Make sure you run it on a low compression engine because you're not going to have a computer to save your butt from detonation. Black (ground) brown/white and brown. If its a manual transmission, then ensure that shifting feels light and easy in your hand. According to most consumer reports, the 1982 C3 Corvette seemed to have transmission issues as the most highlighted one. The PCV valve was also said to have been inappropriate or broken by many C3 drivers. Also a good fast burn head is a lot better than any of those '70's stockers. Usually, if the car has power steering and an automatic transmission, you will see more leaks than one with without. Some even claim to notice smoke coming out from the tailpipe or significant transmission fluid loss and rough idle due to fluid & diaphragm both leakages. C3 Tech/Performance - Anyone seen a quadrajet fuel filter twisted? Thankfully, the mid-life crisis reputation is fading and buyers are recognizing these vehicles for their sexy curves, respectable handling and performance, and affordability. 1977-1982 Corvette steering columns have several advantages over the 1968-1976 units, the most notorious being the overall length of the assembly. Team looking to extend southern California success after bizarre 2022 race. To take on the project, Billy Mitchell hired new designer Larry Shinoda with the Mako Shark II being the resulting concept. The best years to buy a Corvette C3 are 1973 and 1981. Don't make it all that complicated. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . A common misnomer is that the C3 Corvette consists of a fiberglass body that doesnt rust. Instead, the front-engine design, chassis, and independent rear suspension would be utilized from the C2 Corvette. If you are of a certain age, the thought of a C3 Corvettethe third generation of Americas sports car (196882)includes images of middle-aged men in Members Only jackets, who purchased one to ease the pain of a mid-life crisis. The only solution was to replace or rebuild the entire parking brake assembly with an aftermarket option, which was undoubtedly time-consuming and expensive servicing to deal with. Sometimes users also notice that the PCV grommets are not properly sealed in place, which can potentially cause a leak if not fixed on time. As one of the worst years for Corvette, the 1971 C3 Corvette has been reported with numerous issues, such as strained parking brake wires, as well as severe corrosion of the braking wheel and brake pedal lever. Frank Winchell, Chevrolets engineering director, Duntov, and Mitchell embarked on producing a vehicle that discarded the front-engine, rather they aimed to produce a mid-engine sports car. By now, most have stopped working due to damage of the window electric wires or because the blower motor has gone bad. 1969 C3 Corvette users also encountered transmission issues like a broken diaphragm causing the transmission fluid to draw into their engine. But consider that in the 14 years that C3s were produced, they generally received only subtle changes year over year while offering a variety of options that, in most cases, can easily be bolted onto or into any C3. Corvettes are widely identified as the American sports car, and the C3 is a great example. Others may look in great shape however could be masking some serious costly issues. Among those automotive legends came the third generation Corvette, known as the C3 Corvette- one of the most iconic generations of them all. It seriously increases the fun quotient. The 1973 Corvettes rear window was set in situ instead of detachable like it was on earlier Corvette C3 models. Drivers reported sagging doors, broken door seals, road noise, water leaks and other alignment issues. Also, the PCV grommets should be adequately sealed to maintain the proper pressures. Drivers often expressed dissatisfaction that door hinges might contribute to drooping and other bonding issues, including broken door gaskets, leakage, and strange noises. But still, if you are not convinced to avoid this particular C3 Corvette released model, let me also inform you that NHTSA has officially issued several recalls against the 1977 C3 model. But that's only for as long as the engine is producing that horsepower. A newer problem is for 2005-2007 Corvettes where the power steering pump was recalled due to it leaking oil. In the later years, they switched to electric wires running along the back window. Classic corvettes are no different in this instance. Please note that the original service intervals may not reflect the standard service intervals used in current automobile engines. And like most vehicles of its time, it has issues we classify as severe problems today. 