1985 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7

Summary:

Demands respect, but so much fun if tamed

Faults:

Driver seat reupholstered due to tear on the side bolster.

Mass Air Flow sensor replaced at 118000 miles.

Instrument cluster replaced as it completely went blank.

Rear differential cover gasket replaced upon purchase of the car due to leak.

Brake pads on all four corners.

General Comments:

I bought this from an Australian ex-patriot who was working here. He wanted to return to Australia, so he came to my dealership and asked me if I wanted to buy it. Without too much hesitation, I said "yes".

This is an Australian spec car with a right-hand-drive conversion already done. At first, I thought the car was quite lacking in performance (considering its big 5.7 liter engine),but after doing some research on the internet, I found out that I can easily upgrade the engine performance on this Chevy. After emptying my wallet a few times, I purchased a set of aluminium cylinder heads from Air Flow Research, performance cam from Crane, intake manifold runners and throttle body from Arizona Speed and Marine, K&N air filter, tubular exhaust manifolds and 36lbs/hr injectors from Summit, and a custom made, dual 2.5 inch exhaust with Remus mufflers. I haven't dynoed the car yet, but I'm guessing its putting out around 300 to 350hp at the crank (standard horsepower was 230hp).The upgrade really woke up the performance. Fun to drive factor was multiplied 10 times.

This car handles exceptionally well, although at a heavy price of ride quality. The interior plastics aren't particularly of the highest grade and rattles alarmingly,the digital instruments are hard to see during daylight, the cockpit is claustrophobic, the 4+3 gearbox takes some getting used to, and the turning radius is very poor. But the fun to drive factor is so high, I overlook all the weaknesses. It's a car that is built to excel at what its designed to do, and doesn't pretend to be something its not. It was designed for performance, and to that end, it excelled. And that's the very character that I truly appreciate in this car.

This car is definitely a keeper. Its far from perfect, but when it sounds, looks, and performs this good, nothing else matters.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2008