I got a lump some of moeny and am setting out to buy a corvette. I found one locally, and they are asking $6500. Its the 25th anniversery edition, its condition shows its age. The paint is chipped here and there, would need repainting but it dosent scream "paint me now!" The interior also shows its age, has brand new seat covers to match the interior color. It has all new brakes and calipers, new tires, and new duel exhaust. The engine sounds great, has no odd noises or anything, takes off nicely, but when you shut the vehicle off, I forgot what you call it, but it takes a little bit for the engine to stop. The owner claims this is due to it being rarely driven. It has 79k miles. Is this vehicle worth $6500? I dont know much about cars, especailly corvettes so I'm looking for some guidance here.

 

Welcome to the forum. Don't know what part of country you're inbut need to check for frame rust between the wheels, especially at the kickup in front of the rear wheels. The condition you are describing is called "run on". Don't know about the 78s, but some years had a solenoid on the carb that was energized when key was on and it was used to set idle speed. When you turned the engine off, the solenoid retracted, allowing the throttle to close completely which prevented run on. Sometimes the solenoid was only energized when A/C was on to compensate for the additional load on the engine and keep the idle speed the same. Run on can also be caused by running too hot of a spark plug and it acts like a glow plug. If it's an auto, then you can just shut it off in drive and it will prevent it.

As far as worth, I let others weigh in. To me it sounds reasonable. Good luck.

 

What 73shark calls "run on', is what we used to call "Cadilacin'". Other causes can be the timing bein' a little off, or the wrong octane of gas.

 

First time I've heard that term. Any idea as to the basis? Always looking to learn. Good call on timing and gas.

 

It's a term I picked up from my Dad. Apparently, back in the pre-WWII years, Cadilacs were notorius for "run on". I believe it was because of higher compression and no choices of fuel.