed manual.

 

[mvftw]

I just went through this myself...what year Vette to get. The most I wanted spend was $8,000. I'm playing this game for 25 years. I tell everybody that wants to listen...get the most options that you can find/afford. Like my '68 Camaro SS had P/W, Tilt, & Fold Down Seat:s. I couldn't afford my dream Vette (63 Spilt or 67), so a C3 was the answer. Now what C3 to get. After doing some research, there are No Real Collectable 74 to 82 Vettes (68 to 73 are still to high). The Only one I feel that has the most bang for your buck is the '78 S/A (Silver/Gray) now that the 50th is out. Once I decided to get that model, I went to find a L82-4spd, with options (rare). The first one I found I bought. My point is you can spend the same $$$ and Not get your $$$ back, if it's Not optioned right.

 

[manti6]

The name Stingray

Sorry for the delay in responding about the name Stingray. My understanding is that "Stingray" was used from 1969 through 1976 and "Sting Ray" was used from 1963 through 1967. The name was not used from 1977 forward even though the body-style was still used through 1982.

 

[manti6]

update

It looks like I am coming in the home stretch for purchasing my first vette. I have a 1979 L42 under consideration. The engine was recently rebuilt (taken down to polishing the block) and is now 300+ hp.

I want to share an interesting insight: Three years ago I purchased a two-year old Nissian Sentra for my kids with 40,000 miles for $7,500. I am paying $8,500 for this 1979 L42 with about 1,000 miles on the rebuilt engine. Observation A: I will never purchase another used car when I can purchase a restored & rebuilt vintage car for the same money. Observation B: Today my Sentra is worth $2,500 to $3,000. In ten years my Nissian Sentra will be worthless while my vette should still be worth something... Observation C: Let's face it. For the same money, it should be a little more fun cruising down the highway of life in a vette than in a Sentra!

By the way, I appreciate the comments over the last week. They were helpful. (It's funny, but I feel like a teenager buying his first car...)