Check out the Virgin!!!

[HoupPhotography]

Now that i have your attention....

The topic is about me, I NEED SOME HELP!

I am looking at an '85 Corvette (pretty smokin deal) and want to know what to look for... I know it's not a truck and it's not our year, but you guys are all I have man....!

I've been seeing the mpg's are about 18-26, if so, this may be the new DD!

Seriously, any help would definitly be awesome, as always, I appreciate it!!!

[67_C-30]

Make sure all the bushings in the IRS aren't shot out. They are pretty pricey to fix correctly and usually you'll have a hard time finding a shop that wants to mess with them. '85 is the first year of the TPI, but they are usually pretty reliable. The interiors in the those cars go downhill fast when you used as DD (I'm not sure why?) but most high mileage examples look like a dog has been sleeping in them! If its a smoking deal and is mechanically sound, I say go for it!

[HoupPhotography]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

The interiors in the those cars go downhill fast when you used as DD (I'm not sure why?) but most high mileage examples look like a dog has been sleeping in them! If its a smoking deal and is mechanically sound, I say go for it!

That's funny you mentioned that, my wife said the same thing after she saw one on CL.. "was a dog driving that thing'? What's crazy is, we were looking for another "economical" car and stumbled over this '85, in talking to the owner, the car has 15k on a fresh rebuilt motor, the suspension was gone through too when the motor was being rebuilt. An older guy owns it and just can't get in and out of it anymore...

Thanks for the info man... I appreciate it, I owe you a beer!!

[streetstar]

post how its working out if you get it (mileage, etc.) ---- i for one am looking into alternative traspo. too for fuel savings, but can't let go of my "man-card" enough to get a Kia or Mini-Cooper just yet.

I know from past rides in that generation Vette that they can rattle a bit (worse with the removable top ones i guess)

[70rs/ss]

TPI Vettes are awsome for the ability to haul butt and they have all the cool suspension stuff that most of us try to put on "OLD" cars. I'd say no more that $3-4K though they are the red headed step children to the Vette purists, and the LT and LS Vettes are more highly sought after. Just be aware that the $$$ you save on MPG you will double in ins!! A small hit and they open up like an aluminum can, so either go liability only (and pray no PHX driver's get you) or find something that the ins won't be so high on?

[fastwillie 696969]

i would check the transmission fluid real good these trannys i read they go out commonly
maybe it was the early 80s check out with a mechanic if anything

[ed2552]

If you want sport and economy, as well as comfort, look at a 2000+ Bonneville SSEi. I know i'm biased, but they are awesome, and i found mine for $4750! It needed some repairs, but is mechanically sound, and drives well, is fast, and is very comfortable.

[N2TRUX]

Paint was prone to fall off of them. If the paint is nice make sure it's a quality repaint and not a hack job.

[tcb-1]

Originally Posted by HoupPhotography

That's funny you mentioned that, my wife said the same thing after she saw one on CL.. "was a dog driving that thing'? What's crazy is, we were looking for another "economical" car and stumbled over this '85, in talking to the owner, the car has 15k on a fresh rebuilt motor, the suspension was gone through too when the motor was being rebuilt. An older guy owns it and just can't get in and out of it anymore...

Thanks for the info man... I appreciate it, I owe you a beer!!

I have a friend that has an '86 and one that had an '84. I think the interiors are problem areas because of the cheap materials used for those years. the leather seats were absolute toast and these were low mileage, one owner cars. the same grade leather seemed to be also used on the door panels, and kick panels.

BUT! they are a beast when tuned right. since you can pick them up reasonably still, they are starting to show up on the SCCA courses.