80's Super Coupe Dilemma

"jsmizira" (jmizira) 02/11/2014 at 17:10 • Filed to: None

0

59

Ahh... its been over ten faithful years but i have decided that the 2003 Camry that currently grace my driveway needs to be in the hands of some one who needs it more than me. this fine example of grounded to the ground is made redundant by my wife's four door sedan. This causes a dilemma. you see, we are but two people with a staggering eight doors! What a waste of doors. This being plain, "it's time to let the Camry go" decreed my wife and I.

"What should we get instead?" I asked. "Something that gets similar mileage, with two doors, and rear wheel drive. Oh and it can't be more than what we can sell the Camry for."

So what is a man to do but post to oppo his troubles. You see the Camry can be sold for about $3500 to $4000 and gets about 24 mpg in mixed driving. This puts it near to very interesting choices, all of which seem to come from the 80's. The C4 Corvette and the Porsche 928 are pinnacles of affordable 80's prowess in both style, power and handling. their mechanical woes can be overlooked and repaired fairly easily. not to mention ....Pop up headlights. These two cars are coketastic fantastic examples of the opulence of the 80's. but which one to get?

That is where you come in Oppo. Vote below to decide what you hate the least. have a better idea? id like to hear it.

Reigntastic > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:12

1

If budget is really a priority you should get a C4. There's a reason you can get a 944 for 2003 Camry money.

crowmolly > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:13

0

If you go C4, go LT1. Preferably 95+

NinetyQ > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:15

1

"...their mechanical woes can be overlooked and repaired fairly easily."

LOL!!!!

You know nothing about a 928 then. And going from a Camry to a high performance '80s RWD sports car? Save yourself the trouble and get a Fiero GT. If you must have one of these, go with the 'Vette. Because at least then, you're servicing a small block Chevy engine rather than an exotic Porsche V8.

DuckDraper > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:15

0

Honestly I'd go for a 928 just because they're more unique and probably better made. The only cons are you probably won't find a decent one for that money and the timing belt is the size of an NBA player.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:15

1

Stay far far away from 1980s water cooled porsches. I've been working on one all weekend, their design decisions were... illogical.

The real answer is clear...

NinetyQ > crowmolly 02/11/2014 at 17:17

0

Not for $4k.

rabidpenguin > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:17

1

This is a no brainer- The 'Vette the whole way. The only thing that the Porsche has going for it is exclusivity. As in exclusively astronomical parts prices(if you can find them), labor(if you can find someone to work on it). This is also assuming you are going to find one you like, that is in good shape, that is in your price range. You are going to get a lot nicer of a Corvette in the $5 to $10K market than a 928. I don't even need to mention the giant aftermarket available for any Corvette and the small block chevy.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:18

1

I'd go Vette. But only if you can find one with a 6MT. The 4+3 manual transmission was crap.

crowmolly > NinetyQ 02/11/2014 at 17:18

0

Ah, didn't know that was a hard and fast number.

If you do go with the C4, don't get a 4+3 manual then. Get the automatic.

camaroboy68ss > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:19

0

I would go corvette but stay a mile away from a LT1 Vette. If you pay to have plugs and wires changed your need someone to catch you fall. You will have to replace the opti spark (distributor) and water pump because the pump will fail and short the opti out(such a great design) look for a tune port Vette. They are fairly powerful and still somewhat easy to work on.

NinetyQ > crowmolly 02/11/2014 at 17:19

0

I'm not the OP, but I do agree. I'd try to get one equipped with a 6-speed and just pony up the extra cash. Or ignore it and take the advice I left in my other comment.

jsmizira > NinetyQ 02/11/2014 at 17:20

1

Sorry I guess I failed to mention I have 24 hour access to a race shop that specializes in high performance v-8 including vintage Porsches and have a bit of hpde experience in heavily modded mustangs and a z06 corvette. but that fiero is interesting. Tell me more.

NinetyQ > DuckDraper 02/11/2014 at 17:21

1

Better made in the '80s, sure. But time is much less kind to them than Corvettes.

crowmolly > NinetyQ 02/11/2014 at 17:21

1

LOL. I have my head up my ass.

Yeah, the 4+3 is not good.

This is one of those "do it right if you are going to do it at all" type of situations. A $3500-4000 Vette may need a lot of work- and you pay the Vette tax for all of the parts.

Textured Soy Protein > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:22

0

Always loved 928s. C4s not so much.

jsmizira > crowmolly 02/11/2014 at 17:23

0

I hear this is the best course of action for c4's. anything about the 4+3 trans that would make them avoidable at all cost?

Aaron James > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:23

1

You won't find a dependable or maybe even running 928 or Corvette for 4k. They will be total shit boxes that are already broken down and will do nothing but break down in the future. The Vette is fixable, parts readily available. The 928 has a rather exotic drivetrain with no easy to find aftermarket support.

