A few newbie questions
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
A few newbie questions
A former coworker has an ’81 (or maybe ’80, I can’t remember) that I could buy for $2000-$2500. It’s completely disassembled with the body off the frame. He has all the factory parts to put it back together, including the stock 350, two TH350’s, a 700R4 from an ’84 C4 and serpentine belt setup from the ’84. He tore it all down when the windshield frame rotted out. He got a new one but hasn’t welded it back in yet. All metal has been POR-15’d. The body needs paint. I have a 400hp 355 and T56 from a Trans Am that I’d want to put in it. How big of a job is it to get the T56 in there? Is there a hydraulic clutch pedal setup for this Vette or were they still mechanical at this point? Would the rear end hold up to 400hp? It has 3.08 gears right now, can I go to 3.73’s without changing carriers? Are there any other big hurdles I should be aware of? Do you think it’s worth all the work? Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
And you are looking at a ton of work. Be sure you have the wherewithal to do all this work. If this is your first shot at something like this, I would suggest you start out with something on a smaller scale. Keep in mind, this guy is giving up on it. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Thats not a real bad price, if all the teardown and cleanup is done and with the extra parts. Like Jud says, make sure you have the room to work on it, takes more than it looks like. Post some pics if you can. Would be a fun project, but a LOT of work, figure on a year if your motivated
