restore or restomod
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
restore or restomod
I'm sure this has been asked before but when should you restore or restomod?, I am older and was always told to restore when you can but I also love the restomods. I'd like to have more power, more convince but I also am happy doing a restoration. . I'm picking up my C3 Tuesday. It is 1981, unmolested, 61k, 99% rust free, number matching car. This car has the original exhaust, complete with heat shields. I mean it is 100% original. The interior is in great shape. The dash is not cracked, radio still works, carpet is in great condition, the driver side seat has a small tear. I'm just not sure on the way to go with it. Any advise would be helpful
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,197
Likes: 7,795
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
At the end of the day it's your car. Do what makes you happy. 81's don't have huge value stock and original or not.
If your really concerned. Make changes that could be reversed if needed in the future. Save all the original take off parts, etc.
it's your car! Do what You want.
If your really concerned. Make changes that could be reversed if needed in the future. Save all the original take off parts, etc.
it's your car! Do what You want.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
I think it depends on what you want or expect out of ownership.
Some enjoy going to shows, or join the NCRS and getting judged on originality.
I enjoy planning, working on and driving my car.
I love seeing factory original cars however if I owned one I wouldn't want to drive it much, I'd worry about finding factory original parts to maintain the car.
Mine won't be a restomod but it won't be numbers matching. Built for more performance than the factory built, with durability and ease of maintenance in mind.
Some enjoy going to shows, or join the NCRS and getting judged on originality.
I enjoy planning, working on and driving my car.
I love seeing factory original cars however if I owned one I wouldn't want to drive it much, I'd worry about finding factory original parts to maintain the car.
Mine won't be a restomod but it won't be numbers matching. Built for more performance than the factory built, with durability and ease of maintenance in mind.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,181
Likes: 9,317
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Drive it as is, flip it and then get an earlier model that doesnt have a computer, all the smog crap and non batwing rear, then drop in a crate motor and coil overs. Then go auto cross it.
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Aug 27, 2023 at 08:56 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 341
Do you want to OWN a Corvette or do you wish to DRIVE a Corvette.
If the latter, build the car you want to drive. 383 stroker, 5 speed, Wildwood, side pipes, custom paint, whatever.
I try to think about the next owner, a little, but not too much. If he really wants to chase down an OEM copper radiator that doesn't inflate like a balloon under pressure, he can. I wasted $300 trying to
get mine sealed up then threw IT away and put in an imperfectly fitting aluminum replacement that lets me actually drive the car. Wish I'd done it sooner!
On the other hand I left the old, correct vintage radio in the dash, and hid a Bluetooth head unit in the cubby behind the seats that plays music off my Iphone.
OEM Air Conditioning or Vintage Air? That's a tough debate --- a lot depends on who's doing the work, who your HVAC go-to guy is and his level of competence.
I was at Max's Corvette (Salvage) in Mesa and he was telling me how he had guys fly over from Australia to purchase nuts and bolts that had the right stampings
on their heads in order to satisfy NCRS judges. Freakin' hose clamps when spring clamps work better over time than OEM or screw clamps.
In my opinion that sort of obsession borders on mental illness. To each his own demon, I s'pose.
If the latter, build the car you want to drive. 383 stroker, 5 speed, Wildwood, side pipes, custom paint, whatever.
I try to think about the next owner, a little, but not too much. If he really wants to chase down an OEM copper radiator that doesn't inflate like a balloon under pressure, he can. I wasted $300 trying to
get mine sealed up then threw IT away and put in an imperfectly fitting aluminum replacement that lets me actually drive the car. Wish I'd done it sooner!
On the other hand I left the old, correct vintage radio in the dash, and hid a Bluetooth head unit in the cubby behind the seats that plays music off my Iphone.
OEM Air Conditioning or Vintage Air? That's a tough debate --- a lot depends on who's doing the work, who your HVAC go-to guy is and his level of competence.
I was at Max's Corvette (Salvage) in Mesa and he was telling me how he had guys fly over from Australia to purchase nuts and bolts that had the right stampings
on their heads in order to satisfy NCRS judges. Freakin' hose clamps when spring clamps work better over time than OEM or screw clamps.
In my opinion that sort of obsession borders on mental illness. To each his own demon, I s'pose.
