Thinking about a C3 daily driver.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: monroe oregon
i only know about driving a t-top big block as a daily driver. i did it for about 2 years til i moved farther away from work. this was 1999-2000 so gas was cheap! i loved it. so u dont drive verry much so a c-3 roadster would be a perfect car as a dd with the other car being a c-5. a perfect match, classic style an modern. i say find a nice one and try it out, u will test drive it before u buy, so u will know then if u want to drive one, (they are nothing like a c-5) and if u decide u dont like it later sell it.
jay
jay
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
As an owner of a BB C3 coupe that I had intended to be my dd I can tell you why it is not.
It is a '72 and when I bought the car it was 34 years old and so were most of it's parts. I traded an '02 C5 convertible straight up for it. I have had to r&r the brakes, the trailing arms, the tires (which had dry rot cracks), the windshield wiper and washer system, the heating and A/C, the weather stripping, the cooling system and the list goes on.
My point is you don't know when something is going to break on a car this old. And you especially don't know what was done to it before you got it. I found a homemade brace mounted to the headlight header bar and the horse collar and I have no idea why.
Now, about the gas mileage. You really can't be willing to fill up this car more than once a week. My car gets 8 miles per gallon on average. The best it ever got was 12 and that was with a remanufactured carb from Advance Auto that sucked for performance.
Your clothes will smell like exhaust fumes because these cars were manufactured at the very beginning of the pollution control era and their systems are very rudimentary. In fact, the air pump was designed as a way around the rule about tailpipe emissions having to be under so many parts per million. The tailpipe is not cleaner, it just has more oxygen injected into it to reduce the percentage of particulates. Your girl friend will not appreciate the smell when you snuggle up next to her. My wife has been known to make me take a shower before getting into bed to get rid of the exhaust smell.
Then there's the fumes that get into the house from the garage. Search and you will find many threads on that. I generally open all external doors when I start the Corvette and hope for a good cross breeze.
The seats do not have any adjustment for the back (remember, we're talking about early ones where convertibles exist), most don't have cruise control, many don't have power steering, tilt/tele was also optional, if you have the top down, there is very little room to carry anything along with you and what you do carry has to fit under the rear deck lid.
The radios are very basic so you'll probably want a better stereo and speakers so there goes some more of that room.
Don't get me wrong, I love my '72 big block but if I had to use it for a dd I'd not like that much at all. I'm not one to change clothes multiple times a day unless I did some work and got them dirty. When my wife tells me to change because my clothes smell like exhaust it reinforces the point that she doesn't like the car. If this car were to lose a significant portion of it's collectible value I'm pretty sure she would be bugging me to get rid of it.
I saw a previous post where 7T1vette mentioned you were unlikely to find what you are looking for in your price range and I have to agree. Especially where the chrome bumper cars are concerned. And if you're looking for one with a good interior, is mechanically and electrically sound and has good paint you're talking about the holy grail. We all want that untouched barn find that the owner just wants to get rid of.
I'm not trying to discourage you, just educate you on what to expect and maybe set your expectations accordingly. If you want a really nice C3 convertible that you can get in a drive expect to pay $35K or more for a chrome bumper car, $20K or so for a rubber bumper car.
If you find one for less, make sure you understand what it needs and what is involved in fixing it. You will pay on one end or the other. Either up front in initial cost or over time as you repair things to keep it on the road.
Look through the General and Tech sections of this forum and count the number of threads on vacuum systems, A/C systems, trailing arms, carburetors, etc. You will soon notice several recurring themes.
With that in mind, maybe you should drive the C5 daily and have the C3 for fun.
Just my $.02.
cc
It is a '72 and when I bought the car it was 34 years old and so were most of it's parts. I traded an '02 C5 convertible straight up for it. I have had to r&r the brakes, the trailing arms, the tires (which had dry rot cracks), the windshield wiper and washer system, the heating and A/C, the weather stripping, the cooling system and the list goes on.
My point is you don't know when something is going to break on a car this old. And you especially don't know what was done to it before you got it. I found a homemade brace mounted to the headlight header bar and the horse collar and I have no idea why.
