So I recently got an offer to trade my 280Z for a 1977 Corvette. The idea of owning a Corvette at the age of 20 seems really appealing to me, and the car is in pretty good shape. Its orange with black leather interior and the seats look new. Its an auto, but its also got a 350 under the hood (though its about the weakest 350 ever.) I really don't know what to do. I love my Z, but this car is really tempting. I really want something thats faster. I have been looking into doing a L28ET swap into my car, but that seems like a lot of work. Having a V8 to start with seems like a better place to start from. I'm really struggling here with this because I love the looks I get in the Z and all the people that approach me about it, even in its current condition. I've also put so much work into it. If anyone here has owned a C3 Vette and can tell me the finer points of owning each, I would appriciate it. I still need to test drive it and see what I think of it under closer inspection. What am I to do??????

Is that the 165hp one? Still has lots of torque though.

With that motor, you could probably to a lot of tweaking to it to get it close to its original 300hp ratings, while keeping it all or mostly stock.

I have seen some of those around here that make myself question if I would trade my Z car for that.

I would drive it around a bit. See how you like it, then take a ride in your Z right afterwards.

Also, check prices on repairs, performance parts, interior parts, insurance, availability of parts, ect, ect.

I am sure that you can find all the goodies that you would ever need for this car, but I am sure that it would be at a much higher price.

It seems like it is a 3400lbs car roughly, and the upper models got the shaft on HP, so the HP to lbs ratio is going to be much worse then the Z car.

L28ET wouldn't be all that hard. It is a direct swap.

I think, after it all, I would keep my Z car. If you want power, just go on ebay and get a LS1/2 with tranny for some $2k, and then spend another sum $1,000 on misc parts and labor costs for the swap. Higher power ratings the the C3 and some 1000lbs lighter.

I'd say, if it's in good enough condition, go for it. You're talking about trading a 280 for a Vette. Not knocking 280s, I own one. I wouldn't trade a nice 240 for a 77 Vette but a 280, yes. That, of couse, it totally dependent on the condition of the Vette. 350 Chevys are a lot easier and less costly to hop up than L28s.

Don't forget to factor the price of fuel into the mix, especially if it will be used for commuting. In my opinion, a V8 is not the best choice for a starving student unless it's the kind you can drink.

If it was an earlier Vette, sure I'd consider it. But the later 70's Vette's were dogs when it came to speed and realibility. Seems I recall they had some electrical problems, but I can't say that for sure. Check some Vette sites.

Really heavy (nice ride), but not a sports car in my mind. At least you won't have to worry about body rust with a Vette! But for my money and I'm very familiar with both, I'd stick with the Z.

have you driven the vette? i doubt it handles anything near as nice as your z. you mentioned that you enjoyed the looks and comments you got while driving your z. i bet that won't happen in a vette, there are too many out there. your car, your decision, but i would keep what i had and when time and money allowed, do some things to improve what your z.

(rummaging...) now where'd I put my white leisure suit?

These guys aren't available for comment...

snf.bmp

Dang bitmaps! Sigh....

Kidding aside, if he's willing to trade you straight up, I'd say do it. NADA values for that era vette, even without the L82 option, are MUCH higher than for the Z.

Good luck!

Kidding aside, if he's willing to trade you straight up, I'd say do it. NADA values for that era vette, even without the L82 option, are MUCH higher than for the Z.

Good luck!

Thats one thing I've really been considering. If I were selling my Z, i could maybe get $3000 if I were REALY lucky. These things are worth closer to 7k and sell for that all the time around here. I am going to take it for a drive soon too. Honestly, handling isn't a huge factor for me. All the roads around here are straight and flat. I also don't autocross, so its not like I'm dependant on taking hard fast turns. I also need to see if they are wanting to do a straight up trade, or if they're intending on me handing over cash as well. I'm just a sucker for Corvettes. I am a GM guy at heart, but the Z was something special and my first love when it came to cars.

Check with your insurane company.

While the increase in "value" of either car can only be realized when and where you sell it, the insurance cost will nick you from day one.

2¢

E

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