Last edited by wadenelson; Aug 27, 2023 at 01:02 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 82
If your performance requirements are really high just step up to the next build of Corvette ( C2,C3,C4, etc.). I’ve got a 71 LS5 that is very original but doesn’t have the power I’m looking for, >500 hp. I’ve kinda painted myself into a corner as I like stock cars but also want great performance. It’s a quandary for me, good luck with your choice!
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,181
Likes: 9,317
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I have found that most of the motors from our era suffer from bad factory heads. THats one thing the LS motor has done right which is why its so popular. For example, a Stock bottom end 396 with 10:1 compression wont see above 350 hp with stock heads and an LS6 cam. Those heads cant support more than 350-375 hp...just a head swap and that same set up will jump up to 500 plus HP.
For the OP, power it depends on your budget and what you spend it on. I would decide on a HP goal then buy the best heads for that goal matched to your compression you want. Some folks want high compression high revving, some want pump gas compression high torque. You dont want to go huge on flow, its not necessary and can hurt in some instances. Get what your goals need. Once decide on HP, you either find a machine shop and build it or go the safe route and just buy the crate motor. Most folks are safer with a bolt in and go solution
For the OP, power it depends on your budget and what you spend it on. I would decide on a HP goal then buy the best heads for that goal matched to your compression you want. Some folks want high compression high revving, some want pump gas compression high torque. You dont want to go huge on flow, its not necessary and can hurt in some instances. Get what your goals need. Once decide on HP, you either find a machine shop and build it or go the safe route and just buy the crate motor. Most folks are safer with a bolt in and go solution
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 931
From: Arizona
I have been navigating the same question, I have a very original low mile 1980 in excellent condition, I've been picking up a few items like a Borgeson kit and 200R4 but haven't installed them yet.
I've been struggling with modification vs leaving it all original, I feel if I start modification I would also add Doug's headers and side pipes, torq thrusts and more.
when I think about value or the car sitting in the garage I feel i should leave it... when i think about keeping it, driving and enjoying it I am convinced I should move forward with modification.
I personally don't care about value, not why I purchased and I don't care about putting money into it that I will never get back, there is a value to driving and building.
I considered selling it and buying something I could modify with less guilt but I love this car.
I've searched a few threads on this forum discussing this subject including this one and have made the decision to move forward with modifications and now researching side pipe options... frankly I didn't post the question thinking I would get crucified by people telling me to leave it original but to my surprise it's convinced me to make it what I want and would give the same advice.
I've been struggling with modification vs leaving it all original, I feel if I start modification I would also add Doug's headers and side pipes, torq thrusts and more.
when I think about value or the car sitting in the garage I feel i should leave it... when i think about keeping it, driving and enjoying it I am convinced I should move forward with modification.
I personally don't care about value, not why I purchased and I don't care about putting money into it that I will never get back, there is a value to driving and building.
I considered selling it and buying something I could modify with less guilt but I love this car.
I've searched a few threads on this forum discussing this subject including this one and have made the decision to move forward with modifications and now researching side pipe options... frankly I didn't post the question thinking I would get crucified by people telling me to leave it original but to my surprise it's convinced me to make it what I want and would give the same advice.
Last edited by Golfobsessed; Aug 27, 2023 at 11:34 AM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 416
Likes: 76
From: Atlantic Beach, FL
I've done both. I like to drive my cars, so for me I've found that I prefer to restomod.
Last year I made the "mistake" of buying a 72 LT-1 that was fairly original and has all of it's original parts, some on the car and many in a box. I didn't want to "ruin" a relatively rare car, so i've been restoring it. Doing things like having the steering box rebuilt instead of putting in a borgeson, rebuilding the brake system instead of going hydroboost and wilwood, tracking down one missing part to get the smog system reinstalled and the list goes on.
I'm sure I'll enjoy it when it's done next month, but next time I'm getting a NOM BB car and going to town. I have a list!
Last year I made the "mistake" of buying a 72 LT-1 that was fairly original and has all of it's original parts, some on the car and many in a box. I didn't want to "ruin" a relatively rare car, so i've been restoring it. Doing things like having the steering box rebuilt instead of putting in a borgeson, rebuilding the brake system instead of going hydroboost and wilwood, tracking down one missing part to get the smog system reinstalled and the list goes on.
I'm sure I'll enjoy it when it's done next month, but next time I'm getting a NOM BB car and going to town. I have a list!