Now, about the gas mileage. You really can't be willing to fill up this car more than once a week. My car gets 8 miles per gallon on average. The best it ever got was 12 and that was with a remanufactured carb from Advance Auto that sucked for performance.
Your clothes will smell like exhaust fumes because these cars were manufactured at the very beginning of the pollution control era and their systems are very rudimentary. In fact, the air pump was designed as a way around the rule about tailpipe emissions having to be under so many parts per million. The tailpipe is not cleaner, it just has more oxygen injected into it to reduce the percentage of particulates. Your girl friend will not appreciate the smell when you snuggle up next to her. My wife has been known to make me take a shower before getting into bed to get rid of the exhaust smell.
Then there's the fumes that get into the house from the garage. Search and you will find many threads on that. I generally open all external doors when I start the Corvette and hope for a good cross breeze.
The seats do not have any adjustment for the back (remember, we're talking about early ones where convertibles exist), most don't have cruise control, many don't have power steering, tilt/tele was also optional, if you have the top down, there is very little room to carry anything along with you and what you do carry has to fit under the rear deck lid.
The radios are very basic so you'll probably want a better stereo and speakers so there goes some more of that room.
Don't get me wrong, I love my '72 big block but if I had to use it for a dd I'd not like that much at all. I'm not one to change clothes multiple times a day unless I did some work and got them dirty. When my wife tells me to change because my clothes smell like exhaust it reinforces the point that she doesn't like the car. If this car were to lose a significant portion of it's collectible value I'm pretty sure she would be bugging me to get rid of it.
I saw a previous post where 7T1vette mentioned you were unlikely to find what you are looking for in your price range and I have to agree. Especially where the chrome bumper cars are concerned. And if you're looking for one with a good interior, is mechanically and electrically sound and has good paint you're talking about the holy grail. We all want that untouched barn find that the owner just wants to get rid of.
I'm not trying to discourage you, just educate you on what to expect and maybe set your expectations accordingly. If you want a really nice C3 convertible that you can get in a drive expect to pay $35K or more for a chrome bumper car, $20K or so for a rubber bumper car.
If you find one for less, make sure you understand what it needs and what is involved in fixing it. You will pay on one end or the other. Either up front in initial cost or over time as you repair things to keep it on the road.
Look through the General and Tech sections of this forum and count the number of threads on vacuum systems, A/C systems, trailing arms, carburetors, etc. You will soon notice several recurring themes.
With that in mind, maybe you should drive the C5 daily and have the C3 for fun.
Just my $.02.
cc
Yeah, I know in that price range I originally posted, it'd be nearly impossible to find a great shape convertible C3. Yesterday my doctor told me I have about 2 weeks before I can return to the gym and do heavy lifting as well. So that being said, I may look for a C3 roller and put an LSx motor in it. C3 style and LSx reliability would be perfect. I would use a stand alone EFI and keep the carb look to it, but I will be using the stock exhaust manifolds and cats. Depending on if I get an auto or manual, I'll put in a 4L80E or T56 respectively. I think the only thing I'll need is a speedo driver and the rest should be simple.
Doing this will yield better economy, no exhaust smell, and the power/drive train reliability you'd expect from a C5. Radio won't matter much. I used to drive a convertible with no radio years back, and it didn't bother me one bit as long as I can hear the engine. If I'm going to take a long road trip, I'll take the C5 anyway.
I know with old cars there's a lot that will need to be checked. Suspension is likely going to need new busings which isn't too big of a deal. I have a friend with a lift and all the tools needed for that kind of work. I'm not worried about A/C and honestly, I'll likely get a convertible that didn't have A/C to begin with. This is only going to be a summer DD car and the best A/C is the top down.
All in all, I'm just looking for a cool summer night cruiser. Trunk space isn't important, I'm not taking this car on long trips at all, and I doubt it'd even make it on the freeway more than a twice a month.
The interior is the only thing I suck at. Although, after talking to some friends, I'm open to having an upholstery shop handle the interior.