JR1 > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:23

0

Corvette: I am kinda a Corvette guy so I am a little biased but the reliability and maintenance would be better and more cost effective than the Porsche. Also Targa top for motoring in the sun!

jsmizira > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 02/11/2014 at 17:24

0

problem with the miata is the wife does not like convertibles and thinks that they are too slow.

Aaron James > crowmolly 02/11/2014 at 17:24

0

for 4k you are looking at a ragged out 150,000 mile 1984 with the crossfire and the always super 4+3....... The worst C4 that exists.

NinetyQ > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:24

1

Ah, now you see, that is one hell of a piece of information. I stand by my advice, but at least it doesn't sound like you're just lusting after your favorite '80s super coupes.

The Fiero is a pretty awesome car in my own opinion. It's the only mass produced American mid-engine car. They were the safest non-airbag car of all time (and second-safest in its day only to a Volvo). The GT and Formula (notchback) models came with a 2.8L V6. It's not an impressive engine, but fortunately these cars are often and easily swapped. The supercharged 3.8 is pretty common, but even small-block-Chevys have been known to be swapped. Northstar V8s are popular too.

The '88 GTs and Formulas came with a "Lotus-inspired" suspension and I believe upgraded brakes, so those are the ones to look for.

crowmolly > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:25

0

If I remember correctly it's a BW Super T-10 with an "add on" electric overdrive unit. That OD unit can fail pretty easily and parts are tough to source. I *think* SK speed or Paul at Medtronics can get parts but it's not worth the hassle for an inferior trans. A new OD is already half the price of a T56 Magnum.

Bytemite > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:27

0

By your criteria, both of these cars aren't fit to replace the camry.

There is no way they will get similar mileage.

Plenty of fuel sippin, fun RWD coupes around 3k you can get instead.

jsmizira > NinetyQ 02/11/2014 at 17:28

1

northstar you say? hmmm... interesting. will have to run it by the wife. thanks for the tip. these weren't even on my radar.

jsmizira > NinetyQ 02/11/2014 at 17:30

1

you are not kidding about that time comment. I've found c4's that look pristine for 4 but not the Porsche. not yet at least.

NinetyQ > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:30

0

I'm not entirely sure, but the Northstar may even mate to the stock 5-speed manual, like many of the other swappable engines. Many of them came with autos, but the Getrag 5-speed is where it's at.

jsmizira > crowmolly 02/11/2014 at 17:32

0

i may just borrow the jerico from my father in law if that's the case. dog box on surfaces streets wont be smooth but whatever, right?

It's a "Porch-uh" > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:33

1

Both are not great choices, but if I had to pick one it would be the Vette. If you find a 928 for $4K, it will need $10K of work. The V8 is notoriously finicky, and expensive to repair. A full rebuild on my 944's 2.5L was $2500, so expect to spend that plus a lot more on a 928. In the Vette you could buy a slightly used LS1 for that money.

crowmolly > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:38

0

The Super T-10 is a fine trans. The OD unit is the problem.

Drsweetdik > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:42

1

The 928 has a far superior ride.

Dependability? My dad owned a 928 for about 6 years in the late 80's and early 90's. He is the worst when it comes to maintaining a car. Unbelievably he had zero issues with the 928. He changed the oil at 12000-15000 miles. My little brother got this car to drive in high school and drove it like any a-hole teenager would, yet, never a failure of any sort. Give my endorsement to the 928.

Admiral Asskicker > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:45

0

Early 4th gen F-Body? Not sure what they are going for, but figured I would toss that out there.

bob and john > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 17:47

0

.....
ahem.
buy a crashed GM van. strip it and sell parts. take motor and turn it into an LS (there was a write up here a bit ago. the guy ended up with a LS3 for free.)

aquire miata, drop in LS3. done

JACU - I've got bonifides. > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 18:49

0

Why not both? 928LSX? Beautiful car, great handling, uncomplicated motor. You can have your peanut butter and chocolate in the same candy treat!

jsmizira > Admiral Asskicker 02/11/2014 at 20:59

0

I wish. My wife would shoot that down faster than a miata.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > rabidpenguin 02/11/2014 at 21:03

1

As a former 928 owner, I vote Corvette for much these reasons. Whatever I had to fix on the 928 (which I loved driving, let's be clear) was massively expensive, so much so that it cut into the enjoyment of the thing. At least with the Vette if something goes wrong you can get the parts for reasonable money from multiple sources. Or so I'm told.

The guy I bought the 928 from? His next car was a C5 Corvette.

Stef Schrader > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 22:41

0

Get this one. Duh.

