1986 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 5.7 liter from North America

Summary:

Very reliable and an awesome ride!

Faults:

The only serious thing I had done is I replaced the alternator! Everything else works as expected! Plus a recall on the ignition!

Bought my Corvette new in 1986 and it has 33,057 miles on it now (2019). It makes me smile every time I drive it! Handles awesome to this day!

I set my cruise at 73 and get 29 to 30 miles to a gallon on the highway! Sucks in the city; about 17 miles to a gallon! But I don't care, it still turns heads!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2019

8th Dec 2020, 03:14

33000 mi in 34 years in that 86 Vette!!! You must really enjoy those occasional car show trips!! Sell that Vette to someone who'll enjoy it and actually drive it somewhere!!

In reply to 8th Dec 2020, 03:14

2nd Jun 2022, 15:18

I am the original owner of a red '86 with the hair dryer option and it only has 18,000 miles and has been 21 States and from coast to coast completely up the Pacific Coast Highway. I do enjoy the car also.

1986 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 L98 5.7 liter from North America

Summary:

Unreal performance

Faults:

Alternator.

Window glides.

General Comments:

This is not a cheap car to take care of by any means, however, when compared to other cars that have similar performance it is a bargain! Parts are expensive compared to regular drivers. You need to order parts a few days before you plan to work on it, but that is part of the appeal. Usually the parts are in overnight, and longest I waited was two days.

I have a hard time explaining just what this car can do. Most people think that is just a mild step up from a pony car, but having owned a 1976 Trans Am (400), 1987 Mustang GT (302 auto) and a 1988 IROC Z (305, five speed) I have to say that they were slugs. The Corvette pulls harder at 140 than they did at 80. The car just does not seem to slow its rate of acceleration! A simple rule for cornering is this, double the posted speed limit and you'll most likely be able to keep it in your lane. It just plane has unreal performance potential.

Especially with a few exhaust, throttle body, and ignition changes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2002

21st Jun 2004, 10:54

My 86 corvette is a pretty good car. Its fast and it needs a little body work, paint and some electrical problems. They are bit expensive to fix. But in spite of the problems people still say I like that year or what year or do you want to sell it. One last point about these cars is that the way the hood open and wear you pump year gas is in the middle, not the side because it does not matter which side you are on when you need to pump your gas, you can always get to it. This something that GM should have add on to the c5 and the c6 arrive in the fall 2004.

9th Aug 2011, 13:42

I have a 1986 and an '84 Corvette; the 86 has a 5.7 tune ported 350. I love it, the car is in excellent condition. The only problem I have had is keeping my wife from wanting to drive it everywhere. The performance is unlike any other car I have owned. I would say to anyone buying a vette, spend the money on one in great shape, and enjoy the ride.

In reply to 9th Aug 2011, 13:42

9th Dec 2020, 15:33

Having owned 4 and if you are in budget, buy a C5. Less maintenance than a C4. Priced rock bottom. If you sell, you will get most if not all your money back. Miles determine price; lower the better. A friend just bought a 2001 convertible under 35,000 miles for 16k. At 50k miles you will see a few bills. I drove my C5 convertible purchased used from 2009-2016. Sold it for $4000 less than I paid for it! Now is the time to buy a convertible. Right before holidays. People are buying fuel oil, money for Christmas and parting with impractical vehicles. For some. That’s when I typically buy. I sold my used 2013 Grand Sport with 16,000 miles last year. Lost $9000 depreciation. So used isn’t bad on Corvettes after a few year's depreciation hit. C4 I would pass on electrical and leaks. Go a bit higher for the superior LS1 engine on the newer platform.

1986 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7 tuned port injection V8 from North America

Summary:

It will keep you pressed against your seat

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong was the digital RPM meter, but it cost a fortune to fix.

General Comments:

I love this car, it handles great and the performance is unbelievable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2001

5th Sep 2005, 22:36

Well it can't be that great stock. 1986 was the worst year for the vette speed wise.

1st Nov 2005, 10:11

You don't know what you're talking about. The 1986 Corvette was one of the quickest and fastest production cars of that year from any manufacturer. It had 245HP and 330 trq, the car is 3100 lbs and is a rocket on the street. A guy at my work has one and it has been up to 154mph as indicated on the digital speedo.

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