Callaway Lurker

[Last Ride]

Hey gang--
Of all the Corvettes out there, I think a B2K Callaway would be high on my list of desireable vehicles. My wife is always nagging...er, I mean, expressing her dislike for the "old car", a 1978 Silver Anniversary (B2Z). Try as I might to update it, I am beginning to feel like it will never meet with her approval. She really likes the C5's, but she is warming to the C4. I showed her some ZR-1's that she liked. I like the ballsy aura the C4 puts off, and was wondering what you all could tell me about B2K-optioned cars. are they ultra expensive to work on, etc.? I would probably be looking for a pretty used (not abused) car that I could fix up. Anyone have any thoughts? I like the ZR-1's as well, but I was thinking that the B2K might be easier on the wallet should things start to break!

 

[*89x2*]

Welcome! Hope you are finding this forum full of good info!
I was able to CONvince my wife into a pair of Callaway's (after already owning another Vette )
To generally answer some of your questions, are they ultra expensive to work on? Not really... Most of the car is still Vette however, some of the Callaway parts will cost, should they need to be.
Looking for a pretty used Callaway, I think the one in the midwest (a 1990 black coupe) has a lot of miles on it but is in one piece... Owner is asking 31k, if I recall...
Some of the best deals out there for Callaway TT B2K's to drive are the 1987 models.
Hope this helps

 

[90Callaway]

As far as Callaway vs. ZR1 it depends on what you want to use the car for. Unless you have some serious mechanical abilities you do not want a "fixer-upper" Callaway. They are not easy to work on, require knowledge of turbo systems and electronic engine management. It's also very difficult if not impossible to obtain some Callaway specific parts. And if you can get them they are expensive.

A solid ZR1 driver can be obtained for around $20K or just over and if properly maintained is nearly bullet proof. You could drive it every day with no concerns. It should go 200,000 miles. A Callaway is not a daily driver. The ZR1 is also not an easy engine to work on and parts availability will become a concern. However, they seem to be incredibly reliable for the most part.

Look way back in some of the posts in this forum (up to 6 months ago). We've had this discussion in a fair amount of detail before.

 

[Last Ride]

As far as Callaway vs. ZR1 it depends on what you want to use the car for. Unless you have some serious mechanical abilities you do not want a "fixer-upper" Callaway. They are not easy to work on, require knowledge of turbo systems and electronic engine management. It's also very difficult if not impossible to obtain some Callaway specific parts. And if you can get them they are expensive.

A solid ZR1 driver can be obtained for around $20K or just over and if properly maintained is nearly bullet proof. You could drive it every day with no concerns. It should go 200,000 miles. A Callaway is not a daily driver.

Look way back in some of the posts in this forum (up to 6 months ago). We've had this discussion in a fair amount of detail before.

Will do on the search. It was really little more than an idea at this point. I really have a soft spot for the C3, but I am sure I could be happy with one of the "modern cars" of the rarer flavor. I just think that all the C5's look the same, as do most C4's, but the ZR-1 and Callaways are different. My car barely sees 5,000 miles a year right now, so it is far from a daily driver. As for being mechanically inclined, I may never know. I have been able to figure out nearly everything I needed to in my life, but when it comes to things like this, I tend to have a short fuse. Things end up not working like they are supposed to, I get mad, I curse everything on God's green Earth, my wife gets mad, I sleep on the couch; a vicious cycle! I will say that I have more time than money, and my '78 actually had a turbocharger on it when I bought it. I don't mind figuring things out, as long as I have pretty detailed instructions Well, thanks for the suggestions!

 

[90Callaway]

If what you describe is the normal course of events you do not want a Callaway Twin Turbo if you plan to stay married. :L

There are a few Callaway Aerobody ZR1s around but they are not cheap. You could also look for a Callaway SuperNatural with the Aerobody. Just like the one Chris C has. It is a '92-'96 with an LT1 (or LT4) that is normally aspirated and makes between 405 and 450hp depending on when it was made and options like exhaust.

This is based on my assumption that you're referring to the Aerobody Callaway in the first place. I'm assuming you are since a B2K without an Aerobody looks just like a stock C4. With the exception of the '87s which had the NACA ducts on the hood.

