C3 Update
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
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From: Seattle WA
C3 Update
Last year I said I was going to work on a C3 project car. I started out with a 1975 T-top with a 1968 Chevelle SS 396ci engine bored out to 427 ci, built similar to an L88 optioned car and basicall stock interior in decent condition. The car was drivable but needed some work (not fast enough).
Here is what has happened so far:
* Installed a 700R4 transmission build to a Bowtie Overdrive Stage 3 specs by a local transmission builder (with BO parts). Real high 1st gear and 0.7% top gear.
* Rebuilt the 3.08 posi rear end. (I'm a top end guy.)
* Rebuilt most of the electrical and brake sytems.
* Completely rebuilt the supspension- HD sway abars, Bilstein shocks, composit rear spring, etc. Completely re-shimmed the whole body (does not budge side to side or up and down.)
* Installed 1980 seats and mirrors,new carpet, Indy Pace Car spoiler, 1980 rear clip, custom sterring wheel.
* Lowered the car over 2" and spread the track 1" each wheel. Put on Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3 255/ZR45 x 17" tires and Center Line rims. (I tried a friends 18" 35s and they do not look right on a Sting Ray.)
* Installed Flowmaster Super 44 mufflers, with straight out 3" pipes (simalar to the early big block 'vettes).
Still to go: more interior stuff, paint, fuel system work - maybe fuel injection (but would likely have to get a new high-rise hood, which I do not like), rack and pinion steering.
Results: Goes like a bat out of hell (will not tell you how fast), corners like it is on rails (many Gs), eats BMW M cars and AMGs for lunch (everybody seems to want to race), more fun to drive than a barrel full of monkeys (major lost of IQ when driving - worse than a snowmobile). It sure turns heads at car shows - like "what the hell is that!" I just say - "It's a C3, no matching numbers."
My dream is to break 200 mph at the Texas Mile - but will probably never get the chance. Still will not touch my brother's F-40!
Here is what has happened so far:
* Installed a 700R4 transmission build to a Bowtie Overdrive Stage 3 specs by a local transmission builder (with BO parts). Real high 1st gear and 0.7% top gear.
* Rebuilt the 3.08 posi rear end. (I'm a top end guy.)
* Rebuilt most of the electrical and brake sytems.
* Completely rebuilt the supspension- HD sway abars, Bilstein shocks, composit rear spring, etc. Completely re-shimmed the whole body (does not budge side to side or up and down.)
* Installed 1980 seats and mirrors,new carpet, Indy Pace Car spoiler, 1980 rear clip, custom sterring wheel.
* Lowered the car over 2" and spread the track 1" each wheel. Put on Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3 255/ZR45 x 17" tires and Center Line rims. (I tried a friends 18" 35s and they do not look right on a Sting Ray.)
* Installed Flowmaster Super 44 mufflers, with straight out 3" pipes (simalar to the early big block 'vettes).
Still to go: more interior stuff, paint, fuel system work - maybe fuel injection (but would likely have to get a new high-rise hood, which I do not like), rack and pinion steering.
Results: Goes like a bat out of hell (will not tell you how fast), corners like it is on rails (many Gs), eats BMW M cars and AMGs for lunch (everybody seems to want to race), more fun to drive than a barrel full of monkeys (major lost of IQ when driving - worse than a snowmobile). It sure turns heads at car shows - like "what the hell is that!" I just say - "It's a C3, no matching numbers."
My dream is to break 200 mph at the Texas Mile - but will probably never get the chance. Still will not touch my brother's F-40!
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Answers:
Check the Chevy big block casting numbers. The early big blocks came in many CI configurations - 366 to 454. The are several casting numbers that show 396s and 427s from the same casting. How many casting molds do you think (cheap) GM made?
The picture shown in before the mod work. I will can post some additional pictures along with the other cars.
RPMs - I have hit about 6000 in second gear. Have not topped it out yet. We plan to Dyno the car this winter to see what more can be done. Compression averages 11.62 across the cylinders. Runs really good on a mixture on 75% hi-test and 25% av-gas. (Don't forget that 200 mph is the goal!)
Forgot to mention we will be putting in a roll cage.
Check the Chevy big block casting numbers. The early big blocks came in many CI configurations - 366 to 454. The are several casting numbers that show 396s and 427s from the same casting. How many casting molds do you think (cheap) GM made?
The picture shown in before the mod work. I will can post some additional pictures along with the other cars.
RPMs - I have hit about 6000 in second gear. Have not topped it out yet. We plan to Dyno the car this winter to see what more can be done. Compression averages 11.62 across the cylinders. Runs really good on a mixture on 75% hi-test and 25% av-gas. (Don't forget that 200 mph is the goal!)
Forgot to mention we will be putting in a roll cage.
Last edited by gowhitten; Oct 26, 2008 at 11:17 AM.
