1975 vette conversion

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Oct 9, 2008 | 07:49 PM

#21

bbuw

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 20

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From: seattle wa

a question, what is the bird cage, because I am getting ready to put my vette in the air and look at it?

Oct 9, 2008 | 07:56 PM

#22

stingraymyway

Race Director

Joined: May 2007

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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.

St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbuw

what did you end up with when you got done with your upgrade? sounds good.

Never had it on a dyno. Guessing it's gone from 165 HP to around 300 HP. When it gets past 80 MPH it really comes alive.
Going to a built motor or an alt. motor (427), don't forget you'll need to upgrade the brakes/suspension.
Don't think going crazy on motors with fuel prices the way they are would be wise. Hate to have something you couldn't afford to drive. Remember, my '75 was already built when I bought it. I have to keep my foot out of it in order to keep it from draining my wallet.
If it were stock? I'd probably leave it alone. After all, it's a Classic!

Oct 9, 2008 | 08:03 PM

#23

stingraymyway

Race Director

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 11,334

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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.

St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbuw

a question, what is the bird cage, because I am getting ready to put my vette in the air and look at it?

Bird cage is the metal frame that helps keep you safe. Won't see it, mostly covered in fiberglass. The windshield frame is part of the birdcage and is the most likely area to suffer rust damage if the car has had long term exposure to harsh elements or road salt.

Anyone else care to elaborate?

Oct 9, 2008 | 08:09 PM

#24

stingraymyway

Race Director

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 11,334

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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.

St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbuw

a question, what is the bird cage, because I am getting ready to put my vette in the air and look at it?

Almost forgot. Do yourself a favor and get as many books, there are plenty, as you can about the Corvette. They're great. I've got one that covers all 6 generations. Love it. Corvette magazines are also helpful. There's a few of those to choose from.
Not to mention this Forum. Lot's of info. Just do a search on the subject/topic and if it's out there, you'll find it.

Oct 9, 2008 | 10:39 PM

#25

bbuw

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 20

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From: seattle wa

Thanks for the info. I need to get under my beast and see what is going on, make sure the frame is sound etc, etc.

Oct 12, 2008 | 08:54 PM

#26

stingraymyway

Race Director

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 11,334

Likes: 136

From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.

St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbuw

Thanks for the info. I need to get under my beast and see what is going on, make sure the frame is sound etc, etc.

If your're new to Corvette ownership. Try to search out any local Corvette Clubs.
The folks there can help you out in getting to understand your Vette and knowing what items to address.
There's always someone that's willing to lend a hand.

Oct 13, 2008 | 12:10 AM

#27

IronJen

Abby Normal

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 53,353

Likes: 92

From: Press "2" for English

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartass comment

you've heard that saying about there being no such thing as a stupid question?

Oct 13, 2008 | 03:54 AM

#28

Rockn-Roll

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 3,407

Likes: 2

From: Carmichael CA

I bought my vette with a 5-speed conversion already completed...it's not a kesler cause it was done by the original owner when it was purchased, so it has a M20 and all the equipment is from earlier vettes. I don't care for automatics, so if I had one I'd be changing it over to manual.

I started out to just rebuild my motor, but I took a look at the front control arms and could see through the rubber bushings. The rear spindles were dry also and one of them snapped. Unless your 75 has had its suspension rebuilt then it's more than likely that it will need a complete rebuild...both front and back. I'm most likely going to chuck the stock engine into the junk yard and buy a GM ZZ4 crate engine and throw on an Edelbrock fuel injection system. You can find the ZZ4 at http://www.crateenginedepot.com/ and the fuel injection here: http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...pf_chevy.shtml