Make a bid or run?

DorianL

DorianL

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
Hi All.

I was planning on returning soon (more on that later) but here's a good excuse to pop up already.

I have a buddy of mine that wants to buy a corvette. Most preferably with chrome bumper; so pre-73? This is what he's looking at. I agreed to go with him to advise and visit.

http://m.autoscout24.be/anbod/corvette-c3-stingray-benzine-rood-276501692

My concern is it is sold for 15,000 (less than posted) but without a registration. Apparently it's in great condition and runs well. BUT the gear box is broken.

It also has a roots and the guy claims it produces 400 ponies.

I ralize we will have to inspect for rust but I'm a little concerned about the fact that he sealed off the lights and moved them below... that he raced this and he also said the electrical needs looking at.

Is it possible to twist the frame on a corvette? I'm not too sure I like the idea of buying something you can't test drive.

Run? 15k reasonable? Or offer 10k?

Thanksssss

D.
 
Id put it up on a lift and inspect the frame , rear differential,
wheel bearings
front ball joints, A-arms,
rear suspension,
brakes,
wheel bearings,
exhaust,system.
Id do a compression test
and watch the oil pressure,
Id look for coolant in the engine and oil in the coolant,
ID take the wheels off and inspect the brakes carefully,
any reluctance to having it inspected by the seller would make me walk away!
the gearbox (transmission and clutch) being damaged, makes me rather suspicious, (and possibly the rear differential, u-joints, wheel bearings and other suspension components (since you can,t do a test drive) the pictures make me think its not a bad deal if its as described but I think it was not repaired for other reasons so Id be very careful doing a detailed in depth inspection before any money changes hands
 
Twisting the frame on a Corvette is very unlikely Dorian.
They had some of strongest frames of all cars made.
Check it out close,
Being B&M Roots Supercharged you want to check for signs of detonation, pull all spark plugs and examine close.
Transmission can be rebuilt by you, you have done it yourself before.
 
Thanks gents - we probably will visit soon - first we'll get an eyeball overall. If the buyer like it, we'll come back for a second look to tech inspect the car.
 
0276501692001.jpg


I think it looks better with the lights moved below. Nice car.
 
Damn it - looks like the kid is gonna stand me up again.

Say, I read that with stick shifts on a corvette, you'll need a really good left leg and driving it becomes a pain (literally) quick!
 
I vastly prefer a good manual/clutch in a big hp corvette and never found it to be a P.I.T.A. to work a clutch
 
I prefer a stick 4- speed too.

The C4 Corvette is an entire different animal.
Handling is miles ahead of a C3 Gen Vette.
Performs stellar with an automatic trans built right.
Styling is plain next to a C3.
But a C4 will win on a Road coarse or flying on the highway weaving around traffic at speed.
 
Thanks - I was wondering about that clutch pedal. Thanks for info on styling vs performance handling. The kid definitely needs to hear that to help him decide.

Well, folks, I'm sorry to say it was a disaster. Or rather a learning experience? Nothing looked right on that car. Everything looked fiddled.

I wish he would have sent us a clear pic of the dash, before we came over. His standard answer was: dunno much about it... this is the way I bought it. At one point he didn't want to open his garage door to let the light in for fear of getting it stolen.

Check it out!

F4169C30-D74B-420D-A9AF-53998184D7AD_zpsbchtzbbq.jpg
 
Someone was trying to build a GT Car.
Your in Europe Dorian.
C3 is still most popular to modify and build here In USA.
But I think there time is passing again.
Its either C7 Gen now.
Many are waiting on the C8 coming next.
The C5-C7 gen are hard to pull the drivetrain without a Car Lift.
Diff, Transmission, & Torque tube are pulled out as 1 Unit.
Need derp pockets to make upgrades.
Performance is just Ok from what I have seen.

The C4 Gen I think is due for a Revival.
9's were had in 2007-2011 with a C4 Corvette.
Many were sold new & exported to Europe .
 
By Deep pockets with C5-C6-C7 Gen I mean $10,000- $100,000.00.
 
looking at the interior in the pictures Id be LESS inclined to buy the vette!
its rather obvious the previous, or current owner was NOT trying to maintain the correct interior, and if thats true it may be a indication other areas were "bubba engineered"
 
I think you would like a C4 Gen Corvette Dorian.
Grumpy & Me Love Ours.

The Export models had Dummy Catalytic Converters.
Nothing inside.
Hollow chamber.
Special E-prom chipped.
Should be faster than USA Models sold here in USA New.
 
It definitely gave off that "engineer bubba" vibe.

Mmmm. Oooh I'd love nearly any corvette... But I'm not the buyer and I'm broke ;-)
 
C4's are real inexpensive right now Dorian.
$500-8,500 High.
Convertible Roadster brings highest.
87 Roadster what I have.
Borrow the $ from the bank ?
 
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