1979 corvette?
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
Truth be told I would most ikely have my engine builder throw me something together.... LSX based or have him build me a nice little carb'd 4 bolt w all the extras...... Thrw a 700R4 behind it and call it a day. I would leave everything else stock, stealth right down to the wheels..
In my opinion, it really doesn't matter if it's an l-48 or an l-82. especially in my situation where we are replacing the engine anyway. For us having a numbers matching 79 isn't worth squat, I'll keep the car mostly original but as far as the engine, that will be custom.
Enjoy the journey
Enjoy the journey
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
Very nice feedback... Man I so wish this were a 4spd...! I love manual cars! I have a 383 Firehawk with a stalled A4...
It's a very nice car... But, it is Sold to some people from Nova Scotia.. lol... They have sent me a deposit and are flying in next month and driving home ( once it thaws up there)..
As I said, I have never owned a C3.... C4's, and C5's only.... I would like this C3 as a cruiser.... Always wanted my buddies in High School.
Thank you guys for your candor, feedback... Keep it coming.
It's a very nice car... But, it is Sold to some people from Nova Scotia.. lol... They have sent me a deposit and are flying in next month and driving home ( once it thaws up there)..
As I said, I have never owned a C3.... C4's, and C5's only.... I would like this C3 as a cruiser.... Always wanted my buddies in High School.
Thank you guys for your candor, feedback... Keep it coming.
If the frame and birdcage check out to be rust free, I'd say 7500 isn't too far off, but i'd try to get it for maybe 6 because of the misc problems. The heater core is a PITA to replace in these cars, and who knows what's really wrong with the A/C. Windows not going all the way up could be just a matter of taking off the door panel and putting some oil on the moving parts. There's a seal where the speedo cable goes in the trans, which is also an easy fix. For comparison's sake, I paid 7500 for my 79 9 years ago. Mine is a verified numbers matching L-82 4spd. It had a freshly rebuilt engine, all new interior, freshly rebuilt front suspension, all verified with reciepts. What it needed was paint in a bad way, and I still haven't gotten my A/C working.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Glen Allen, VA
Well, it's a small block chevy, which I think I can say is the most popular engine in the world for modifying, so therefore parts will be cheaper than just about any other engine. If I really wanted to be stealthy with the car, I'd build a big inch small block stroker and leave the outisde bone stock as you mentioned. You'd definitely need to upgrade the trans and rear end if you're talking about big horsepower.
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
Hell yes.... $500 off would be great! Headed to Ft. Sill today... then off to Ft. Hood... Will be back home in April sometime... Will stay in contact w the guy.. He seems very honest, forthright, realistic... Stay tuned...
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
While i would have to get a lot more for my money with the things it needs that old AC stuff can get costly to fix, better to drop a modsern unit in there but that has it's cons too,
I am just cheap and a bragain hunter I paid 6-6500 for a driver 69 convertible ( with issues ) so it would have to be a hell of a sweet 74-79 for me to get off 7500.
Is 79 a special year for you if not I would look around, 7500 will buy a lot of vette in many cases.
I am just cheap and a bragain hunter I paid 6-6500 for a driver 69 convertible ( with issues ) so it would have to be a hell of a sweet 74-79 for me to get off 7500.
Is 79 a special year for you if not I would look around, 7500 will buy a lot of vette in many cases.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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I didn't see anything I would consider a deal breaker, but I'm not buying. The only question is whether you want this particular 79.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 7, 2014 at 03:46 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
hmmm.... neither of those are the fifth digit?
Vin - 1Z8769S413451
The gentleman stated that it was an L42?? Now I am very confused? States that the motor have been rebuilt.. New crossover exhaust..? Driving temp is around 210.... 220-230 during the hot Texas summer cruising at 75mph... Cools down @ 60-65mph...
bird cage is in tact and pretty much rust free.... thanks for ALL of your help, opinions... I think I am going to offer him $6K!
Vin - 1Z8769S413451
The gentleman stated that it was an L42?? Now I am very confused? States that the motor have been rebuilt.. New crossover exhaust..? Driving temp is around 210.... 220-230 during the hot Texas summer cruising at 75mph... Cools down @ 60-65mph...
bird cage is in tact and pretty much rust free.... thanks for ALL of your help, opinions... I think I am going to offer him $6K!
It may have the original motor and someone added the hood emblems. That was a somewhat popular mod back in the day. Look at the vin#. Fifth digit will tell motor - L will indicate L-48, 4 will indicate L-82. Also match the last 6 digits from the VIN to the number stamped on the engine pad.
This is what my L-82 looks like (no flames - I know it needs detailing)
As you can see there are no emission tubes or AIR pump on your picture. L-48's didn't use this style emissions. L-48's had painted valve covers, so the upgrade to chrome makes sense. A lot of people dislike the factory air cleaner uses on both the L-48 and L-82, so the chrome air cleaner again makes sense.