 

[Last Ride]

Okay, so what am I looking for if I want a B2K with an Aerobody? I am sure there aren't many out there, and even fewer for sale at any given time. I really like the twin-turbo idea based on shear sex-appeal. I think the only other vehicle that would be in the running would be a ZR-1 treated with a Lingenfelter body kit (which I could do after the fact). Aren't the Aerobody panels pretty hard to come by? Thanks again!

 

[90Callaway]

Okay, so what am I looking for if I want a B2K with an Aerobody?

Exactly that, a Callaway B2K Twin Turbo with an Aerobody. There are 497 TTs according to Callaway records built between '87-'91. (Not including 10 L98 based Speedsters or a handful of 500+ cars.) Very few before 1991 got an Aerobody unless it was added post sale. Maybe a few of the 90's came with them. I think all 59 of the '91s came with the Aerobody. So a rough guess would be ~100 TT Aerobody cars out there. At any given time, there seems to be a handful for sale.

If I was shopping, I'd by this one:

http://callawaycars.com/Carsforsale/tt91053.htm

1991 Twin Turbo Aerobody coupe, medium quasar blue w/black interior, 6 speed, two tops, org. Dymags, new Goodyear GS-C tires, no chips, dings or scratches, meticulously owned & maintained, always in heated garage and covered, 1 of 2 in quasar blue Callaways in 1991, org. paperwork, 'Best in Class' award at 2000 and 2001 Vettes on the Rockies, perfect in every way with only 18,000 miles. This car has been babied.

Price: $45,000

 

[*89x2*]

If what you describe is the normal course of events you do not want a Callaway Twin Turbo if you plan to stay married. :L

Yikes!!!
:duh Should I tell my wife I got rid of it then??

You could also look for a Callaway SuperNatural with the Aerobody. Just like the one Chris C has.

^^^I bought this car (Supernatural 425) to have the power and style of the Twin Turbo (Well, almost the power )
while being able to drive it w/ out worries of high $$$ parts in the engine

Another option is, what a forum member did, they bought that red 91 Callaway bodied convertible w/ the L98

Kevin, FWIW - The Quazar blue car from Colorado had the Aerobody done afterwards from what I understand...
Here is another w/ out it as I have seen a black one too w/ out the Aerobody in 91.

*89x2* Chris

 

[90Callaway]

:cool I was not sure on whether all '91s had the Aerobody. Apparently not. It must have been an additional cost option which would make perfect sense. Thanks, Chris.

 

[Stan A]

What Year to buy?

Not being a regular on this forum for along time due to health problems, I welcome the opportunity to be able to respond when I am able.

What Callaway car to buy can be a heated discussion. Each year has it advantages and disadvantages. Current issue with replacing T04 Rotomaster turbos is something that should be considered for first time buyers.

Since the 1987 is the only year that this unit was not used (instead the IHI system was employed), I would currently look for a car from that year. IHI can be upgraded and there are performance units available too. With little cost and expense you can match or exceed all performance numbers of those cars with T04s.

This is not to say that if you get a good deal on any other Callaway model (1988-1991) that you pass on it. With the current market values on the down side with regards to all Corvettes, there is a fair chance that you can find a good clean car out there.

All the CAC members here on the Callaway Forum will gladly assist you with info as you need it. This is the best group of Corvette owners that I have had the pleasure to be associated with in my 40 years of Corvette ownership.

If I can be of any further assistance to you Brian, Please feel free in contacting me at APTL@attbi.com.

I send my best to all CAC members here. I miss the good times and look forward to having them again in the future.

Good health to all,
Stan

 

[90Callaway]

Hi Stan!

Good to see a post from you. I hope you get all your health related issues resolved soon. We'd love to have you at Carlisle with all of us Callaway owners this year!

I'm sure any of us would be glad to have you ride shotgun on our rides back and forth from the hotel.

 

[*89x2*]

Stan, Good to hear from you! Hope your health prevails!
Great info in your post

 

[callaway4fun]

I hope you have a Healthy New Year

Glad to see you post again Stan I hope all is well.

 

[Last Ride]

Ruining the car?

