Is a '77 a normal car?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Is a '77 a normal car?
I don't know anything about C3's other than inspect the frame and hope the birdcage isn't rotted...
I'm looking at a '77 Corvette today.. Previously I owned an '87, and between the digital dash, strange electronics, etc it was just a bizare car to restore. Almost NOTHING was shared in between car lines, accessory brackets, water pump, power steering pump nothing. When a gauge stopped working it was a $500+ fix. I know the '90+ got even worse with the body control module.
How are the '77's in this regard? Is this something that has basic components, normal radio slot, and not electronic/computer controlled everything?
I'm assuming a '77 TH350 car will be a 3.55 ratio posi rear end. Are these basically the same dana44 gear sets as the C4?
Anyone have a picture of the underside of one of these cars? I'm curious if it has a crossmember for the transmission, or a silly cbeam like my C4 had. I have a 412" sbc and 5 speed trans w/ lakewood bell housing, I'd like to stick in the car.
Which leads to the next question - are repop Pedal and z-bar kits available and cheap, or ultra-expensive like the hydraulics on the C4? On my '79 Z28, I got a pedal and zbar kit for under $200 including springs and rubber boots.
Thanks guys!
-- Joe
I'm looking at a '77 Corvette today.. Previously I owned an '87, and between the digital dash, strange electronics, etc it was just a bizare car to restore. Almost NOTHING was shared in between car lines, accessory brackets, water pump, power steering pump nothing. When a gauge stopped working it was a $500+ fix. I know the '90+ got even worse with the body control module.
How are the '77's in this regard? Is this something that has basic components, normal radio slot, and not electronic/computer controlled everything?
I'm assuming a '77 TH350 car will be a 3.55 ratio posi rear end. Are these basically the same dana44 gear sets as the C4?
Anyone have a picture of the underside of one of these cars? I'm curious if it has a crossmember for the transmission, or a silly cbeam like my C4 had. I have a 412" sbc and 5 speed trans w/ lakewood bell housing, I'd like to stick in the car.
Which leads to the next question - are repop Pedal and z-bar kits available and cheap, or ultra-expensive like the hydraulics on the C4? On my '79 Z28, I got a pedal and zbar kit for under $200 including springs and rubber boots.
Thanks guys!
-- Joe
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Good reading here:
Kinder and gentler.
77s share the regular GM stereo line up. Early cars did not and have Corvette specific two part radios.
No computers on 77s.
Posi was standard, but the base ratio was probably 3.08:1 If the 3.55 was available with the TH350, it would have been optional.
No. Eaton rears are under the 77s.
Try Google > Images. You will probably kick up dozens of underside views of C3s.
Yes.
Yes. But why look at a factory automatic if you want a four speed. Buy a 4 speed car.
Good luck with the hunt.
...How are the '77's in this regard?...
...normal radio slot...
...electronic/computer controlled everything?...
...I'm assuming a '77 TH350 car will be a 3.55 ratio posi rear end...
...are these basically the same dana44 gear sets as the C4?...
...Anyone have a picture of the underside of one of these cars?...
...I'm curious if it has a crossmember for the transmission...
...are repop Pedal and z-bar kits available and cheap...
Good luck with the hunt.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
Good answers above. Just my small addition to the thread is that automatic cars have a removable cross member and the manual cars have a welded in cross member. It'll be up to you which is easier. Modifying the cross member in a car set up for manual, or adding a pedal assembly to an automatic car.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Good answers above. Just my small addition to the thread is that automatic cars have a removable cross member and the manual cars have a welded in cross member. It'll be up to you which is easier. Modifying the cross member in a car set up for manual, or adding a pedal assembly to an automatic car.
I think it would be easier to swap pedals and linkage in a auto car, although I'd also have to source a console I suppose.
Thanks for the replies guys!
-- Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Did an auto to manual trans swap last year.Pedals were a challenge but very doable. Auto trans crossmember is removable but will have to be modified for your 5 speed.The clutch linkage is another obstacle that will need to be tackled.If you have a TKO trans you may try a 700r4 Bowtie trans crossmember. My 76 Vette is so much more fun to cruz around with the manual trans!! Here's my write up:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...am-change.html
Good luck...
Good luck...
