Hey guys,

I'm a Navy vet living in Northwest PA currently and I'm looking into buying my first vette, a C3 particularly, around January. I have a couple questions to guide my shopping right now too. I've read the buying guide on here already, which was very helpful as well. The look I'm going for is C3 body style, T-tops if its in good shape, or convertible, chrome side pipes (love the look of the side pipes), scoop air cleaner above the hood, manual transmission.

1) I'm looking to have my vette in the 500+HP range, what engine would be best suited for this without forced induction? I want old school muscle that runs off pump gas. Of course I'm willing to replace things (intake, carbs, top end, cams, exhaust) but what would take the power the best and hold up? Can stock transmission and rear end take the power as well? It would be a daily driver in summer as well.
2) With going that high in HP, what else would need replaced on the engine? Water pump, oil pump, etc?
3) Is there a better place to order things from compared to others? Specifically best for engine upgrades, exhaust systems, and suspension kits.
4) I'm going to redo the entire suspension (unless its already done on the one I buy) and I'm wondering, is it better to get a kit from say zip-corvette, or piece it together with parts from different manufacturers?

Thanks for any help you guys offer!
-Gunnar

 

Based on your wants and questions, I'd look for a well built restomodded C3 with an LS3 engine, 6-speed manual, and suitably upgraded frame, modern suspension, and bigger brakes.....hauling down that sort of a beast will require some extra stopping power. They are out there, save yourself the considerable time, $ and steep learning curve. Just my $0.02 and thank you for your service!

 

read up on your hot rod and super chevy magazines. they will have lots of ads on suspension kits, engines, hop-ups, etc.. also try summit racing, they have everything.

you didn't state your budget, but 500 HP will cost you alot initially and more to keep it all running and things will consistently break.

 

 

As far as budget goes:

Car - $8,000
Engine - $3,000
Drivetrain - $1,500 (more if better transmission is needed)
Suspension - $2,000
Exhaust - $1,500

Plus wheels and tires and updated sound system

I'm not necessarily set on 500HP. Ideally I want a driveable car, that doesn't handle like a 45ish year old car, that can still beat out the modern cars around my area. So, if I am off on that 500HP, what would be more realistic for what I'm wanting out of the car?

I'm able to do all the work myself for the most part, have access to a large garage and a professional welder (the dude I live with)

 

Chapter 2 has a good suggestion. Take advantage of someone else doing all of the leg work and spending all of the retail price $$$ to get the upgraded performance....... Unless you REALLY enjoy getting your hands dirty doing car work. I am over $30K in just parts (my labor is cheap) on top of the purchase price upgrading a big block 68 convert that was 80-90% restored, but needed some finishing touches and some performance upgrades. I've seen some really nice C3 Vettes where the original engine and trans have been replaced with a big horsepower LS3 and a 5-speed trans for less $$ than I have invested. Take advantage of some of the experienced members on this forum for advice. Send photos of your potential purchase and they can help you decide if it is a good buy or not. Good luck!