427 or 350?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 6
From: Chester Virginia
If you want mileage buy a late model c5 or C6 with six speed in it and 400 hp or more. Their engineering is much more modern and can get really good mpg on the highway. They won't have the sculptured shape but they will be way more refined with the power. I own a 76 5.7 L small block four speed with true duals which is a great little road car and a TB SS with an LS2 2008 6.0 liter 400 hp Vette engine on a 4:10 factory rear end that is way, way faster than the 76 small block. However, the SB corners a little better but the 2008 TBSS with it's road racing factory suspension is a much more refined use of that power. Completely different feeling driving the two..one is more primal and one is just plain fast and somewhat refined to use the extra power.
My two cents having owned both ends of the Vette power spectrum now.
Lance P.
My two cents having owned both ends of the Vette power spectrum now.
Lance P.
Last edited by LancePearson; Jan 19, 2012 at 12:14 PM. Reason: correct
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
Key things you need to ask yourself? and put these in order of importance. This will help make things easier.
Its obvious you want a C3 so that a good start and seems obvious you want an AUTO... so lets figure out the rest.
1. I prefer a Chrome bumper car or plastic bumper C3?
2. I want a car I can drive long distance or just around town?
3. I want to race from time to time or I just want it to sound racey?
4. I want a show car or a good driver?
5. I am looking at a longer term investment or I just want a fun C3?
6. I want to spent less than 15k or more than 15k
Figure these out and get back with us... then we can guide you!
BTW
As far as gas mileage... that should not be option when look at any of these cars. only way to get half way decent (in the 20s) is with a modern engine and overdrive.
And finally my .02 cents.
I have been a C3 fan since I was born. I always liked the chrome bumper cars but can be very pricey and always loved the performance or all the high end SBC and BBC cars. So I gave my car killer looks and Killer performance. Yes it is a AUTO. And I can drive it anywhere so far about 80 miles round trip no stop in traffic (with highway driving)... OH YEAH... the car runs 10s on PUMP Gas with no NO2.
Its obvious you want a C3 so that a good start and seems obvious you want an AUTO... so lets figure out the rest.
1. I prefer a Chrome bumper car or plastic bumper C3?
2. I want a car I can drive long distance or just around town?
3. I want to race from time to time or I just want it to sound racey?
4. I want a show car or a good driver?
5. I am looking at a longer term investment or I just want a fun C3?
6. I want to spent less than 15k or more than 15k
Figure these out and get back with us... then we can guide you!
BTW
As far as gas mileage... that should not be option when look at any of these cars. only way to get half way decent (in the 20s) is with a modern engine and overdrive.
And finally my .02 cents.
I have been a C3 fan since I was born. I always liked the chrome bumper cars but can be very pricey and always loved the performance or all the high end SBC and BBC cars. So I gave my car killer looks and Killer performance. Yes it is a AUTO. And I can drive it anywhere so far about 80 miles round trip no stop in traffic (with highway driving)... OH YEAH... the car runs 10s on PUMP Gas with no NO2.
Last edited by holley505; Jan 19, 2012 at 03:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Key things you need to ask yourself? and put these in order of importance. This will help make things easier.
Its obvious you want a C3 so that a good start and seems obvious you want an AUTO... so lets figure out the rest.
1. I prefer a Chrome bumper car or plastic bumper C3?
2. I want a car I can drive long distance or just around town?
3. I want to race from time to time or I just want it to sound racey?
4. I want a show car or a good driver?
5. I am looking at a longer term investment or I just want a fun C3?
6. I want to spent less than 15k or more than 15k
Figure these out and get back with us... then we can guide you!
BTW
As far as gas mileage... that should not be option when look at any of these cars. only way to get half way decent (in the 20s) is with a modern engine and overdrive.
And finally my .02 cents.
I have been a C3 fan since I was born. I always liked the chrome bumper cars but can be very pricey and always loved the performance or all the high end SBC and BBC cars. So I gave my car killer looks and Killer performance. Yes it is a AUTO. And I can drive it anywhere so far about 80 miles round trip no stop in traffic (with highway driving)... OH YEAH... the car runs 10s on PUMP Gas with no NO2.
Its obvious you want a C3 so that a good start and seems obvious you want an AUTO... so lets figure out the rest.
1. I prefer a Chrome bumper car or plastic bumper C3?
2. I want a car I can drive long distance or just around town?
3. I want to race from time to time or I just want it to sound racey?
4. I want a show car or a good driver?
5. I am looking at a longer term investment or I just want a fun C3?
6. I want to spent less than 15k or more than 15k
Figure these out and get back with us... then we can guide you!
BTW
As far as gas mileage... that should not be option when look at any of these cars. only way to get half way decent (in the 20s) is with a modern engine and overdrive.
And finally my .02 cents.
I have been a C3 fan since I was born. I always liked the chrome bumper cars but can be very pricey and always loved the performance or all the high end SBC and BBC cars. So I gave my car killer looks and Killer performance. Yes it is a AUTO. And I can drive it anywhere so far about 80 miles round trip no stop in traffic (with highway driving)... OH YEAH... the car runs 10s on PUMP Gas with no NO2.
Alright then...
1. I prefer a Chrome bumper car or plastic bumper C3?
2. I want a car I can drive long distance or just around town?
3. I want to race from time to time or I just want it to sound racey?
4. I want a show car or a good driver?
5. I am looking at a longer term investment or I just want a fun C3?
6. I want to spent less than 15k or more than 15k
Beautiful looking car you have there, by the way.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
Alright then...
No preference, I think they all look good in their own kind of way. In most cases the "Chrome Bumpers" will be higher priced due to the higher demand for them though.