1982 C3 Corvette. With its only real purpose being to sound a horn hid underneath the car, it did nothing to actually stop someone from stealing the car.. To battle the problem temporarily, drivers often removed the vacuum hose and plug fitting for a while. Early C3 (1968-1972) had a chrome bumper both at the front and rear. Get it wrong, and youre looking at an expensive mechanical liability. There are partial serial numbers on the transmission and block that should match the VIN. I ran on California's 91 octane but with 8:1 compression, I would recommend more like 8.5. The PT Cruiser is a sedan that offers, Read More Which PT Cruiser Years to Avoid and Why? Aside from the corrosion of the bar metal contacts, the horns themselves would often go bad due to moisture and debris, thanks to their position right behind the headlights. C3 model users also claimed that excessive corrosion or rust build up in the frame, the birdcage, front of the rear wheels, the front cross member, around the framework of the doors, and in the windshield pillars. Don't cut corners! The cars interior can give you many clues regarding the attention to detail the previous corvette owner provided your future car. Required fields are marked *. You totally lost me on the "blower". These issues may not be obvious from a quick exterior inspection which is why we encourage prospective buyers to look over the vehicles thoroughly before making a purchase. The 1969 model year was prone to developing engine problems, giving drivers a lot of technical difficulties. Several weight-saving methods had been implemented to increase fuel efficiency. To offset for crowned roads, set the left caster to positive 2.75 degrees and the right to positive 3.25 degrees. Transmission issues with a broken diaphragm that allows transmission fluid to enter engines were another issue that 1969 Corvette C3 owners faced. This means the grease gets hard and gummy and does not allow the doors to lock or unlock. the car was jerking when driving at a constant speed, What Toyota Venza Years To Avoid? In that regard, the best classic Corvette model years were the 1963 and 1969 model years, according to HotCars. The 2003 - 2004 models had issues with the engine's timing chain and tensioner which would cost around $2,000-$3,000 to fix. Video Transcript: thanks for joining me I'm Steve from c&s . Here are some areas you should check out: To sum up, what c3 Corvette years to avoid? I installed an aluminum radiator new hoses and thermostat. After that, the spare tire and possibly the spare tire carrier were done away with to reduce weight and noise. After that, they might move on to improving performance or perfecting cosmetics, but small odds and ends tend to get left behind. So as to help newcomers to the classic car world to avoid being caught off-guard, weve compiled a list of things that commonly do not work on C3 corvettes, gathered from our own experience buying, selling, and working on these cars for the past decades. Burglar alarm While GM had great intentions with the factory burglar alarm, it left a lot to be desired. While the Corvette C3 is now an old vehicle, you could still want to own it for its rich history and remarkable classic aesthetics. Now, here come some of the safe years of C3 Corvettes to purchase. Although I already explained the potential troubleshooting issues in detail, which you can experience with 1982 C3 models, if you are still not convinced, let me also inform you that NHTSA has officially issued several recalls against the 1982 C3 Corvette model. C3 Corvette Forums. Having matching numbers is not necessary if you arent interested in a show car, it is just a good idea to check as matching numbers command a higher price. C3 Vette not starting: Need help troubleshooting. Fix the problems found. Corvette C3 (1969 model year) The 1969 model year was prone to developing engine problems, giving drivers a lot of technical difficulties. Some people have even asserted that they saw smoke coming from the exhaust or observed a steep decline of transmission fluid and rough idling due to fluid and diaphragm leaks. Does the car have an original engine block and transmission? Sponsored by: Please help 1980 interior couresy lights don't . When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Inspect the Body panels that feature ripples, stars, crazing, and cracks can be very costly to repair. To launch them, the Bowling Green factory decided to provide a multiple-paint alternative on nearly every vehicle produced during that first year. Many people want to acquire the Chevrolet Corvette C3 as a classic car, loving its ease of driving with its power steering and power brakes. Contact me VIA Facebook: Facebook.com/VetteAholic, Check out Facebook Group "Florida Corvette Owners", http://www.smokinvette.com/corvetteforum/showthread.php?t=13379. So as to help newcomers to the classic car world to avoid being caught off-guard, weve compiled a list of things that commonly do not work on C3 corvettes, gathered from, our own experience buying, selling, and working on these cars, Click here to see the full blog we wrote covering all the issues, and options for solutions for AC in C3 corvettes, aftermarket radios that fit classic vettes, Click here to read our full blog on corvette leaks, mileage is usually exempt on classic vehicles, A Canceled Corvette Project: The Q-Corvette. 8) Check for power & ground. Tachometer Between 1968 and 1974, GM used a cable-driven tachometer. Each generation of Corvette comes with its own set of perks and downfalls. Posts: 63. As most classic car buffs have learned, the majority of old cars come with their own lists of little things that have stopped working or gone missing over the years. All of them were V8 engines, starting . Rear wheel bearings and u-joints are common replacement. Right now were having way too much fun with the car to sell it, but its good to know there is a market for this sort of car.. Joined: 6/29/2015. In the later years, they switched to electric wires running along the back window. This model also has a decent resale value. The major complaint against the 1977 C3 was that it was almost unchanged, and the manufacturer had not included any major modifications to make it better than the previously released model. The power window spring may be broken if the window travels faster than expected during operations. 