When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
What is your most 'exotic' C3 performance upgrade?
Mine has to be installation of a complete Comp Xtreme Energy Retro Roller Cam conversion. I had gone with the DART heads over a decade ago, Bow-Tie OD 700R4 and a blueprinted Dana 44 with 3.54 spicer gears.
With the retro cam kit, I also went with the Ultra Pro Magnum Roller rockers (1.52:1). I have ALWAYS wanted to install a set of Comp's steel roller rockers. The DART heads also got refreshed and the hardware from the roller kit (dual springs, keepers, locks, seals, cam button). It was a lot of 'fun'. Had some setbacks and other stuff that delayed the 'joy' of ownership but today, it is a BLAST to drive and even more responsive off the line than my Energizer 272H10 grind hydraulic cam kit.
Of course, I would not have even made the change without the negative press about reformulated engine oils and wiped cam lobes (my cam and lifters were just fine). I started planning my cam conversion around 2010.
It wasn't until 2013 when I was once again employed and able to update the C3 when I pulled the trigger.
So, what is the most 'exotic' improvement you have you made to boost YOUR C3's performance?
73, i put the L82 away for safe keeping while i have some fun with a big block :-)
I forgot the '73 offered a 454. Did you have any challenges since the '73 offered a 454.
I remember looking at a convertible 454 '73 at the Toy Store in Clearwater, FL. It was about $18K back around '97. Even had a 4-speed. Coulda, woulda, shoulda...
nothing too flash...
rebuilt the 350 that was in my '72 when i wiped a cam lobe, after 4yrs trouble free happyness,
with
new .020" over flat top pistons, double hump 186 heads, howards retro fit roller cam and lifters,
comp roller tip rockers, edelbrock performer manifold, to keep the stock look for our historic rules.
then 5mths after reinstalling engine the T400 decided that it too needed looking at,
major oil leak out of the front pump seal, guess from sitting 6mths with no engine in front of it, so had it rebuilt,
then 4mths later i ditched it an put in a 700R4 for country cruising.
Last edited by riverracer au; 07-02-2015 at 10:52 PM.
Okay I dont have anything close to "exotic" but so far while lots of cool mods here kid vette that bat wing into a 73 is wicked the only mod I would call "exotic" is Richards engine....
the best Mods I have done to my 69 convertible, 350, Turbo 400 has been:
1. New American Racing wheels and BF Goodrich Radial TA's in 2011
2. Edelbrock Pro-Flow EFI with billet Mallory SSI distributor in 2014.
The new tires and wheels great improved the ride and drive of the car but it never really had the punch it should because of the old Quadrajet was in need of major repair. I thought about having the carb rebuilt but ran across the complete EFI/SSI system almost new on Craigslist. The performance was greatly increased and overall drivability of the car is greatly improved, it is much more fun the drive. Also fuel mileage went from around 11 to near 15 on the highway. And the Zaino clay bar and polish treatment made an unbelievable difference in looks as shown in the picture. Right was the day the car was delivered in 2008, the Zaino treatment was the following weekend. On the left was taken in 2011 after the wheels were installed.
Nothing exotic but a slow steady improvement to engine, suspension, steering, and electrical over 30+ years, making the car better than it was from the factory in 1978 without changing the basic C3 design of the car.
1. L-82 engine rebuilt to a 355, 10.2 compression, Howard roller cam (.525 lift), AFR 180 aluminum heads.
2. Gary Ramadei custome blueprinted/rebuilt OEM steering box
3. Spreader bar
4. Stock SS OEM calipers with braided Stainless steel brake hoses and Performance Friction pads
5. 360 VBP monospring
6. Competition adjustable heim joint struts rods
7. Poly upper and lower control arm bushings in OEM control arms
8. CS-144 140 amp alternator to power 4 Hella Euro Lead Crystal lense headlights (100 watt high beams)
9. 81/82 oil temp gauge in place of factory clock
10. 255/45/17 ZR tires on SLP rims
11. Too many other mods to list...the car today is simply so much better than it was when new..very close to a modern sports car but still basically a C3 design....
I guess it would depend on your definition of “exotic”.
My way of thinking, so far lots of cool upgrades, but only Richard meets my idea of exotic.
Would my TR60060 6speed from a 2010 Camaro count? Maybe not. It is 37 years newer than the original, and I had to fabricate a shifter, but it is still a Chevy. The Astro van hydroboost is a truck part, but still a Chevy. The steering box I got from a Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t from a GM, but is not really that exotic. Maybe if I put twin turbos and inter-coolers on the LS, I could qualify, but I dont see that happening.
07-02-2015, 07:56 PM
What is your most 'exotic' C3 performance upgrade?