Long distance. I would actually try to drive the car on a daily basis, or as much as possible, which would also involve driving around town.
Depends on your definition of "race". I will proberly never take it to a drag strip or a race track of any kind However; I do like nice handling capabilies and the ability to overtake someone on the freeway.
Good driver. I would like a car that I can drive and enjoy, like its designed to be. Sorry but cars are ment to be driven, and not parked somewere under a cover, only to be seen once in awhile.
I actually plan on keeping the car for a long as I possibly can, and take care of it like it was my own child. I don't think I would ever want to get rid of it. I don't know where that fits in your question, but that is my answer.
I was thinking/hoping that I can find a nice one for about $15.000, but there is not a fixed budget, it really comes down to what I find and if I like it and I like its price too.
Beautiful looking car you have there, by the way.
No preference, I think they all look good in their own kind of way. In most cases the "Chrome Bumpers" will be higher priced due to the higher demand for them though.
Long distance. I would actually try to drive the car on a daily basis, or as much as possible, which would also involve driving around town.
Depends on your definition of "race". I will proberly never take it to a drag strip or a race track of any kind However; I do like nice handling capabilies and the ability to overtake someone on the freeway.
Good driver. I would like a car that I can drive and enjoy, like its designed to be. Sorry but cars are ment to be driven, and not parked somewere under a cover, only to be seen once in awhile.
I actually plan on keeping the car for a long as I possibly can, and take care of it like it was my own child. I don't think I would ever want to get rid of it. I don't know where that fits in your question, but that is my answer.
I was thinking/hoping that I can find a nice one for about $15.000, but there is not a fixed budget, it really comes down to what I find and if I like it and I like its price too.
Beautiful looking car you have there, by the way.
Baesd on the info you provided. I would get a plastic bumper car with a SBC and AUTO. You want something enjoyable and long term.
Try and find the cleanest one as far as paint and body for the money (this stuff is pricey to repair) - Unmolested unmodded car is a plus. Some drive train equipment will more than likely would have been changed or modded at some point but all these cars have the same basic (buildable/fixable) drive train. Interior pieces you can order and repair - just find a car with a decent interior - more than likely it will need door panels, crack dash or center consol items.
First thing to up date would be a must is to check the brakes and get the Edelbrock waterpump and make sure all the gauges work, then check out these items HEI ignition, a good quality carb rebuilt or new carb, true dual exhaust 2.5 inch, if it is in your budget the Edelbrock performer top end kit would give you decent power to any L48 or L82 motor factory motor.
Also be sure the radiator is good... even then to me for a good driver nothing beats the new after market raditors (be cool- dewits) and twin fans. Thats what I used to keep my motor running at any and all times and a tranny cooler is nice option also.
Keep in mind ...this is a SICKNESS... anybody with a C3 will tell you.
goodluck.
Last edited by holley505; Jan 20, 2012 at 07:59 AM.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Baesd on the info you provided. I would get a plastic bumper car with a SBC and AUTO. You want something enjoyable and long term.
Try and find the cleanest one as far as paint and body for the money (this stuff is pricey to repair) - Unmolested unmodded car is a plus. Some drive train equipment will more than likely would have been changed or modded at some point but all these cars have the same basic (buildable/fixable) drive train. Interior pieces you can order and repair - just find a car with a decent interior - more than likely it will need door panels, crack dash or center consol items.
First thing to up date would be a must is to check the brakes and get the Edelbrock waterpump and make sure all the gauges work, then check out these items HEI ignition, a good quality carb rebuilt or new carb, true dual exhaust 2.5 inch, if it is in your budget the Edelbrock performer top end kit would give you decent power to any L48 or L82 motor factory motor.
Also be sure the radiator is good... even then to me for a good driver nothing beats the new after market raditors (be cool- dewits) and twin fans. Thats what I used to keep my motor running at any and all times and a tranny cooler is nice option also.
Keep in mind ...this is a SICKNESS... anybody with a C3 will tell you.
goodluck.
Try and find the cleanest one as far as paint and body for the money (this stuff is pricey to repair) - Unmolested unmodded car is a plus. Some drive train equipment will more than likely would have been changed or modded at some point but all these cars have the same basic (buildable/fixable) drive train. Interior pieces you can order and repair - just find a car with a decent interior - more than likely it will need door panels, crack dash or center consol items.
First thing to up date would be a must is to check the brakes and get the Edelbrock waterpump and make sure all the gauges work, then check out these items HEI ignition, a good quality carb rebuilt or new carb, true dual exhaust 2.5 inch, if it is in your budget the Edelbrock performer top end kit would give you decent power to any L48 or L82 motor factory motor.
Also be sure the radiator is good... even then to me for a good driver nothing beats the new after market raditors (be cool- dewits) and twin fans. Thats what I used to keep my motor running at any and all times and a tranny cooler is nice option also.
Keep in mind ...this is a SICKNESS... anybody with a C3 will tell you.
goodluck.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 572
Likes: 1
From: Cooksville Maryland
DC Area Events Coordinator
THAT is a keeper explanation! I totally agree with all of those mods. The only thing I would add is to check out the bushings on the front and rear suspension as well. Age knows no bounds!
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 572
Likes: 1
From: Cooksville Maryland
DC Area Events Coordinator
I finished the front end and now starting on the back. My 82 had all the rubber in the a-arms mushroomed and split. The struts in the back are all twisted at the base where the bushings have just given up. SHould finish all the suspension by March. I am also looking at the u-joints. Our Vette only has 60k miles BUT it's 30 years old this year!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,780
Likes: 1,934
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Last edited by 427SIXPACK; Jan 21, 2012 at 12:27 PM.