Last edited by SCM_Crash; Dec 16, 2009 at 07:59 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
If you end up with the ideal candidate but it needs the interior done I and I'm sure many others on this forum are here to help.
cc
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
SCM, you are exactly correct that putting in a new fresh engine and transmission is a nice alternative. That is exactly what I am doing in my 1977 Red project car. When I bought it I found a Z28 camaro engine in it and it had been driven very hard. Now in the final stages of her on frame restoration she has been given a new lease on life. GMPP 350HO engine, Hooker super comp headers and side pipes, Tremec TKO500 5-Speed, Steeroids Rack and Pinion Steering, Hydraboost stopping power, new rear end, new trailing arms, new interior, the works. A brand new car. I can't wait for spring.
You could do the same with a 74-75 convertible, and then have a ball with it. Whatever you decide I hope you get exactly what you are looking for, and if not, make it what you want it to be and drive it every day with a ear to ear smile on your face.
Best regards,
David
You could do the same with a 74-75 convertible, and then have a ball with it. Whatever you decide I hope you get exactly what you are looking for, and if not, make it what you want it to be and drive it every day with a ear to ear smile on your face.
Best regards,
David
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Here is the GMPP catalogue. I am not familiar with the Victor Jr. so I apologize I cannot answer your question. I bought the 350HO Deluxe version, didn't have the clearance for the serpentine system in my car so we finished it out conventionally and saved a little money over the 350HO Turn Key. It is rated at 330hp, 380inlb torque. I have since added hooker headers and side pipes so we are certain to be up closer to 350hp, but that will be determined later when we can have it measured. The bottom line for me is "it isn't your factory issued 77" and now I have many of today's features in my 32 year old sport car. Love it.
Have fun with your selection.
David
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Very nice. I love to see updated classics. Some people think it's wrong, but to each their own. I like the classic look, but the reliability of the modern age. I told someone that I wanted to keep my Z06 until they didn't sell gas anymore and then I'd convert it to electric. He told me that I'd go to hell for converting to electric, and I said "Wouldn't it be worse to let the car sit and never drive again?" He said "No." So obviously he's in la la land. 
What style heads does that use? Standard GM350?
What style heads does that use? Standard GM350?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
These are Vortec heads on the 350 High Output.
Here is what GM says about the 350 HO.
"A 350 that's been stepped up in power.
It's packed with all the features you need to get a reliable 330 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque from a dependable, time-tested combination of GM Performance Parts. Of course, all of the components used in this engine are brand new – not remanufactured. Designed by our in-house engineers to give you maximum return for your hot rod dollar, the 350 HO is a great choice for your small-block crate engine needs. The 350 HO is based on a tough, Chevy four-bolt block that holds a strong nodular iron crankshaft, good rods, and aluminum pistons. The high-lift camshaft gives the engine its own unique, aggressive idle."
"The cam is based on the same one found in 1965-67 Corvette 327 engines, but it has even more lift and duration. Complete from top to bottom, the 350 HO deluxe comes pre-assembled with the intake manifold, carburetor, water pump, and distributor. With the Turn-Key trim level, you also get everything you need for a complete, running engine right out of the crate. We ship it with an accessory drive package, fuel pump, starter, and spark plug wires included in the package (not installed). The 350 HO Turn-Key crate engine offers you an incredible performance value – all you need to do is add the fuel and enjoy!"
Although we all know it is never quite that simple, it is a very nice and responsive engine. I have that video link here somewhere and will forward it when I can find it.
Enjoy.
David
Here is what GM says about the 350 HO.
"A 350 that's been stepped up in power.
It's packed with all the features you need to get a reliable 330 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque from a dependable, time-tested combination of GM Performance Parts. Of course, all of the components used in this engine are brand new – not remanufactured. Designed by our in-house engineers to give you maximum return for your hot rod dollar, the 350 HO is a great choice for your small-block crate engine needs. The 350 HO is based on a tough, Chevy four-bolt block that holds a strong nodular iron crankshaft, good rods, and aluminum pistons. The high-lift camshaft gives the engine its own unique, aggressive idle."