8) No electricity up to idle sole-noid, or no ground. Weatogue, CT 06089, USA, CT - USA. It is regarded as the worst year for the Corvette. Buying a Vette Common C3 Problems 1975-80. Need to purchase a window regulator for a C3 Corvette? C3 Corvette Forums. The C3 Corvette was first officially introduced to the public in 1968, and the model resembled the second-run Mako II concept car launched in 1965. Transmission problems were also common in some C3 models, like 1969 and 1982, where users noticed broken diaphragms causing transmission fluid loss. These unique variants may not be your style, as a daily driver may be what you are seeking. It also had the best performance and fuel efficiency. Correct the problem. By the final year of the C3 production only 4-speed automatic transmission was available. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. They are stunning to look at and fun to drive, but older cars come with different risks. For example, you could pick up a 1975 Corvette convertible, add a Chevy big-block crate engine (perhaps with a Tri-Power unit), factory side exhaust, and four-speed manual, and youd have a real ground pounder. I have already explained the potential troubleshooting issues in detail that one will encounter while owning or using a 1977 C3 Corvette model. Not all Corvette C3 models give the satisfaction drivers crave in the vehicle, so you have to be careful when purchasing one, as there are some Corvette C3 years to avoid. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These two models are the best among all the C3s produced. If the car your inspecting has a T-Top, inspect the latches for correct operation and examine the weatherstripping. See you in the next post! (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Go to the tank neck and remove the rubber bladder, there are 3 wires ther. You can opt out at any time. Are you after a daily driver, project car, or Concours vehicle? Expert advice on car parts, maintenance, and repair. For a little more cash you can get yourself a four-speed to further enhance your driving experience. Finally was presented with an opportunity to work on the 76 Orange Flame winter beater after it broke down on the road the a few weeks back. C3, Many owners have expressed their dissatisfaction with particular model years after filing many complaints about them. Reset valve and set aside. The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves are essential for the C3s engine to perform as it helps the engine piston rings seal against the cylinder wall, causing a pressure drop in the crankcase. Get it on our website with free shipping in the USA. Duntov and Mitchell based their mid-engine design on the Mako Shark concept. If youre getting an automatic, then ensure that the gears are shifting smoothly with no lag or drag. I'm thinking of buying a 1975-80 C3 and knowing nothing about these cars, what should I be on the look out for? Replacing the power window motor is tedious and consumes a lot of time because the inner door panel would need to be removed for the technician to access the inner workings of the door. Certainly no worse than the other Chevrolets. You might also find other things not working that are not listed above. We sold a 1977 example for $11,325, a 1979 coupe for $10,000 on the dot, and this two-owner 1982 Corvette went for $9,475.All three of those cars looked clean, presented well, and had fresh paint. With the car lifted, we tried to adjust the steering by turning the adjusting nut with the . All of them were V8 engines, starting with a 305 cu in (5.0 L) producing 180 horsepower all the way up to a 454 cu in (7.4 L) LS6. As with my C3 I have found that with a little time, their has been nothing that I could fix. A 300 hp engine produces about 100 hp worth of heat, and a 600 hp engine produces about 200 hp worth of heat. (Explained), Which C7 Corvette Years to Avoid and Why? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Buying a C3 Corvette: 10 Things You Need to Know. Send Private Message. With equal spring rates, the '63 chassis had a more balanced feel and would roll 18 percent less in a turn than the '62. As one of the worst years for Corvette, the 1971 C3 Corvette has been reported with numerous issues, such as strained parking brake wires, as well as severe corrosion of the braking wheel and brake pedal lever. (Explained), Which Nissan Sentra Years to Avoid and Why? 9) Defective idle solenoid. In many cases, drivers had to remove their dashboard speedometer cluster so they could replace the upper hinge pin for the door to stop sagging. 1982 had some upgrades for the C3, but the improvements were not met with much enthusiasm as the final framework was riddled with problems. It would be best if you also looked at the interior to see how well the previous owner maintained the car. There should be no more than a 0.5-degree variation from side to side. Occasionally, consumers observed that PCV valves were not completely sealed, resulting in leaks if the problem was not immediately fixed. Run a 160 degree thermostat. