Past C3 owners, would you go back?

[handstjg]

I currently own a 1986 Convertible with 22K miles. I have a chance to buy a 1973 Convertible w/ 76K miles. The 190 HP will have to be recitified, GM direct has a 350 HO with 330 HP that just might do the trick.

What are the major pro's and con's between the 2 generations?

The boss lady says no to owning both, believe me I've tried every trick in the book but she is pretty adamant on the subject.

 

[bossvette]

give her the 86:cool

 

[FX GS]

I'd get rid of the boss lady and keep the '86 and buy the '73. You'll be happier in the long run.

 

[atmmac]

believe it or not i drove my first C3 today. I have to say it was AWESOME! I almost liked it better than my c5. The interior was so cool and even the door handles were cool! To bad this one was automatic!

 

[BLUEDUCE]

Would you go back?

Yes, in a heartbeat. We purchased a 1972 Ontario Orange T-Top with Saddle interior new in 1972 for $5200. I would love to have that back. I think the C3 body looks fast and powerful. I thought when we got another, it would be a C3 but ours was a trade-in at my work and we jumped on it. It was the only Corvette we took in trade this year so I'm glad we got it. She is now in the shop for repairs. We think it's the Opti-spark. We'll find out early next week. Sure do miss her. Today would have been a great day for a ride. Instead I waxed up the Grand Cherokee. It was kinda neglected since we got the Vette. I'll have to drive her until the Vette is fixed. Although there aren't many days left before the dreaded word "winter" and we'll have to put her away till next spring.

Thanks,

Donna

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

I think the C3s are the best looking of them all. The C4s do have better body seals, T-tops. I've had 3 C3s now and the pre 80s don't have the computers; much easier to work on. I'd take a C3 ahead on any of the other. I don't like the C5s at all; but that's just me.

Gary

 

[kingman]

Stone age!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi

There is nothing wrong with the C3's, except it's like a through back in time. They look kool, but the creature comforts leave a lot to be disired.

To drive a C3 on weekends only, no problem but beyond that, forget about it.

Now, l would rather have an early C3 then an early C4 anytime, but that is my humble opinon and l have driven both. It all comes down to options and color and mileage and condition.


The ball is in your lap!

Alan

 

[tyrel]

I've driven a C3 before, and there really is no comparison to the C4. The pinched midsection in the C3 looks cool, but steals a lot of shoulder room from the cabin. I agree that the shark body style looks good, but the car is basically a boulevard cruiser. Compared to the C4, it feels like a boat. I'm very happy with my C4; it's light, fast, the suspension is awesome, and the car has more than enough power for me. I never liked the look of the C5 with its huge rear end and Firebird front end, so it looks like I'll keep my 89 for a long long time, unless the C6 is not as ugly as it appears it's going to be. I dunno, I'd keep the 86 if I were you, it's more of a driver's car than the C3.

 

[handstjg]

Thanks for all of the great advise.

Can't get rid of the boss lady, we live in AZ and she would get 1/2 of everything and with my luck the 86 would be in her 1/2. Besides after 33 years who wants to train another one.

The 73's curb appeal is awesome, and they only made 4943 Convertibles that year. Any shade tree mechanic can work on it.

The 86 is another story, does the term "rocket fuel science" come to mind. Have you ever read the start sequence, thank God for computers, I think? I just replaced the fuel filter, what sick mind found that location, without a lift it would have been a nightmare. With some 9-hour trips coming up the ride is crucial. The faster you go with the 86 the more stable it seems.

I'll keep you posted on my dilemma.

 

[resto75]

I have a 75 4sp and its fun to drive. The orig motor is long gone and replaced with a performance 350. I dont think I would like to take any long trips in it however. It does look good but so does a c4. I would prefer the c4 over the c3 for ride and comfort.

My c4 is a 94 and I have never driven a 86 so I don't know how a 86 compares. Its like everything else you have to try em and see what works for you.

 

[Michael Malone Smith]

Got to agree with tyrel and kingman. Had a 70vert LT1 w/350,370 hp and loved the car (only made 1243). However it is NOT a car for driving any distance. For one, it rides like a rock,no room and secondly your name would need to be J Paul Getty to finance the gas. True, it ran like the wind and was easy to work on but really I spent more time looking at it than driving it. Maybe moving up to a 95 or 96 would do it for you? If not, stick with what you got. Just my .02 worth

 

[handstjg]

You have made up my mind, I'll stay with the C4 and possibly upgrade to a later model sometime in the future. This is my first vette so I didn't have much to compare it with. The later C4's do have a nice comfortable look to them and the HP difference is worth the money.

Thanks again for all of the help.

 

[bradvette]

Its great you're keeping the '86. If I were you, I'd still get rid of the boss lady, if you call her that then you didn't train her at all. Anyway, move her on over to make room for a ZR1 or an LT4.

 

[rocklyons]

C4 v. C3

I have owned 3 C3's and 3 C4's. The early C3's with the big block were in a league of their own as far as raw power. In my opinion however, the C3's were nowhere near as beautiful as the C2's. The later C3's with the L48 and L82 engines were both pretty much dogs (IMHO) although with good looks.

To me the C4's are a major improvement, and my 95 vert is clearly the best driving AND performance vette I have owned. I have not fallen in love with the C5 for the reasons Tyrel gave. (Big rear end and TransAm front)

I may just be burried in my 95.

Rock

 

[handstjg]

I test drove a 96 today with 39K miles, what a difference. I am definitely going in that direction. The ride was 10 times better than the 86, and the ability to make the wide tires chirp with an automatic is were I want to be. Standard shifting in Phoenix traffic would be a good way to have a stronger left leg.

 

[rocklyons]

Good choice

It is axiomatic in this group that you should buy the best car you can afford. Of course which year is best is in the eye of the beer holder.

I purchased another Vette conv. recently, a 43K 1995, and it is head and shoulders above my 1988, which in turn was better than my 1986 (since sold). I have been slowly correcting the few problems with the 95 and by next summer I want it to be virtually perfect.

A 1996 low mileage in good condition is (IMHO) the cream of the crop. Go for it.

Rock

 

[MoeJr]

I owned a 77 L48 Automatic and now own an 84 Z51 Automatic. I prefer the styling of the C3 it is timeless. However no C3 can hold a candle to my 84 when it comes to handling and the 84 is a quicker car than the 77. Of course as everyone who know 84 Vettes knows they are one rough ride but are among the best handling Vettes of any year bar none. Now my 84 can chirp the tires from 1st to 2nd with the stock trans(modified to stay in OD at WOT) and it is 100% stock except a gutted cat. conv. I hope to someday add a C3 to my collection again but for now my 84 is giving me major smiles per mile. Just my .02

:bar

 

[handstjg]

Wouldn’t you know it, I took the boss lady out tonight to dinner to plead my case on the newer 96. She started stammering again so I dropped the subject, what a wimp I am. We went for a short drive and the 86 quit running. It started right up and the "service engine soon" light came on and stayed on all the way home. God must want me to have that 96, that’s my story and I am sticking to it. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[terrykrueger]

I did everything possible to AVOID a C3. I dealt with carburetors, extensive emissions, and general 'oldness' when I was in high school. I have nothing but respect for them, but in today's world I think you need some of the design improvements inherent in the C4. I guarantee that in a few years I will be saying the same about the C4 when C5's are commonplace.

Systems (generally) evolve towards an ideal state.


Man I know you guys are going to tear me a new one on this post.

 

[Fishman]

terrykrueger... Then why do you list your Corvette ownership as "1987 Sh*tbox"? :dance