"The cam is based on the same one found in 1965-67 Corvette 327 engines, but it has even more lift and duration. Complete from top to bottom, the 350 HO deluxe comes pre-assembled with the intake manifold, carburetor, water pump, and distributor. With the Turn-Key trim level, you also get everything you need for a complete, running engine right out of the crate. We ship it with an accessory drive package, fuel pump, starter, and spark plug wires included in the package (not installed). The 350 HO Turn-Key crate engine offers you an incredible performance value – all you need to do is add the fuel and enjoy!"
Although we all know it is never quite that simple, it is a very nice and responsive engine. I have that video link here somewhere and will forward it when I can find it.
Enjoy.
David
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...idvideo003.flv
I think this is one of the early videos shot by Gordon of the engine. Good response on the throttle for sure.
David
I think this is one of the early videos shot by Gordon of the engine. Good response on the throttle for sure.
David
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
good reading everyone!!! cool
Ok... my 2c now...
I have a 79, and over the past year have been throwing buckets of money at it.... I got it when I was 21, somewhere around 1983~ It had 20K miles on it, and I used it for a DD for many years... no problem... but some where around 93 and 100K miles I had to garage her and purchased a Saturn for a DD to get around. It was less money to pay payments on the saturn monthly then it was costing me in up keep just to keep the vett on the road... not to mention my gas milage tripled in the Saturn. ...... But, I could not part with her, she was just to beautiful... so she sat, until 99.... Divorce...so out came the vett... put out about 5k in her to get her up to a decent condition.... re-lived my college years....
.... had a lot of fun.... got married again,,,, new wife loves the car like i do... so last year we decided to go on a spending spree and get her up to 200%... yea... the goal, to be better than she was new.... engine, full drive train, suspension, body, interior....i mean everything.... so... about ... ~25K later we will be finished.... now that being said, I do not believe I could or would ever be able to depend on her as a daly driver...she still has problems... just like a beautiful sexy woman... you want to be with her everywhere.... but she will always break down once a month...
This weekend, or group, Riverside, is going out on a run.... We have access to a C5 with about 5k miles on it... my dads... he never has a problem with me taking it out... just a phone call away... but... its not a C3
There is no vett imho that will get you the looks and that you will get in a C3... I can not even go to the gas station or down the block that someone does not say something about her or give the.... you will be very surprised...
And if you want, yes, you can take on a C6 Z06 with a well modded C3 and beat him up to 150... i know...
and you can get some great handling with... again.... mods and new wheels...
but the bottom line is..... C3's look the absolute'ist
One forum member put it something this way, I read once.....
"Every time I walk past her I just have to touch her, when I walk away from her I have to look back, and when walking to her I gaze in amazement of her beauty" Don't remember where I read it, but I like it.
Ok... my 2c now...
I have a 79, and over the past year have been throwing buckets of money at it.... I got it when I was 21, somewhere around 1983~ It had 20K miles on it, and I used it for a DD for many years... no problem... but some where around 93 and 100K miles I had to garage her and purchased a Saturn for a DD to get around. It was less money to pay payments on the saturn monthly then it was costing me in up keep just to keep the vett on the road... not to mention my gas milage tripled in the Saturn. ...... But, I could not part with her, she was just to beautiful... so she sat, until 99.... Divorce...so out came the vett
... put out about 5k in her to get her up to a decent condition.... re-lived my college years........ had a lot of fun.... got married again,,,, new wife loves the car like i do... so last year we decided to go on a spending spree and get her up to 200%... yea... the goal, to be better than she was new.... engine, full drive train, suspension, body, interior....i mean everything.... so... about ... ~25K later we will be finished.... now that being said, I do not believe I could or would ever be able to depend on her as a daly driver...she still has problems... just like a beautiful sexy woman... you want to be with her everywhere.... but she will always break down once a month...This weekend, or group, Riverside, is going out on a run.... We have access to a C5 with about 5k miles on it... my dads... he never has a problem with me taking it out... just a phone call away... but... its not a C3
There is no vett imho that will get you the looks and
that you will get in a C3... I can not even go to the gas station or down the block that someone does not say something about her or give the.... you will be very surprised...And if you want, yes, you can take on a C6 Z06 with a well modded C3 and beat him up to 150... i know...
and you can get some great handling with... again.... mods and new wheels...
but the bottom line is..... C3's look the absolute
'istOne forum member put it something this way, I read once.....
