So if I am at all going to seriously shop for one am I holding out for later cars/manual cars or is it all based on condition or level of "deal" I should be thinking about. Given my most extensive mechanical experience is suspension on multiple cars and installing a roll bar into my old miata (first time sawzalling my car)
I am guessing my "all in" budget will end up being 5k or less and ideally that gets me at least to where I could start taking the car safely to HPDE
In reply to Andy Neuman :
The number dude listed rings to an auto message stating the number is not in service. No email address. The trail is going cold...
Jayden, best bet if you want to HPDE is an 88 and later (except for a few oddball 88s with factory 16" wheels) because they came with 17" wheels and tire selection is way, way better for 17x9.5 wheels. It basically saves you having to buy a set of wheels and spacers. After that, mostly condition. For your intended use you probably won't care about the improved interiors on the later cars. With respect to manual transmissions, a 6-speed is preferable but not mandatory by any means. I know a guy from Ohio who kills it on the track with an 87 4-speed car.
So the newest manual in budget pretty much, and based on earlier stuff I would ideally find a Z51 car due to steering rack etc
In reply to Jaynen :
For a track rat there are already built cars out there close to your budget. I ran across 2 mechanically sound, properly modded 6 speed cars on corvette forum at $6,000 and $6500 (with a 383) 2 years ago. That being said, a c4 is not the best choice for a budget HPDE car due to pricey consumables. YMMV.
In reply to Jaynen :
My 89 non Z51 car came with quick steering rack. More important is J55 13" front brake option (as opposed to base model 12 inch discs). More important than heavy duty suspension if you want to do more than 2 laps without boiling brake fluid. Base brakes are fine for ax.
If its within budget I will definitely try to buy a prepped car this time. I learned how quickly the mods added up with my miata. Consumables cost is an issue for sure. I had really hoped my next track car would have a v8 soundtrack but swaps etc are a bit beyond my mechanical scope and I would prefer to be able to drive the car immediately and then wrench to improve it.
I was just searching for BSP cars as they seem to be one c4s will built for
If you intend to only Track the car then buy one That's done and Improve on that. converting a street car to a racer Eats up Time and Budget
Not sure if FB Marketplace links will work, but here's a supposedly running parts car for $650.
Add this one for $1350 with a clear title but no drivetrain, and have a Challenge winner.
Here's a running/driving '87 for $2600.
This '96 is just down the street from me. They want way too much at $3600, especially not running and with a broken hatch, but it seems like it could be a decent car at about half that price.
Here's a '93 with a 5000mi crate motor for $2900.
I bought my little travel trailer off FB marketplace. It turns out it needs a little work but I don't think the lady knew that even so I got it about 1500-2k cheaper than what they were going on craigslist. Like some people don't know how to use craigslist or are too lazy or whatever
IF I do go C4 I think a running newer car with a rough body is sort of perfect.
I am still however torn on all the options and not knowing my budget
Yeah thats looks really nice for 2grand
In reply to Indy-Guy :
Looks like it's parked in some type of commercial building.
I need to stop thinking about this one:
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1987-corvette-manual-2500-or/6334319249.html
Scooter said:I need to stop thinking about this one and go buy it:
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1987-corvette-manual-2500-or/6334319249.html
In reply to Willis :
That is an absolute steal!
No pics, no idea how bad it is. But it's $1900 in the Atlanta area.
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/d/corvette/6380201082.html
In reply to Fueled by Caffeine :
Looks like a perfect start to a Challenge car.
Running 87 for $1650.00 https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/d/chevrolet-corvette-87/6345557704.html
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