1985 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 5.7 (350) TPI from North America

Summary:

Pure adrenalin!

Faults:

Normal wear and tear for a 20 year old. Leaking engine gaskets, leaking weather striping, 4/3 transmission overdrive feature needed retrofit. Added 160 degree thermo chip/fan switch/thermostat upgrade to keep engine running cooler. Install interior screw kit. Other misc. items.

General Comments:

This is my first Corvette. It feels and handles like a race car. Its rough ride and almost "primitive" feel, compared to my 300z, makes my heart pound and my palms sweat! This is a true American sports car. I love it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2005

10th Sep 2005, 12:35

Whoever wrote this article can you e-mail me at tvan42288@yahoo.com as I would like to find out about the 160 degree thermo chip/fan switch as I have an 89 and don't like the fact that at 90-95 degrees and A/C running it runs about 220-240 and GM says that is normal and there is nothing that can be done.

14th Jun 2006, 18:32

I purchased a 1984 Corvette 3 years ago. The only issues were minor leeks that were taken care of right after purchase. The cars handling ability is still far superior than a lot of new cars on the road. On the open road the car absolutely screams. For a 22 year old car it is still quite stylish. I would recommend the investment while you can still get one for a decent price, being the first year for the C4 they can only go up in value.

Sincerly,

Satisfied Corvette Owner

In reply to 10th Sep 2005, 12:35

9th Nov 2011, 15:47

On my '85 Vette, I had my fan wired in 1990 such that it turns on with the ignition. I have it run continuously regardless of the outside temperatures. I have researched the pros/cons of doing this, and the benefits outweigh the negatives. Google it.

1985 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 5.7 from North America

Summary:

Exciting ride on a shoestring budget!!

Faults:

Electric windows are very sluggish.

Rear defogger turns off before window is defogged.

Electric remote side mirrors don't work quite right: vertical movement must be done manually.

General Comments:

This is the best high-performance car I've ever had. Driving it is like being in a small rocket and handling is like being on a roller coaster. The ride is harsh, but exciting. The acceleration is exhilarating.

This year is currently about the least expensive Corvette on the market. I paid $4500 for this car. I bought it from a Corvette enthusiast who had upgraded the suspension, wheels and tires as well as having done quite a lot of routine maintenance on it during the six years he had it.

Driving this this car is about the most fun I've had. Considering what a new Corvette costs and how well an older one like this runs I feel like I gotten a real "steal."

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2005

1985 Chevrolet Corvette 350 from North America

Summary:

A generation 4 Corvette is the best performance bargain available

Faults:

The engine had been rebuilt at 138,000 miles and had 10,000 on the rebuild when I got the car. The engine is strong and smooth. The only things that are defective are usual wear and tear. Drivers seat is worn. Spark plug wires need replacing. A few LED's don't light. For a 20-year-old car though it is in remarkably good shape.

General Comments:

This is one powerful performance machine. a fine piece of American engineering. This is the first year for Tuned Port Injection in the Corvette and it works well. It feels like a rocket sled when you hit the gas.

Takes a little getting used to some of the controls as the windshield wiper controls are in the driver's door.

You are sitting inside the chassis so you are almost riding on the road, but that allows tremendous stability and cornering ability.

Not the easiest car to get in and out of, but once you are in the cockpit fits like a glove.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2004

1985 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback 5.7 Tuned Port Injection from North America

Summary:

At 16 I have the fastest ride at my high school and best looking :)

Faults:

Weather-striping needed replacement.

General Comments:

This car is real quick even against new cars.

The leather seats are very comfortable and laid back.

You will have fun embarassing all the poser racers at your school.

Especially the ricers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2003

21st Nov 2003, 17:17

It oughta be able to blast the ricers! It's a Corvette, for cryin' out loud!

10th Apr 2004, 19:42

I'd like to know how you found an '85 corvette with 39,500 miles on it in 2003.

14th Apr 2004, 10:52

There are people who pamper their cars. It is very well possible that he or she did find it with low miles. I found mine with 50k. And I've seen some for sale with 20k-. Don't hate. Congratulate.

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