It may or may not be the original engine, but by checking the VIN and stamp pad you will be able to verify that and value the car accordingly.
This is what my L-82 looks like (no flames - I know it needs detailing)
As you can see there are no emission tubes or AIR pump on your picture. L-48's didn't use this style emissions. L-48's had painted valve covers, so the upgrade to chrome makes sense. A lot of people dislike the factory air cleaner uses on both the L-48 and L-82, so the chrome air cleaner again makes sense.
It may or may not be the original engine, but by checking the VIN and stamp pad you will be able to verify that and value the car accordingly.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Northeast
"hmmm.... neither of those are the fifth digit?
Vin - 1Z8769S413451"
In 1979 the fifth digit would be a 8=L48 or a 4=L82. Perhaps he just read it wrong. No L42 in 1979.
On the stamp pad there will be a suffix that you can look up to verify what block you have or if he can give you all the information it will be helpful later on. The stamp pad will be difficult to read if there is ac.
Good luck.
Vin - 1Z8769S413451"
In 1979 the fifth digit would be a 8=L48 or a 4=L82. Perhaps he just read it wrong. No L42 in 1979.
On the stamp pad there will be a suffix that you can look up to verify what block you have or if he can give you all the information it will be helpful later on. The stamp pad will be difficult to read if there is ac.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
hmmmm.....? Gonna have him re read... Thank you!
"hmmm.... neither of those are the fifth digit?
Vin - 1Z8769S413451"
In 1979 the fifth digit would be a 8=L48 or a 4=L82. Perhaps he just read it wrong. No L42 in 1979.
On the stamp pad there will be a suffix that you can look up to verify what block you have or if he can give you all the information it will be helpful later on. The stamp pad will be difficult to read if there is ac.
Good luck.
Vin - 1Z8769S413451"
In 1979 the fifth digit would be a 8=L48 or a 4=L82. Perhaps he just read it wrong. No L42 in 1979.
On the stamp pad there will be a suffix that you can look up to verify what block you have or if he can give you all the information it will be helpful later on. The stamp pad will be difficult to read if there is ac.
Good luck.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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From: California
Well... I'm at 650hp at the crank, 427ci weigh in at 3200lbs, full blown race suspension, full blown modern drive train.... race out at willow springs often... maybe not to crazy
but... i see your in the great state of Texas so a bit far from California for us to ever find out.... but I will guarantee, you will NOT walk on me in anyway... BTW, nice looking ZO6
PS, and there are a lot of C3's here on the forum that will lay wast to my C3.... don't judge a book by its cover:-)
Thats a C5 that I passed, when i was running my 383....
but... i see your in the great state of Texas
so a bit far from California for us to ever find out.... but I will guarantee, you will NOT walk on me in anyway... BTW, nice looking ZO6PS, and there are a lot of C3's here on the forum that will lay wast to my C3.... don't judge a book by its cover:-)
Thats a C5 that I passed, when i was running my 383....
Last edited by pauldana; Mar 7, 2014 at 10:49 PM.
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
I read all about your build.... Very nicely done.... Although awesome numbers for ANY Corvette, crank HP is not wheel HP... I did not see in your previous post where you dyno'd your car? Dyno's are merely a measuring tool... How about your TQ? where is it? and can you get it to the ground...
I too have a PFADT full race suspension... coilovers,sways, etc... the
C5Z was built to RR right out of the box... I have simply made mine better...
For the record, I am not one of those C**K measurer's, mines faster than yours... I beat a C6Z or a C7... I like most all corvettes.. It is too bad you are not here in Texas, I would welcome an opportunity to AutoX, race from a roll, drag race. But like you said, that will never happen SO, we will agree to disagree. there is a group of us ( approx. 15-18) laying down 500-1200 rwhp... Like you C3 guys, we too are enthusiasts... So you took an internet shot at a C5Z guy trolling your threads... Remember, I am here considering picking up a 79, joining the C3 club and building it to my liking... Not some JA looking to race on the key board..
As a comparison... My C5Z06 weighs in at a whopping 3,115 lbs... Still breaking in new motor (<500mi) it made 520/510 to the wheels... again, not boasting,bragging... Just fact! there is more to be had once broken in... Don't poke the bear... he may bite!
It is a shame that we will never know...
Now, back to the C3 I am looking into acquiring...
I too have a PFADT full race suspension... coilovers,sways, etc... the
C5Z was built to RR right out of the box... I have simply made mine better...
