My new C3
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 3
My new C3
I bought my first Corvette this week. I found this forum to be the most comfortable and joined up a few days ago. I've spent a lot of time reading/learning. I had a Z28 and TransAm when I was a teenager about 20 years ago. However, I've been a Ford guy for awhile now. I bought a Mustang GT back in 06, eventually trading it in for a 2012 GT500. I loved the GT500 but eventually traded it in for something I could drive every day, a 2013 Raptor.
I decided I wanted to buy a "cool" car that I could pay cash for. I decided on a C3 Vette with input from my wife and 17yo son. I found a 1979 L82 with a pretty decent body for $7100. It was cleaner than anything else I'd found for under 12k. I didn't really care about the engine/trans because I have someone who is going to build them for me. He specializes in GM V8s and is going to build it to approximately 350HP for me. We haven't settled on the exact engine build yet.
I'm trying to get this car done by May 3rd so my son can use it for Prom. Here are my plans so far. These are somewhat fluid as I change my mind frequently as I learn.
Tires & Wheels - I'm going to try to polish the factory rims and see how they turn out. I really wanted these wheels but couldn't find them in the correct backspacing http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wv...FYdFMgodCEoAIQ . I ordered Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T 275/60/15 for the rear and 255/60/15 for the front. I understand there's a chance I might rub in the front on tight turns. I also know there's a chance I'll have to relocate the bracket on the trailing arm.
Tail lights - All were cracked. I'm going to order new reproduction replacements.
Radiator has a leak - I'm going to go with a CC718 Champion 3 Row Aluminum Pro Series Radiator
Steering/Suspension - Going to get a remanufactured Power Steering Renew Kit, new idler arm, new tie rod ends. I'm still researching shocks but am headed toward KYB GR-2 or Gas-A-Just, not sure which would be best. I'm also replacing the Coil Springs and U-Joints. My leaf spring looks rough and has log chains holding it together where I assume clamps originally were. I'm looking to replace this but I'm still researching the best options. I also purchased the Energy Suspension poly bushing kit.
Exhaust - I'll figure this out once we determine the engine build.
I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten. I welcome feedback but I'm kind of to the point now where anything added to the budget means something else needs to come off.
Thanks for the great forum!
I decided I wanted to buy a "cool" car that I could pay cash for. I decided on a C3 Vette with input from my wife and 17yo son. I found a 1979 L82 with a pretty decent body for $7100. It was cleaner than anything else I'd found for under 12k. I didn't really care about the engine/trans because I have someone who is going to build them for me. He specializes in GM V8s and is going to build it to approximately 350HP for me. We haven't settled on the exact engine build yet.
I'm trying to get this car done by May 3rd so my son can use it for Prom. Here are my plans so far. These are somewhat fluid as I change my mind frequently as I learn.
Tires & Wheels - I'm going to try to polish the factory rims and see how they turn out. I really wanted these wheels but couldn't find them in the correct backspacing http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wv...FYdFMgodCEoAIQ . I ordered Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T 275/60/15 for the rear and 255/60/15 for the front. I understand there's a chance I might rub in the front on tight turns. I also know there's a chance I'll have to relocate the bracket on the trailing arm.
Tail lights - All were cracked. I'm going to order new reproduction replacements.
Radiator has a leak - I'm going to go with a CC718 Champion 3 Row Aluminum Pro Series Radiator
Steering/Suspension - Going to get a remanufactured Power Steering Renew Kit, new idler arm, new tie rod ends. I'm still researching shocks but am headed toward KYB GR-2 or Gas-A-Just, not sure which would be best. I'm also replacing the Coil Springs and U-Joints. My leaf spring looks rough and has log chains holding it together where I assume clamps originally were. I'm looking to replace this but I'm still researching the best options. I also purchased the Energy Suspension poly bushing kit.
Exhaust - I'll figure this out once we determine the engine build.
I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten. I welcome feedback but I'm kind of to the point now where anything added to the budget means something else needs to come off.
Thanks for the great forum!
Last edited by IA_Stingray; Mar 28, 2014 at 10:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 3
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 3
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Enjoy while you can.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,191
Likes: 3,339
From: 10th District Court OHIO
Ohio Events Coordinator
2025 Corvette of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
St. Jude Donor '14 thru '26
Nice ride 
)
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 3
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 3
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: North East Ohio
After a 30 year pause in a hobby car (kid's, braces and everyday just paying bills) I once again have a car that's just for fun verses mandatory every day transportation. I bought a 1980 a few years ago, completely stock but needed work due to age and without this forum would not be where I am today. There are lot's of people with good advice and (so far) do not judge those of us who don't know or have forgotten how to do something. Welcome aboard.