I am planning to go look at a '71 Corvette that is local to me. Its a 350, 4spd, AC coupe and is well optioned. According to the dealer it is a frame off restoration with all matching numbers, drives great, cold AC, etc. What I want to know is how big of a difference can expect between how my '81 handles and this car. My '81 has KYB shocks, stock springs, awesome rebuilt brakes (best brakes I have ever had on a car), a 5spd from a '89 IROC w/hyd. clutch, and Edelbrock EFI sitting on top of the original 350 block with a mild head and cam pkg. putting out approx. 300hp. I know the '71 is carb'd and only having a 4spd with mechanical clutch linkage so that will feel different. What I primarily want to know is how will it handle and stop. Will it be comparable to my '81? I know this is all subjective but any information is greatly appreciated. I just want to get an idea where to set my expectations.

 

If it has power brakes, they should be the same.

Handling should be about the same. There will be a little more noise/vibration due to the solid body mounts.

Overall they should be close with the '71 feeling a bit rougher.

 

I always heard that the chrome bumpers ride was stiffer/harder then the rubber bumpers. I can't say since it's been soo long since I've been in a chrome one. Tell us what you think after the test drive.

 

If it has had a true frame-off resoration, it should drive better than your 81 because of the rebuilt steering box and new suspension components compared to yours. The 71 is a little bid heavier, so the ride should be more solid and have a heavier feel.

Even though it is a 4-speed, the shifter should be tight since it has been rebuilt. The clutch will probably be harder, but again feel tighter or just as tight.

If you are not impressed with the ride and feel of the car, the "frame-off" restoration was not done well.

"In my opinion"

 

We can't help you. None of us have driven your 81 and we won't be testing the 71. My advice would be to try to avoid getting into the 71 with any preconceived notions of what to expect.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Below is a link to the car I am planning to go look at. I think the asking price is a bit high but they say its up for negotiation. They do not say whether it has power brakes or not. The in person inspection will reveal a lot. If it passes my check list I will take it for a test drive. Either way I will post my findings and thoughts later tonight.

http://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/2630877389.html

 

Why 270 horsepower? I believe the base 350 was 300 horse , maybe a typo? Let us know how the test drive goes!

 

Check your copy of The Black Book.

 

In 71 the compression was reduced for the coming unleaded gas....I've driven both 70 (300hp) & my 71 (270hp) and I couldn't tell the difference.

 

???

 

1971 Coupe curb weight: 3202 lbs
1981 curb weight: 3345 lbs

Remember the '81 has crash beams/bars in the doors, front & back.

 

No way to actually give you a correct answer BUT I own a 72 and 1 76 and a 79...(and a few other Corvettes..both older and newer models then the above c3's...

No comparison between my 72 and my 79...one is a tank (the 79) nice car to cruise in or drive down the highway BUT once on the twisty back roads it suffers from way too soft (factory suspension) ..My 72 rides hard but handles a ton better then the 79... but who knows what your 81 handles like..


The 76 actually does both fairly well and as such is actually my favoride C3 to just plain drive...just enough softness to make sure my wife keeps her mouth shut and enough stiffness that I can put it thru the twistee's and enjoy myself...

Bob G.

 

Hi Hway,
I've been driving my 71 'off frame restoration' a bit this Fall and it seems very much like I remember it from 1971. Since it has only 46k on, the engine, trans, and differential haven't been apart. It also has the original springs and shocks.
It's really crude compared to what I'm use to driving now! But WOW!!!
Since you've been driving an 81, the 71 shouldn't seem all that different.
Regards,
Alan

 

A real difference might be the comfort/discomfort of the seats.

 

So I got to look at it and take it for a test drive this afternoon. First and foremost, Tony and Bo at Corvette Country were great. Tony took time to point out not only the good stuff but other things that would need some attention to have it judged. The frame off resto was done years back and time has taken its toll on some pieces. The rear bumpers would need to be rechromed, emblems touched up, under carriage cleaned and detailed, and the driver seat repaired. I believe everything in the interior was original and overall in good shape but about 5 inches of the driver seat's factory piping had come off. The body seemed rock solid, doors closed very well, body gaps, paint, and finish were all what you would expect in an older restoration.

The test drive. It was certainly different than my '81. It did not have power brakes but did have power steering. I am not sure if it was the larger diameter steering wheel but it felt like the steering was a bit heavier than my '81. The car started right up from a cold start, engine ran great, sounded like a true vintage Vette with 40 series Flowmasters underneath, and Iit would certainly go and get to 60 quick. Brakes were what I expected for being non-power, very confient, just took a little more pedal pressure. The ride was rougher as expected but was not unbearable by any means. All in all it is a very nice car but after the drive I knew it was not for me. Being a carb'd car the experience left me smelling like gas. A little carb tuning would probably help but I guess I have gotten spoiled with the Edelbrock EFI on my '81. However for anyone looking for a solid '71 to drive and enjoy I would recommend this car.

 

71 base engine horsepower was 270, not 300. No 300hp base engines after 1970.

 

Maybe it's my aging eyesight but the last photo of the wheel in the opening doesn't look right and also the rocker molding looks odd.

Is the tire not centered in the opening and does the molding look too long? Or maybe just the camera angle.

 

not sure camera angle could do that,

Frank