"Every time I walk past her I just have to touch her, when I walk away from her I have to look back, and when walking to her I gaze in amazement of her beauty" Don't remember where I read it, but I like it.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Leetown WV
I have to give my .02. I don't think you'll find any C3 to even come close to a C5. Had a 74 vert and had a good time w/it. Just be ready to spend more time and money on it than you planned. The sellers don't tell you everything that needs to be "fixed". Big things--rear bearings--ya can't touch them yourself!
No trunk, no glove box, L-48 is slow, BUT they are really sexy-looking. LUV the front end w/the fenders and the sleek look.
Just bot a 78 PC and the above was, unfortunately, still true. Fortunately the issues weren't that expensive (at least not yet). Definitely get the vert--lots more headroom. Don't be afraid to spend some time looking--being in a rush usually ain't good. I looked for 9 mos for the 74 and still had to spend more $ on it that I planned.
Good luck. BTW, the earlier years have less crap on the engine (but you probably know that).
No trunk, no glove box, L-48 is slow, BUT they are really sexy-looking. LUV the front end w/the fenders and the sleek look.
Just bot a 78 PC and the above was, unfortunately, still true. Fortunately the issues weren't that expensive (at least not yet). Definitely get the vert--lots more headroom. Don't be afraid to spend some time looking--being in a rush usually ain't good. I looked for 9 mos for the 74 and still had to spend more $ on it that I planned.
Good luck. BTW, the earlier years have less crap on the engine (but you probably know that).
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I have to give my .02. I don't think you'll find any C3 to even come close to a C5. Had a 74 vert and had a good time w/it. Just be ready to spend more time and money on it than you planned. The sellers don't tell you everything that needs to be "fixed". Big things--rear bearings--ya can't touch them yourself!
No trunk, no glove box, L-48 is slow, BUT they are really sexy-looking. LUV the front end w/the fenders and the sleek look.
Just bot a 78 PC and the above was, unfortunately, still true. Fortunately the issues weren't that expensive (at least not yet). Definitely get the vert--lots more headroom. Don't be afraid to spend some time looking--being in a rush usually ain't good. I looked for 9 mos for the 74 and still had to spend more $ on it that I planned.
Good luck. BTW, the earlier years have less crap on the engine (but you probably know that).
No trunk, no glove box, L-48 is slow, BUT they are really sexy-looking. LUV the front end w/the fenders and the sleek look.
Just bot a 78 PC and the above was, unfortunately, still true. Fortunately the issues weren't that expensive (at least not yet). Definitely get the vert--lots more headroom. Don't be afraid to spend some time looking--being in a rush usually ain't good. I looked for 9 mos for the 74 and still had to spend more $ on it that I planned.
Good luck. BTW, the earlier years have less crap on the engine (but you probably know that).
Yeah, I already plan on working on the car a bit. I know the L-48's slow. But I'm already setup to do motor swaps. So I'll likely put an LSx or LQx in. I can get a reliable 350HP with an LS1 and stand-alone EFI. I'd likely go with a Victor Jr or Super Victor intake (if there's room) and an EZ-EFI setup. That'll keep the carbureted look and give the car plenty of power while getting around reliably.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...idvideo003.flv
I think this is one of the early videos shot by Gordon of the engine. Good response on the throttle for sure.
David
I think this is one of the early videos shot by Gordon of the engine. Good response on the throttle for sure.
David
good reading everyone!!! cool
Ok... my 2c now...
