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First time C3 owner. Picked this up a few days ago, seemed like the perfect one. 27k original miles, everything works! (for now). Theres a few dings so I'm gonna get it repainted in the original color, though its not my absolute favorite, I want to be a steward of the car and keep it as original as possible. I've got a lift coming for my garage so I can take a really good look at the underside and get an idea of what we're working with on the trans, frame, diff, etc etc.
I'm also curious as to what y'all might consider heresy in terms of modifications. I'm thinking a new 4 speed trans w a better gear ratio in 4th so it doesn't sit at 3.5k rpm on the highway and maybe a few fun engine mods like fuel injection/turbo. My priority is maintaining the integrity and originality of the car though, so I'm not sure what ruins it and what doesn't. I'd like to keep it for 20-30 years and give it to my grandkids (i'm 25, don't have any kids or a wife yet). What is the blend between modernity/convenience and originality? I don't really have a budget for this car. Obviously don't want to go too crazy but she deserves a long happy life, so I want to give it to her!
A Tremec 5 speed fits without modifying the tunnel.
I agree, I installed one in my 78'. I saved the original 4 speed and it went with the car when I sold it. No cutting or mods required so it can be put back to original.....nice car. I have a 79' also and love it.
1978s, or really anything after 1972 (maybe 1973) doesn’t have nearly as much of a stigma about keeping it all original as much as any earlier model years. Feel free to modify to your hearts content! I plan on keeping my C3 as long as I can too.
I have your exact car, pretty much the same mileage when I got it. I think it really depends on if you’re gonna do a lot of highway miles. I drive mine as I think they planned on it being which is high revving to try to stay in the power band. I like it as is original experience however as mentioned you can just swap a 5 speed and keep original. There are 2 choices in 4 speeds not sure which one u got.
i would also open exhaust up and properly tune it.
maybe post vin. Those look like 78 seats?
beautiful car..post up more pics!
Last edited by interpon; Feb 22, 2026 at 12:24 PM.
yea seats are 78. Mine has the super t-10 trans. a proper exhaust/tune would do wonders I think as well.
So far I'm planning a full trans rebuild, borgeson power steering box, hydraulic clutch, HPS pads/brake lines, bilstein shocks and everything that comes along with that work ie seals/bearings/pins/u-joints/yoke etc etc
I want to be able to drive this car as it was intended, let the rubber burn and hear it sing above 4500 rpm. Turns out to be a hell of a lot of work but thankfully the parts are pretty available and cost is within reason
The sound is important, I think, to my overall satisfaction of the drive. I missed that with the newer cars.
With my 75 four speed, I have the Corvette Central kit of true duals with no cat and Magna mufflers (can see straight through them).
The sound is important, I think, to my overall satisfaction of the drive. I missed that with the newer cars.
With my 75 four speed, I have the Corvette Central kit of true duals with no cat and Magna mufflers (can see straight through them).
it’s not too loud but it sounds great.
Yea bingo. The rhythm of a carbureted engine at idle offers a lot of enjoyment, I'll look into the mufflers/exhaust setup. Thank you
1978s, or really anything after 1972 (maybe 1973) doesn’t have nearly as much of a stigma about keeping it all original as much as any earlier model years. Feel free to modify to your hearts content! I plan on keeping my C3 as long as I can too.
This ^
Looks like a very nice car! I also love the blue interior.
I have consistency read that adding a 5 speed is the best mod you can make.
If you're gonna keep it long term, make it your own, and make it fun to drive.
Dont put all your hopes into your kids wanting the corvette, they will probably want something much newer, or not event made yet!
Lastly, no need to keep it white, if that color doesnt appeal to you.
Ive owned my 79 L-82 4 speed (now 5 speed )for over 20 years. I can't say enough, PUT A 5 SPEED IN IT!! Yours is likely a 3.70 gear rear end, so it's singing on the highway, between 3500 and 4000 rpm. Granted I drove mine many miles up and down the highway like that, sometimes for hours at a time. My tremec TKX made mine so much nicer, and there's no permanent mods. If I had yours id want to put the correct 79 seats in it. You could do a true dual exhaust if yours doesn't have that already. Mine has and intake, headers and bigger cam added to the original engine and it does pretty good. One day I may do a full top end kit. Oh, and reach out to Lars here on the forum and get your carb and timing set up right. For $15 in a spring and weight kit for my distributor, I couldn't beleive how much better mine ran. Welcome to the madness, and congrats!
'79 L82 4 Speed
