Hello,

Sorry to bother everyone. I am considering a C3 project car (want a 74-77). What I really want is something is something I can drive on the street, but also use for racing (both drag and track). Is this something feasable for a C3. It looks like there are some good suspention upgrades? Engines shouldn't be a problem. I want to stay NHRA, SCCA legal so I would hopefully need a role cage. The space inside looks a little tight, how easy is it to get a cage in there? Anyway, I just wanted to get an idea on how possible this is compared to a newer vette or other car.

thanks

Matt

 

There are guys here drag racing and road racing these cars - but I don't know if anybody is doing both with the same car.

 

A C4 would probably be a better bet for a base car for road racing - much better base suspension and brakes.

A decent one can be bought for the same or less than a decent C3.

More aftermarket parts are available.

Remember, the frame and suspension of a C3 was designed in about 1960 and used on mid years before the C3 was introduced.

 

Depends on how much money you're willing to throw at it and where you'll be satisfied ending up between street and strip. IE, a great street car is not much for the strip and a great drag car is not much for the street. First you'll have to decide on an engine that makes good horse power but is not too radical. Maybe a 383 with a NOS option.

Next to consider is the tranny/rear end combo. A built TH350 or 2004R with a 355 rear?

You should get some interesting replies on your post.

 

I am fully aware of the major compromises that need to be made between road race/street and strip. Geting it to do both almost assures you can't do either very well. I just want something I can go out with and have fun and be semi-competitive. I was mainly trying to see if the C3s can be made road race or drag race worthy without a MAJOR MAJOR output of money. I don't think there is any kind of racing that is cheap. How difficult is it to strenghten up the frame/chassis for any kind of racing application, be it road racing or drag racing? I figure a good cage would help. The reason I was looking into the C3 is because I just love the looks. I have always admired them. Honestly it would probably be easier with a fox body mustang (80-early 90s mustang). But IMO they are ugly and have no style. My current car is (well was) pulling triple duty (curves, strip and daily driver), but after 2 blown engines and not being very good at anything I was thinking about more of a project car. Someting I could slowly build up and only drive for fun, so I don't have to depend on it to get me to work. In a mustang with coilovers and adjustable shocks it is pretty easy to go from a stiff racing set up to a soft strip setup by changing your springs, adjusting your shocks, and of coarse changing rims/tires. If I could build a C3, I would probably make it more of a street/road racing car and try to find some sort of compromise to get a little traction at the strip. Anyway, sorry for the rambling and Thanks for the info!

Matt

 

Getting a C4 would be more feasable when considering racing of any kind. Im working on my c3 and have about 40K into it so far. You have to go pretty far to get it to out corner a c4. Vette brakes makes a suspension that is pretty tough, but you really need a good wheel and tire package to get any use out of it. I love the looks of the c3 the best. But to make it drive well it's gonna cost.

 

You ought to be able to buy 74-77 vette w/ bad or missing engine/trans for under $4000. That leaves alot of cash for engine/trans/suspension mods. How bigs your budget? A big block w/suspension mods/and sticky tires might be a decent compromise between drag and track car, while still being streetable. Plus look on new mustang owners face when you fly by, PRICELESS!!

 

Baaaa,mustangs.They are "me too " cars..."hey, i had/have a mustang".."yes,me too",,,,, Have some style,buy a vett.Yes,I agree,the C-3 is better looking but the C-4 was built to drive hard.A 84 had the stiffest suspension,they got alot of negitive feed back on it..."it rides to rough" and other assorted whinging like that. AND,their cheap.

 

I'll agree 1000% on the suspension but not on the brakes. If the brakes on a '63-'82 are set up and working properly they are easily as good as the C4 brakes minus the anti-lock feature.
The C4 suspension easily blows away the C2/C3 suspension - there isn't even a close comparison between the two.

 

check with VBP for suspension upgrades, they make excellent products.
Same if you want to upgrade the brakes.

I think you are pushing it with your intended use though. Typicaaly a car is set up for STREET, DRAG or TRACK use. To have it set-up for all three is going to mean major compromises for each use to try to get it to work even slightly acceptably well for the others.
Pick a use and build it for that. If you try to build it for all three you will most likely be very unhappy in it's performance in all areas.

 

That is what I was thinking. There was a 77 for sale, that seemed to be in good running condition. The engine would last long enough to get the suspension and other stuff set up. Then you could upgrade the engine when money permitted. I was looking at something kind of long term. I wouldn't be able to do everything at once. I was thinnking about 15K investment initially and then the rest could come later, but if it is going to cost 40k to get the car to compete with a C4....

I disagree with only setting the car up for either street, strip or track. I think as long as you know what the limitations are going to be you can still have fun doing all three. I have seen plenty of cars not set up for the strip run 11-12 sec passes (my goal to to eventually run high 10s). If you are willing to change rims/tires and play with the suspension (ie tuning shocks/changing coil over springs) you can be semi-successful at the track or strip. As far as being a street car... IMHO if it will run on 94 octane and hold a semi-idle at a stop light it is streetable.

Thanks again!