I have a 79, and over the past year have been throwing buckets of money at it.... I got it when I was 21, somewhere around 1983~ It had 20K miles on it, and I used it for a DD for many years... no problem... but some where around 93 and 100K miles I had to garage her and purchased a Saturn for a DD to get around. It was less money to pay payments on the saturn monthly then it was costing me in up keep just to keep the vett on the road... not to mention my gas milage tripled in the Saturn. ...... But, I could not part with her, she was just to beautiful... so she sat, until 99.... Divorce...so out came the vett... put out about 5k in her to get her up to a decent condition.... re-lived my college years........ had a lot of fun.... got married again,,,, new wife loves the car like i do... so last year we decided to go on a spending spree and get her up to 200%... yea... the goal, to be better than she was new.... engine, full drive train, suspension, body, interior....i mean everything.... so... about ... ~25K later we will be finished.... now that being said, I do not believe I could or would ever be able to depend on her as a daly driver...she still has problems... just like a beautiful sexy woman... you want to be with her everywhere.... but she will always break down once a month...
This weekend, or group, Riverside, is going out on a run.... We have access to a C5 with about 5k miles on it... my dads... he never has a problem with me taking it out... just a phone call away... but... its not a C3
There is no vett imho that will get you the looks and that you will get in a C3... I can not even go to the gas station or down the block that someone does not say something about her or give the.... you will be very surprised...
And if you want, yes, you can take on a C6 Z06 with a well modded C3 and beat him up to 150... i know...
and you can get some great handling with... again.... mods and new wheels...
but the bottom line is..... C3's look the absolute'ist
One forum member put it something this way, I read once.....
"Every time I walk past her I just have to touch her, when I walk away from her I have to look back, and when walking to her I gaze in amazement of her beauty" Don't remember where I read it, but I like it.
Ok... my 2c now...
I have a 79, and over the past year have been throwing buckets of money at it.... I got it when I was 21, somewhere around 1983~ It had 20K miles on it, and I used it for a DD for many years... no problem... but some where around 93 and 100K miles I had to garage her and purchased a Saturn for a DD to get around. It was less money to pay payments on the saturn monthly then it was costing me in up keep just to keep the vett on the road... not to mention my gas milage tripled in the Saturn. ...... But, I could not part with her, she was just to beautiful... so she sat, until 99.... Divorce...so out came the vett
... put out about 5k in her to get her up to a decent condition.... re-lived my college years........ had a lot of fun.... got married again,,,, new wife loves the car like i do... so last year we decided to go on a spending spree and get her up to 200%... yea... the goal, to be better than she was new.... engine, full drive train, suspension, body, interior....i mean everything.... so... about ... ~25K later we will be finished.... now that being said, I do not believe I could or would ever be able to depend on her as a daly driver...she still has problems... just like a beautiful sexy woman... you want to be with her everywhere.... but she will always break down once a month...This weekend, or group, Riverside, is going out on a run.... We have access to a C5 with about 5k miles on it... my dads... he never has a problem with me taking it out... just a phone call away... but... its not a C3
There is no vett imho that will get you the looks and
that you will get in a C3... I can not even go to the gas station or down the block that someone does not say something about her or give the.... you will be very surprised...And if you want, yes, you can take on a C6 Z06 with a well modded C3 and beat him up to 150... i know...
and you can get some great handling with... again.... mods and new wheels...
but the bottom line is..... C3's look the absolute
'istOne forum member put it something this way, I read once.....
"Every time I walk past her I just have to touch her, when I walk away from her I have to look back, and when walking to her I gaze in amazement of her beauty" Don't remember where I read it, but I like it.
I'm likely the most relaxed person you would ever meet. I just love to chill, talk with my friends about cars, play some video games, or watch a movie. I'm in absolutely no rush to go anywhere.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Belgrade Maine
I like the convertibles, but I just love my 81' T-Top in candy apple red...This is my first Vette...Like many men in their 50s, I dreamed of owning one all my life and I got a deal I couldn't refuse...Too bad I live in Maine and can only drive in the summer...
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 7
From: Coralville Iowa
I have a kid in town, I say kid because I am 52, that does LSx conversions in C3's. He has a 82 in his shop right now from Oklahoma that is getting an LS6 conversion. His name is Josh and his screen name is "Superpowers". He posts a lot on the C3 tech/performance pages. Give him a shout for some info. He is pretty knowledgeable with these conversions and with the updated suspension and steering these cars ride like a dream.