Stan--
Thanks for the reply. I didn't realize that they used two different turbos during the production run. I think that the '87's would be most in my price range, but who knows? I am already in a car that I basically can't sell (I guess I haven't tried too hard What would people say about modifying a B2K car? Would I forever be labelled with the untouchables or outcasts? I am not talking trashing the car, I mean, performance-based enhancements (turbo tweaking), racing seats, a beefier stereo, etc. I also REALLY like the Aerobody kit, but it looks like that wil only help the value. I already get flack for stuffing an LT-1 into a '78 B2Z car! I know the Callaways are a lot more rare. Any thoughts on this topic? Thanks again all, you have been most helpful!

 

[Last Ride]

By the way, I was looking on the Callaway site earlier when I ran across the 1987 Number 77 B2K for sale here: http://callawaycars.com/Carsforsale/davis87.htm

I tried looking at the other website to no avail. The car looks to be in more rough condition than most Callaways, but the price seems to reflect that. With it being a convertible, would it suffer from body flex when I start upping the power? Could I do anything to remedy that? As for my earlier post, the reason for asking is that I tend to have a knack for screwing with things and not leaving them totally original. Thanks again, fellas.

 

[*89x2*]

I checked out that link and yes, that car is not in "typical" shape for a callaway (although there have been some "more used" than that one. That car would be a really good starting point for a driver and I think if it was still avail, the price could be even less than what they are asking - (quite less, IMO)

As far as Modding the car, Intake changes, Exhaust, etc. have all been done to some of the Callaways' w/out "shunning" of the owners
(New C12's have high end radio/Navi systems so, radio mods would be ok I imagine, to most - just save all stock parts )
That car would look great w/ some nice Black leather Recaro's , etc.. and change the carpet over to black as well...
If you want the car not to flex, put a hardtop on it like Kevin (90callaway) has on his - His TT makes more than stock power levels and I have not heard him say there were issues w/ flex (I know my SNAT is TIGHT w/ the hardtop on it )

Good luck w/ your decision

 

[90Callaway]

As far as Modding the car, Intake changes, Exhaust, etc. have all been done to some of the Callaways' w/out "shunning" of the owners

Nice to know I'm not labeled as an outcast! I'd hate to think I couldn't hang out with you guys anymore!

The roadster is pretty stiff to begin with. It has additional bracing underneath in the form of an "X" brace. Much stiffer than a coupe with the roof panel out. With the hardtop on it is solid as a rock. It even qualifies as a true hardtop for drag racing because of the roll hoop and heavy brackets that bolt to the structure of the car.

 

[*89x2*]

This Just in: This car's price has just been lowered... > http://callawaycars.com/Carsforsale/tt87-076.htm
The website has not been updated to reflect this yet - contact Joanne for more info.
If I were looking for an 87, this one would be at the TOP of my list


p.s. Kevin your "modded" B2K is tops in my book

 

[Stan A]

No#77

Hi Brian and To all my friends....... I appreciates the nice words of support. Good to see the spirit still going strong!

I had the opportunity to see No#77 back in 1996. This car is very ruff and had many problems including tranny and overdrive.

The owner paid 25k for it at that time. If the car has had all its problems corrected, value would be in the very low teens.

Right now a solid 1987 Callaway with mileage under 40,000 miles comes in between $17,800 to $19,400 in coupe form with a convertible tipping an additional $3,000.

When we talk about doing mods, most of what we all have done is not major in nature. Turbocat, David, and I really went overboard in many cases. Anything short of changing the standard GM operational standard will in most create problems of many types.

Most of what David and I did can be duplicated with good results but a cam change is necessary. I have all the specs if you are interested. May I suggest that you contact me directly at aptl@attbi.com. This way I can work around long periods of sitting. I still have this to content with now.

I have my eye on a 1987 Callaway that is still with the original owner. If he decides to part with it and my health is not an issue, I will go for it. If not, I will alert all of you. This is a very cherry super clean car.

Got to go..... Take care all,
Stan:s

 

[SCVette]

Last Ride,
I know from the owner that the price of the '91 quasar blue TT has been significantly lowered. 35k-36k (he is buying his wife a new house)
It does not reflect on Callaways website, but if you buy from him personally you do not pay the 3% fee to Callaway for the sale.
It is a low milage, pristine condition, polished undercarriage, beautiful Callaway specimen.
He doesn't even take it to the shows(and take the trophies) any more because he does not want to put more miles on it.
The 45K price tag was hard to digest but it is a good deal now.
I can get you his number if interested.
Taylor