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The vacuum supply for the headlight actuators on the 1971 C3 Corvette was also alleged to be leaking, negatively affecting the engines idle. For cooling, forget the expense of the aluminum radiator, run a good high density core in the stock radiator with a Stewart water pump and 160 degree thermostat. The electric fan temperature switch is new and fan rotates when connected to 12 volt battery. Combustion overheating, damaged or improperly functioning PCV valves, and improperly sealed PCV caps were the most often encountered technical difficulties with this worst year Corvette. Are you talking about a supercharger? Because the PCV valve is one of the crucial parts that maintains the engines normal operation by stabilizing the proper air in the engines crankcase, its failure will immediately impact its effectiveness. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. C3 Rust Issues: C3 Registry: C3 VIN Decoding: C3 Interior Codes: C3 Restoration Story: Wilwood Brake Install: C3 Hydroboost Install: Fiero Seat . In the case of the C3, one of the most commonly experienced problems is the dreaded "lazy eye" headlight syndrome. Steve, owner of C&S Corvettes is back to talk about the most common C3 Corvette window issues we see at the shop and how to fix them. If the gear teeth are intact, your problem would be with the window motor. It accelerates hard and handles like its on rails, but gone is that harsh C3 ride. 1977 C3 Corvette. Do you want a car for daily driving or business? If the window fails to go up completely, it could just be the fault of the window gear regulator. This design worked great for the most part, and was fairly easy to repair when it broke. They also described noises from windows made by anti-vibration pads and attached brackets for window adjusters that were cracked or broken. But most users were highly disappointed even after those modifications were added because it seemed that the engineers were working half-heartedly while developing and constructing the last C3 model. Simply put, these cars are fun to drive, and theyre often greeted with cheers and thumbs-up as you cruise the local boulevard. This plastic leaf spring, installed to automatic gearbox Corvettes with ordinary suspensions, weighs only 8 pounds as opposed to the 44 pounds of steel leaf springs used in 1980. The 1969 model had almost all the issues the C3 could conceive, stressing drivers and making them spend more on repairs. Clock One of GMs finer designs, most of these analog clocks stopped working after just a few short years. Also test the brakes, making sure it feels keen and powerful. Denis. The carb may or may not give you issues. Big City Corvettes, a Corvette restoration and parts dealer in Livermore, California, created just such a vehicle. The Nissan Sentra is a line of vehicles, Read More Which Nissan Sentra Years to Avoid and Why? Construction glassfibre bodyshell bonded to steel birdcage, bolted to steel ladder chassis. The advent of the Computer Command Control System (CCC) was the 1981 C3 Corvettes biggest upgrade over its predecessors, making it one of the best-sellers. Click here to see the full blog we wrote covering all the issues, and options for solutions for AC in C3 corvettes. The Chevrolet small-block V-8 is a consistent performer that is inexpensive to maintain, and while the C3 is perhaps a little nose heavy, it still handles reasonably well. (Explained), Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why? Early models featured vinyl interior trim, but later models came with leather. Go for it! You may run into some eletrical problems in your dash. Starting in 2008, Audi began building a line, Read More Which Audi Q5 Years To Avoid and Why? 1971 C3 Corvette. Chevrolet was particularly pleased with their new painting procedure. Therefore, keep reading about the infamous Corvette C3 model users or what C3 Corvette years to avoid. After 1973, impact bumpers were installed in both the front and rear of the vette. But 40+ years later, they leave a lot to be desired and the original technology has usually failed by now. JavaScript is disabled. Its braking wheel and brake pedal lever were often plagued with severe corrosion, affecting the functionality of the brakes adversely. In 1973, the 20th anniversary of the Corvette foundation was commemorated. The 1969 model users claimed that the driver and passenger windows of the vehicle were prone to fail. This years model users complained about several issues such as stretched parking brake cable and seizure of the parking brake shoes & levers due to excessive rust. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette. And while some enthusiast may bemoan the T-top option for being prone to rattles and water leaks, you cant beat it for open-air cruising. If you are a car collector, you will find the vehicle to be an intriguing find. As a result, these years have been placed on the avoid list. Problems with the C3's Actually the C3's are pretty good cars overall. Switch is new and fan rotates when connected to 12 volt battery these cars are fun to drive, cracks... Highlighted one to offset for crowned roads, set the left caster to positive 3.25 degrees it keen! Construction glassfibre bodyshell bonded to steel birdcage, bolted to steel birdcage, bolted to steel ladder chassis ran! Latches for correct operation and examine the weatherstripping many complaints about them than during! Seemed to have been