For the record, I am not one of those C**K measurer's, mines faster than yours... I beat a C6Z or a C7... I like most all corvettes.. It is too bad you are not here in Texas, I would welcome an opportunity to AutoX, race from a roll, drag race. But like you said, that will never happen SO, we will agree to disagree. there is a group of us ( approx. 15-18) laying down 500-1200 rwhp... Like you C3 guys, we too are enthusiasts... So you took an internet shot at a C5Z guy trolling your threads... Remember, I am here considering picking up a 79, joining the C3 club and building it to my liking... Not some JA looking to race on the key board..
As a comparison... My C5Z06 weighs in at a whopping 3,115 lbs... Still breaking in new motor (<500mi) it made 520/510 to the wheels... again, not boasting,bragging... Just fact! there is more to be had once broken in... Don't poke the bear... he may bite!
It is a shame that we will never know...Now, back to the C3 I am looking into acquiring...
Well... I'm at 650hp at the crank, 427ci weigh in at 3200lbs, full blown race suspension, full blown modern drive train.... race out at willow springs often... maybe not to crazy
but... i see your in the great state of Texas so a bit far from California for us to ever find out.... but I will guarantee, you will NOT walk on me in anyway... BTW, nice looking ZO6
PS, and there are a lot of C3's here on the forum that will lay wast to my C3.... don't judge a book by its cover:-)
Thats a C5 that I passed, when i was running my 383....
but... i see your in the great state of Texas
so a bit far from California for us to ever find out.... but I will guarantee, you will NOT walk on me in anyway... BTW, nice looking ZO6PS, and there are a lot of C3's here on the forum that will lay wast to my C3.... don't judge a book by its cover:-)
Thats a C5 that I passed, when i was running my 383....
Last edited by TXGS507; Mar 8, 2014 at 12:18 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
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From: California
I read all about your build.... Very nicely done.... Although awesome numbers for ANY Corvette, crank HP is not wheel HP... I did not see in your previous post where you dyno'd your car? Dyno's are merely a measuring tool... How about your TQ? where is it? and can you get it to the ground...
I too have a PFADT full race suspension... coilovers,sways, etc... the
C5Z was built to RR right out of the box... I have simply made mine better...
For the record, I am not one of those C**K measurer's, mines faster than yours... I beat a C6Z or a C7... I like most all corvettes.. It is too bad you are not here in Texas, I would welcome an opportunity to AutoX, race from a roll, drag race. But like you said, that will never happen SO, we will agree to disagree. there is a group of us ( approx. 15-18) laying down 500-1200 rwhp... Like you C3 guys, we too are enthusiasts... So you took an internet shot at a C5Z guy trolling your threads... Remember, I am here considering picking up a 79, joining the C3 club and building it to my liking... Not some JA looking to race on the key board..
As a comparison... My C5Z06 weighs in at a whopping 3,115 lbs... Still breaking in new motor (<500mi) it made 520/510 to the wheels... again, not boasting,bragging... Just fact! there is more to be had once broken in... Don't poke the bear... he may bite! It is a shame that we will never know...
Now, back to the C3 I am looking into acquiring...
I too have a PFADT full race suspension... coilovers,sways, etc... the
C5Z was built to RR right out of the box... I have simply made mine better...
For the record, I am not one of those C**K measurer's, mines faster than yours... I beat a C6Z or a C7... I like most all corvettes.. It is too bad you are not here in Texas, I would welcome an opportunity to AutoX, race from a roll, drag race. But like you said, that will never happen SO, we will agree to disagree. there is a group of us ( approx. 15-18) laying down 500-1200 rwhp... Like you C3 guys, we too are enthusiasts... So you took an internet shot at a C5Z guy trolling your threads... Remember, I am here considering picking up a 79, joining the C3 club and building it to my liking... Not some JA looking to race on the key board..
As a comparison... My C5Z06 weighs in at a whopping 3,115 lbs... Still breaking in new motor (<500mi) it made 520/510 to the wheels... again, not boasting,bragging... Just fact! there is more to be had once broken in... Don't poke the bear... he may bite!
It is a shame that we will never know...Now, back to the C3 I am looking into acquiring...
Beautiful car!! your C5!!!! and yes.. GREAT numbers
i will be doing a chassis dyno on the C3 in about 4 weeks..
guess what i was trying to say is, you can make a C3 anything you like:-)
here are ours:-)
all highly modified, the C5 vert is a 427 Guldstarnd
Last edited by pauldana; Mar 8, 2014 at 12:31 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
Very nice home, lady, and stable.... I would say Life is Good and we are both living the dream... 
I need one more..... lol
Now.... back to the 79.......
I need one more..... lol
Now.... back to the 79.......
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Hunterdon Cty NJ
Look for a stick car, even slow cars are more fun with a stick. And very nice on all the other "stuff". I had an 01 Z28 and that was a fun car mostly stock, so I can only guess how your vette runs.
Le Mans Master
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From: Southern NH