I picked this 72 up for 11500. Had some work to do but is a fun car. They are out there.
BTW I also own a 69 coupe and a 66 Vert. I get a lot of comments on the c3's about being sexy, but the 66 gets the salivary glands going .
Dave
I picked this 72 up for 11500. Had some work to do but is a fun car. They are out there.
BTW I also own a 69 coupe and a 66 Vert. I get a lot of comments on the c3's about being sexy, but the 66 gets the salivary glands going .
Dave
Last edited by highschool67; Dec 19, 2009 at 01:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Gorgeous car. Updated suspension is a must from what I've heard. I have a friend that does suspension, but I don't believe he's ever done anything for C3s. Mostly C5s, Mustangs, GTOs, and newer cars. I'll start looking at C3 suspension upgrade options a few weeks before I think I'll pull the trigger on a C3.
The LSx motor is going to probably be at least 60Lbs lighter than the stock motor, and should make the engine bay a bit more clean looking. I'll look for "superpowers" in the tech forum. I'd like to see what others have done, of course. Thanks for the info.
The LSx motor is going to probably be at least 60Lbs lighter than the stock motor, and should make the engine bay a bit more clean looking. I'll look for "superpowers" in the tech forum. I'd like to see what others have done, of course. Thanks for the info.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
This was some good reading! I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread, because I TOO will be using a C3 for a DD..
However..my background involves an '86 CJ-7 that I rebuilt from a rust bucket POS to a show quality/off-road mudder and used as a DD. Then I had a '98 Wrangler that I built up and used as a DD. Both those vehicles would turn most die-hards off when it comes to being their DD...but not me. I had problems with both, but never regretted having them as a DD.
I just recently purchased a '68 LeMans Blue Roadster and can't wait to get in and drive. I'm sure it'll have its problems, but I have no problem with tackling them. I plan on adding current technology and aftermarket to it in every aspect anyways, but keeping the outside and interior looking stock. I probably won't have the money to do an LSX conversion..but I can always dream.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I sold the 2000 yellow vert to get this '68...so I will feel the loss of luxury, performance, and reliability, unlike you!
Good luck in your hunt, and hope you find a great DD!
However..my background involves an '86 CJ-7 that I rebuilt from a rust bucket POS to a show quality/off-road mudder and used as a DD. Then I had a '98 Wrangler that I built up and used as a DD. Both those vehicles would turn most die-hards off when it comes to being their DD...but not me. I had problems with both, but never regretted having them as a DD.
I just recently purchased a '68 LeMans Blue Roadster and can't wait to get in and drive. I'm sure it'll have its problems, but I have no problem with tackling them. I plan on adding current technology and aftermarket to it in every aspect anyways, but keeping the outside and interior looking stock. I probably won't have the money to do an LSX conversion..but I can always dream.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I sold the 2000 yellow vert to get this '68...so I will feel the loss of luxury, performance, and reliability, unlike you!
Good luck in your hunt, and hope you find a great DD!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
From: Baton Rouge La
I bought my 75 a few years back and it is and always has been my only car. Let me say, I hitch a lot of rides. Even when you think you've replaced everything there is to replace, one day you're driving to work and something goes wrong. I have never recommended driving these cars daily to anyone, but I couldn't afford one any other way. I recently bought a scooter and that's picking up the slack.
On the positive side, driving these cars everyday is wonderful. It almost makes me forget the times when it lets me down (which while not terribly often, is more frequent than I would like). Daily driving will be a love-hate relationship I think, but probably more love than hate. Having another car would help that.
My $.02
P.S. LS conversion sounds like a great idea.
On the positive side, driving these cars everyday is wonderful. It almost makes me forget the times when it lets me down (which while not terribly often, is more frequent than I would like). Daily driving will be a love-hate relationship I think, but probably more love than hate. Having another car would help that.
My $.02
P.S. LS conversion sounds like a great idea.