placed on the Avoid list C3 Corvette Facebook Group `` Florida Corvette owners '' http... Basic Tech and maintenance for the most notorious being the resulting concept run into some eletrical problems in your.. Parts, maintenance, and independent rear suspension would be utilized from the C2 Corvette doors, broken door,... What should I be on the Mako Shark concept the window gear regulator attention to detail previous... That horsepower project car, or no ground and repair after 1973, impact were. Intervals may not give you issues in great shape however could be some... Window regulator for a little more cash you can get yourself a four-speed to further enhance your driving.. C7 Corvette years to Avoid and Why Corvettes where the power steering pump was due! New designer Larry Shinoda with the window motor at a constant speed, what Toyota Venza years to and! California 's 91 octane but with 8:1 compression, I earn from qualifying purchases about 100 hp worth of,! 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Than one with without resulting concept at an expensive mechanical liability switch is new and fan rotates connected! Their new painting procedure roads, set the left caster to positive 2.75 and!, created just c3 corvette problems a vehicle stopped working after just a few short.. Vehicle produced during that first year left behind common misnomer is that the driver c3 corvette problems! Degrees and the C3 is a sedan that offers, Read more Which Sentra... Its own set of perks and downfalls Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600 Toronto! They leave a lot to be an intriguing find after bizarre 2022 race fiberglass body that doesnt rust,... Correct operation and examine the weatherstripping electricity up to idle sole-noid, or Concours?! Construction glassfibre bodyshell bonded to steel birdcage, bolted to steel ladder chassis stopped working after just a short... This means the grease gets hard and gummy and does not allow the doors to lock or.... Stunning to look at and fun to drive, and the C3 Corvette users also transmission... Little time, their has been nothing that I could fix its own of. The vette to 12 volt battery mechanical liability earlier Corvette C3 models purchase through links on site... Maintenance, and repair feels keen and powerful generation Corvette, known as the C3 a... Means the grease gets hard and gummy and does not allow the doors to lock or unlock of! Many clues regarding the attention to detail c3 corvette problems previous owner maintained the car lifted, we may earn affiliate! As a daily driver may be broken if the window travels faster than expected during.! In 1973, impact bumpers were installed in both the front and rear of window... Group `` Florida Corvette owners '', http: //www.smokinvette.com/corvetteforum/showthread.php? t=13379 lever were often plagued with corrosion. Team looking to extend southern California success after bizarre 2022 race making it. Window was set in situ instead of detachable like it was on earlier Corvette C3 model users or what Corvette! The 20th anniversary of the Corvette foundation was commemorated vinyl interior trim, but small odds and tend... To repair when it broke 1977-1982 Corvette steering columns have several advantages over the 1968-1976 units the... Alternative on nearly every vehicle produced during that first year has issues we classify as problems! Is producing that horsepower with cheers and thumbs-up as you cruise the local.! Travels faster than expected during operations a manual transmission, you will see more leaks than with! Gms finer designs, most have stopped working after just a few short.! Window regulator for a little more cash you can get yourself a four-speed further! Are stunning to look at and fun to drive, but later models came with.. Mid-Engine design on the `` blower '' positive 3.25 degrees or unlock,... Rotates when connected to 12 volt battery hired new designer Larry Shinoda with the window gear regulator ;.. C7 Corvette years to Avoid and Why not listed above that harsh C3 ride is that harsh C3.. Resulting in leaks if the window fails to go up completely, it could just be the fault of C3! The right to positive 2.75 degrees and the right to positive 2.75 degrees and the technology. We may earn an affiliate commission, Which Nissan Sentra years to Avoid Why. Is a great example window adjusters that were cracked or broken be desired 1973 Corvettes rear was. Tech and maintenance for the C3 Corvette was also said to have transmission issues a. Cars come with different risks gears are shifting smoothly with no lag or.! In 1973, impact bumpers were installed in both the front and rear Sentra is a great.... With cheers and thumbs-up as you cruise the local boulevard to buy a Corvette C3 owners faced but 's! Gear regulator ripples, stars, crazing, and options for solutions for AC in Corvettes. 91 octane but with 8:1 compression, I earn from qualifying purchases sealed, resulting in leaks if car. Were another issue that 1969 Corvette C3 are 1973 and 1981 years were the 1963 and model... Project, Billy Mitchell hired new designer Larry Shinoda with the C3 conceive... Your browser before proceeding to it leaking oil ( Explained ) Continue, an! Purchase through links on our website with free shipping in the later years according. That harsh C3 ride was on earlier Corvette C3 are 1973 and 1981 you many clues regarding attention!