Is a 1984 CFI with 80,000 a good starter vette?

[Funtoy]

Greetings everyone,
I'm looking to become active in the Vette Hobby, been searching the last few months for my 1st Vette. Reading literature, studying specs & shows etc... I am a not mechanic but have technical bkgrnd.

Would like to purchase under 5000.00 car. Preferably as close to a driver as possible.

I've spoken to a few CCDV & Liberty Region Members and most have suggested a c3 as a starter.

I have a lifetime friend who has aquired a 1984 C4 and is willing to sell it to me. The only thing I am leary about is the CFI system. Would this Vette be a good choice. I have given the car a cursory look and the following items work; Dashboard fully functional, engine runs extremely rich, possibly new fuel pump.


Good Starter Vette ..........Why? or Why not?
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q1/thejunkman63/P8130067.jpg (http://photobucket.com/)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220172846193

Ps. I will check responses daily until Thanksgiving.

Thanks
Funtoy!:)

[Glennm27]

I know I would not want that car. It looks like headaches to me and I think you'd soon be turned off to the "Vette Hobby" with this car.

I just get a bad feeling about what I see in the pictures, plus the car is a 205 horsepower slug.

Just my honest opinion. I have never owned a C4 so maybe some of the C4 guys can give you better insight.

[carboman]

$5000 for a decent Vette is a tough order to fill. Most are project cars at that point. C4s are not a bad car overall but the 84 had quite a few issues.

If you're planning to do most of the work yourself I'd suggest a Carb'd C3. Prior to 1980 there are no computers to deal with. At the moment mid-70's Vettes are a bargain. They are not prefect either but most of the issues can be dealt with in your driveway with basic tools and a shop manual. Also, thanks to high production rates parts are cheap and easy to find. Engines, transmissions and many other parts are interchangeable from 68-82.

[Doug Bereczki]

If you know what you are getting into, I think the 84 pictured would be a good starter Vette. For under 5,000, looks good, good mechanical condition (is it?) go for it.

I have a cheap 87. It's not a looker by any stretch of the imagination, but I get comments like " is that new", "cool car", or "I'd love to have that car" every time I take it out.

[RTornatd]

I bought an 84 2 years ago. The car is not a daily driver, but I think the
the 84 is a very underrated vette.We really enjoy the 84 and have not had any major issues with it.You should contact Sean Farrell at the vette shop
he owned one and knows the CFI systeme.

www.thevetteshop.com

Ron Tornari

[RTornatd]

Correction on the vette shop website
WWW.thevetteshop@rcn.com

[Tony B.96LT4]

If you know what you are getting into, I think the 84 pictured would be a good starter Vette. For under 5,000, looks good, good mechanical condition (is it?) go for it.


I agree!
Go for it!

[Funtoy]

Thanks for the input so far everyone. I've completed a Autocheck thru EBay and Vehicle comes out clean. It hasn't been registered since 2000, just as my friend has stated.
Honestly, I don't "know what I'm getting into". But, I'm willing to spend a lot of time learning. Could you recomend any specific websites to learn more about the C4 and CFI!

[carboman]

Thanks for the input so far everyone. I've completed a Autocheck thru EBay and Vehicle comes out clean. It hasn't been registered since 2000, just as my friend has stated.
Honestly, I don't "know what I'm getting into". But, I'm willing to spend a lot of time learning. Could you recomend any specific websites to learn more about the C4 and CFI!

You can go on www.corvetteforum.com and look around the C4 tech section. You can also post questions to other 84 owners to hear their thoughts on their cars.

[Plain Insane]

I own an 87. I honestly love the feeling of the cockpit. When you sit in it--you're in it. True-no airbags, not much power, not the greatest of creature comforts, but it is a vette and for the first one it isn't bad. It will NOT appreciate in value at all, paint will probably start peeling, (clearcoat) and the usual quirks. Most C4'S smoke with the valve seals. The CFI can be a pain, but as some other guys have mentioned there are plenty of guys on the forum or some of our advertisers. Some may pass on the CFI, but for the most part the C4 are fun, torquey and still turn heads without breaking the piggy bank. As always, if you request assistance you will get it here from this club without hesitation. Happy motorin'

[Funtoy]

Happy Monday everyone,
I've posted the same thread at Corvette Action center as well.

So far the opinions are 2 to 1 against this particular vette. It seems there are more downsides to 84's than any other year. Lack of bolt on parts, ECU
and electronic problems, rattles, CFI vs TPI, no horsepower.

Quite honestly i may give the car a 2nd look later this week if it doesn't sell on E-bay. I may be able to pay less than 3k. Would this be a possible project to lightly (cost effectively) restore and sell ASAP?
Is there anyone willing to meet a new guy for a cursory look?

My search has run the gamut these past months. From C4 to C3 and back.
I am partial to a "hatchback" cause of the extra room.

I've researched Newman & Street Shop Inc, cause I'm slightly afraid I'll over look something on a C3 chassis.

I've read the Vette Resto Guide by Lindsay Porter and have ordered the Buyers Guide From NCRS. I've had the Black Book since the 80's.

Any other Suggestions?

[Plain Insane]

Funtoy, I'd gladly take a look with you. Give me a buzz during the day. will make some time. i am in southampton. can call:215-778-4722, vince

[carboman]

If you can end up buying it for $3K and it looks and runs decent that's a good deal. The parts alone are worth that much. You can spend the winter getting it ready to drive and enjoy in the spring.

[Bob Weiss]

I have owned many C4's. including an 85, 89 and now own a 90 ZR1. They are great cars and handle with the best sports cars out their. 84's have a reputation for rough handling (1st year springs were a triffle stiff). but these can be changed out to later springs and shocks. the Fuel injection is a something that can be repaired by a knowledgeable tech (Steve at Bryner) if you have a problem. For the price I think it is a great Vette.

How many miles on it ?? How are the Tires (Can be Expensive)? Look at the normal things you look at on any car.

Personally, if that were my budget, I would go for it.

Bob

[VetBoyZR1]

I wish I still had my car magazines from when that car came out. You'd read alot of good things and think the '84 was the greatest car ever built!

[carboman]

Here's the Car and Driver Road test of the 1984 Corvette published in March of 1983.

http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/7483/car-and-driver-road-test-corvette.html

[Funtoy]

Greetings everyone,
Thanks for all the great information. I've decided to pass on this paricular vehicle. The help from club members especially Plain Insane and others have encouraged and inspired me to press on, in the search for my perfect starter vette. Thanks again I'll see ya on the forums.

Funtoy,