Stef Schrader > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 02/11/2014 at 22:43

0

Hahahahahahahaha.

Yeah, the watercooling system on the 944 was just kind of "Put this here, this here, and...there's room here? Here."

Stef Schrader > jsmizira 02/11/2014 at 22:44

1

So, uh, wanna work on a 944? :o)

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Stef Schrader 02/11/2014 at 23:25

1

Oh we forgot we had to put the airbox somewhere. Lets put it at some random ass angle with some crazy brackets.

Stef Schrader > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 02/12/2014 at 00:36

1

"Zis part. Flugenpoofen in ze air."

1337HPMustang > jsmizira 02/12/2014 at 01:41

0

*whip crack*

1337HPMustang > jsmizira 02/12/2014 at 01:42

0

*whip crack*

1337HPMustang > jsmizira 02/12/2014 at 01:44

0

*whip crack*

jsmizira > Stef Schrader 02/12/2014 at 02:13

1

I would love to but Don't know if I can handle two lemons teams. If you are at sears pointless look for the spotter for south worst racing. I might just lend a hand.

rabidpenguin > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny 02/12/2014 at 06:59

0

The easy way to decide is-How many 928s do you see on the roads? How many C4 'Vettes?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Stef Schrader 02/12/2014 at 10:27

0

I found one of your brake bleeder caps in my pocket. I will return it at some point. Also we are both clearly not very intelligent people, why didn't we just use a crescent wrench to bleed the brakes?

Stef Schrader > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 02/12/2014 at 10:47

0

Because freezing cold, that's why, haha. Haha, I'll need that back, though. Goofy rubber turdlets.

I'll probably drop down there tonight since it'll be in the 50s...YES.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Stef Schrader 02/12/2014 at 10:51

0

Hopefully I can be there on Thursday or Friday. Currently I am running on no sleep after working outside all night, it was not fun. I miss sleep, and warmth.

Fuel_of_Satan > jsmizira 02/14/2014 at 15:23

0

Seeing that you have access to a well stocked race-shop and their employees you'd be stupid not to go for the Porsche. You are one of the few people on earth that could realistically keep and drive one of these things and if you do find one with a manual they are heaps of fun. Like a tiny V8 RWD hatchback. Hell, even with an auto you can have fun in one.

The Corvette is going to be cheaper and easier to maintain, but you wont get the sexy model you pictured if we're talking 80's exclusively for cost reasons. You'll be getting the boxy pre-facelift ones. Not so sexy. And you'll be wasting your tool access with a car that can be fixed in the driveway with a basic set of tools if it ever breaks.

jsmizira > Fuel_of_Satan 02/14/2014 at 15:52

1

I guess I'm stupid then because I found a beautiful black 86' with 90k on the odometer. i think it looks good and it runs pretty good too. i would need to diagnose the o/d on it but that is usually a stupid little issue and the car can be driven in four speeds till then. oh, and one more thing... TARGA TOP FTW.

jsmizira > rabidpenguin 02/14/2014 at 15:55

0

I never really see either of them although I have a neighbor with 2 928's. A glutton for punishment he is.

jsmizira > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 02/14/2014 at 15:56

0

oops... uh... how bad was it?

jsmizira > JR1 02/14/2014 at 15:56

1

awww yeah...

TARGA TOP

Fuel_of_Satan > jsmizira 02/14/2014 at 16:01

0

86' Vette? With a targa I would guess so. Sweet cars, I've always liked the C4's, it was the Corvette of my youth and in Norway their reputation was never brought down by mulletry. It was just a respected sports car. Though the ZR-1 was the one that got me hooked, one of the three or so in the country was right down the street from me, so I prefer the facelifted models.

I still think you should consider a 928 at some point, having driven both I have to say they are completely different beasts. At least seek one up to drive it unless you're already familiar with them.

jsmizira > Fuel_of_Satan 02/14/2014 at 16:08

1

I am familiar but i'll pretend I'm not in order to drive one again. And thankfully no mullets here. lots of suits though. I just hope nobody comes up to me looking for cocaine.

Fuel_of_Satan > jsmizira 02/14/2014 at 16:18

1

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > jsmizira 02/14/2014 at 16:42

0

I mean it's drivable. But the whole point of driving a manual is to have more control. And IIRC, the overdrive is more or less automatic and car-chosen.

It's more of a preference thing. You get one?

OtizzyStarBai > jsmizira 02/14/2014 at 20:22

0

This totally gets my vote... MK 3 Supra...

jsmizira > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 02/18/2014 at 01:09

1

If all goes well I pick it up on Wednesday. As for the O/D there is a mod that's pretty easy to make it just like a splitter on a semi truck being able to split all 4 gears. An 8 speed if you will.