Chassis/Drivetrain tech questions
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Western MA
Chassis/Drivetrain tech questions
I am planning on a build project that is based on a C3 chassis, driveline and suspension. I have a lot of background working with Chevy's, but not specifically with C3 Vettes. What are the pros and cons of the various years that make up the C3's? Any potential problems with any of the years I need to watch out for? This will see both the track and street when completed.
Also, I recently inherited my brother's '71 convertible. He always said it was an LT1, but I have my doubts. How do I go about determining exactly what it is and how it was optioned? Overall it's in good condition, but at some point will probably be restored.
Thanks for all of your input.
Carl
Also, I recently inherited my brother's '71 convertible. He always said it was an LT1, but I have my doubts. How do I go about determining exactly what it is and how it was optioned? Overall it's in good condition, but at some point will probably be restored.
Thanks for all of your input.
Carl
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From: The one I'm in at the time. High country Colorado,Maui.
On the 71 a quick check of the VIN numbers will tell what it started out as. If it was an LT1 and the engine has not been change the serial numbers on the boss on the front of the block should match.
But I doubt its an LT1 unless you are a very lucky guy.
They only made 8 of them total that year. That's coupes and convertibles.
You stand a better chance of it being a 330hp engine since there were 1949 of those made. But I have no idea of the number of those that were in convertibles. The other option is the 270hp engine.
But I doubt its an LT1 unless you are a very lucky guy.
They only made 8 of them total that year. That's coupes and convertibles.
You stand a better chance of it being a 330hp engine since there were 1949 of those made. But I have no idea of the number of those that were in convertibles. The other option is the 270hp engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: San Antonio TX
Your numbers are way off. They made a lot more than 8 LT-1s for the year. The LT-1 was rated at 330 hp for 71. The L-48 at 270.
Easiest way to get a hint is to look at the tach. 6500 redline, it could be an LT-1 -if no one changed the tach. 5300 redline and it's an L-48.
And if you were building a project chassis, I'd go with the C4 as your starting point. As technology goes, the C3 chassis is more than a bit obsolete, but if you had to, then a '69 or later chassis since the frame has some improvements and the parts, like front spindles, are more common.
Easiest way to get a hint is to look at the tach. 6500 redline, it could be an LT-1 -if no one changed the tach. 5300 redline and it's an L-48.
And if you were building a project chassis, I'd go with the C4 as your starting point. As technology goes, the C3 chassis is more than a bit obsolete, but if you had to, then a '69 or later chassis since the frame has some improvements and the parts, like front spindles, are more common.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
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From: Sunrise FL
The C3 chassis are pretty identical from 69-79. After 79 there are rear suspension/diff/spring changes to watch out for.
The rear trailing arms/halfshaft suspension is way different than a Camaro solid axle!
The rear trailing arms/halfshaft suspension is way different than a Camaro solid axle!
