I read a lot of the same problems people are having with cars as new owners or unfamiliar with engines. These are some of the best tips that I can recommend:

1. Always check that the right fuses are in the fusebox, don't assume the previous owner always replaced with the right ones. This can save you a lot of money!

2. Vaccum problems - Consider replacing all the vaccum hoses in the car with new rubber. This will solve a lot of potential problems and is not expensive. They are old and get loose and crack, just not worth dealing with the old rubber. This includes the rubber inside the interior under the dash as well. www.docrebuild.com is the best source and comes with good directions.

3. Make sure the heat sheilds around the spark plug wires are there, they are functional and new wires and plugs are a good idea as well.

4. There are a series of seals around the radiator and between the hood and radiator that direct the airflow into the radiator where it should be, this is the single most reason people have overheating problems.

5. Interior heat - this is often caused by old and missing seals in the heater box, these seals were not desifgned to last more than 10 years or so. Also the fresh air vents have seals to keep out air and heat when closed. The repair on the heater box is not hard but can consume most of a weekend, well worth the effort, a new heater core would be a good investment if you are removing the heater box for repair.

6. Scrap the points for a pertronix electronic ignition, this is just better technology for people who drive the cars.

These are some of the best tips that I have learned from my 11 years in the hobby. I hope they help you!

This advice is all right on. One of the biggest problems you can have with buying an older car of most any type, but performance cars are likely the worst, is having to undo what previous owners have done.

People also don't appreciate how important it is to maintain the vacuum systems in cars. Every vacuum source, hose and function is a potential leak that can drain performance, increase fuel mileage and emissions. Our C3's have a lot of vacuum assisted functions...the headlights, EGR and other emission equipment, vacuum operated switches, vacuum operated carburetor linkage...a lot to keep up with. Preventive maintenance goes a long way to maintaing the car's health.