I'm looking at a 1986 corvette, it's in great shape and the engine/tranny are strong. My question is I've been told that the 84, 85, 86, (cross-fire engine) models were the worst years for the vettes, is that true? Any info would be great. Thanks

 

The 86 atleast mine has tuned port. All 86's did

 

i knwo that the crossfire engines were NOT popular..i thought that the 76 or so was technically the worst running vette?

 

yes, your right the 86 is a TPI and not a CF. Thanks for the info. I was looking at 76 vette a few weeks ago, not anymore, thanks Patrick.

 

but bear in mind, if youre looking for a cheap vette to build, a 76 L48 could be your winner. my buddy's vette isnt worth a mint, but it is a chevy 350, which means that ANY parts store has an intake manifold and headers in stock, and maybe even some cheap aluminum heads...easy horsepower...[8D]

 

Years ago I bought a 75 coupe that ran fair for $5500.00. The body was good and then interior was like new. I bought a GM crate motor and a few extras+. You can do the same with the 76. I don't know if your state has the strict smog regulations or not but if you keep the top part of the engine appearing stock you can make a very nice driver for a reasonable amount of money. I predict the mid 70s cars will increase in value as time goes by. Just MHO. Good luck!

 

exactly...GM parts, especially for the small block are cheap and easy to find.

 

i have an 86 and i love it, ive had a few problems with it mainly due to an incompetent prior owner, but if you are looking for resale value, u may want to stay away, and if you want power and a stock vette you may also want to stay away, but if you just love corvettes, or you dont mind going away from stock then it is a great car, (but watch out for the electrical system, weak wiring in the mid 80's vettes)

 

To the best of my knowlage the 1984 was the only year the C4 had the cross fire system. I had a 1985 and it had the Tuned Port. I also heard the cross fire was problems but I talked to a guy that had one and he loved it. But the tuned port is good to go. I'm on my second Vette with it and both were and are great. No problems.

 

You are right 1984 was one year they made a cross-fire engine bu they also made it in 1982 in the C3 body style. But after 1984 in 1985 through 1991 was the L98 tune port and they came out with the LT1 in 1992. Also in 1990 through 1995 they came out with the LT5 or known as the ZR-1 an awesome engine. People can say they love the cross-fire enjection. But in my opinion i wouldnt buy one no matter what because they did have problems with them and the resale value sucks on them. You can buy them really cheap so i wouldnt buy a 1982 or 1984 vette no matter what