NMCA Chevrolet Performance/Stock Build - 1980 Vette
02-23-2015, 02:04 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
NMCA Chevrolet Performance/Stock Build - 1980 Vette
Who'da thunk it? I grew up with Fords, built nothing but Fords, raced nothing but Fords, won two world championships with Fords, have very famous friends in Ford racing history.
And I just bought a Corvette for my next race car.
NMCA finally got Chevrolet to put up a sealed crate engine class so I wanted in. A lifelong friend reminded me of something I said when we were teens...."If I ever have to race a damn Chevrolet it will only be a CORVETTE." Why? Because it isn't a Chevrolet.....it is a Corvette. So I bought this 1980 Corvette to build for the new Chevrolet Performance/Stock class (CP/Stock) and I'm particularly happy about the purchase. The IRS has already been replaced with a 9" Ford and an AutoFab Race Cars four link setup with coil over shocks. The roll cage is already done and certified. Seeing how this was my plan all along this car is saving me a ton of time and money. We still need to get real brakes on the car and a new transmission crossmember for the TH350.
The engine is the new DR525 LS3 which is a production line LS3 from the Camaro with the ASA camshaft and sealing caps on the front cover, oil pan, and intake manifold. We are not allowed to make any changes to the engine. Also, the sealed CPU will be loaded with a canned spec tune from NMCA. Beyond that it is up to the driver and chassis tuning. To keep costs down, NMCA learned from the NMRA's Coyote Stock class and mandated NO titanium driveline components. This keeps the $3000 spools out of the mix! We will also be converting the car to a rack/pinion front mount steering system. Interior needs some work with dash and door panels along with needing a new console. Body is damn nice with zero problems. Already ordered a new hood from GlassTek....the 4" Sunoco fiberglass model. Should be very slick! Probably going with Mickey Thompson wheels/tires since they are very light and pay contingency for both tires and wheels. Exhaust will be from our longtime friends and sponsor American Racing Headers.
Not sure when the car will be completed but I promise to keep this thread updated with our progress as time allows. Following are a few pics from the guy I purchased the car from. I'll get more once the car is here in the shop.
This should be a good time. Still hard to believe I bought a Corvette.
And I just bought a Corvette for my next race car.
NMCA finally got Chevrolet to put up a sealed crate engine class so I wanted in. A lifelong friend reminded me of something I said when we were teens...."If I ever have to race a damn Chevrolet it will only be a CORVETTE." Why? Because it isn't a Chevrolet.....it is a Corvette. So I bought this 1980 Corvette to build for the new Chevrolet Performance/Stock class (CP/Stock) and I'm particularly happy about the purchase. The IRS has already been replaced with a 9" Ford and an AutoFab Race Cars four link setup with coil over shocks. The roll cage is already done and certified. Seeing how this was my plan all along this car is saving me a ton of time and money. We still need to get real brakes on the car and a new transmission crossmember for the TH350.
The engine is the new DR525 LS3 which is a production line LS3 from the Camaro with the ASA camshaft and sealing caps on the front cover, oil pan, and intake manifold. We are not allowed to make any changes to the engine. Also, the sealed CPU will be loaded with a canned spec tune from NMCA. Beyond that it is up to the driver and chassis tuning. To keep costs down, NMCA learned from the NMRA's Coyote Stock class and mandated NO titanium driveline components. This keeps the $3000 spools out of the mix! We will also be converting the car to a rack/pinion front mount steering system. Interior needs some work with dash and door panels along with needing a new console. Body is damn nice with zero problems. Already ordered a new hood from GlassTek....the 4" Sunoco fiberglass model. Should be very slick! Probably going with Mickey Thompson wheels/tires since they are very light and pay contingency for both tires and wheels. Exhaust will be from our longtime friends and sponsor American Racing Headers.
Not sure when the car will be completed but I promise to keep this thread updated with our progress as time allows. Following are a few pics from the guy I purchased the car from. I'll get more once the car is here in the shop.
This should be a good time. Still hard to believe I bought a Corvette.
03-08-2015, 07:27 PM
#6
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Transport driver just called. "I'll be in your area around 1am.....is that alright?"
Seriously. Corvette will be here but I'll be a little late for work I guess.
Seriously. Corvette will be here but I'll be a little late for work I guess.
05-22-2015, 02:58 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Been a while but here's a brief update. New Strange Engineering 9" Ultra Case setup is here. Lightened and micropolished ring and pinion gear, 40 spline lightened aluminum spool, full ceramic roller bearings, coated with Strange's anti-friction coating. This thing is bad news! Lowest drag assembly built by Strange. Now....if the axles will just show up.
05-22-2015, 05:09 AM
#10
Drifting
Been a while but here's a brief update. New Strange Engineering 9" Ultra Case setup is here. Lightened and micropolished ring and pinion gear, 40 spline lightened aluminum spool, full ceramic roller bearings, coated with Strange's anti-friction coating. This thing is bad news! Lowest drag assembly built by Strange. Now....if the axles will just show up.
05-22-2015, 07:26 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
Does the Strange 9" bolt to the Aluminum 'batwing'? That looks indestructible.
05-24-2015, 01:04 AM
#12
Intermediate
Thread Starter
