68 z06
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
68 z06
Greetings Members,
Received as a gift from an uncle, an original boring nothing special 68 C3. The car was purchased new by my uncle. My wife and I decided we needed to keep the car and do it justice. So to an otherwise "non-special" edition we are in the process of deconstructing. We are almost to the point at which the body will come off.
I purchased from speeddirect a complete "insigator" suspension/ brake/A-arm/rack-pin steering kit. I am putting a turnkey LS7 engine in it for power. Hence the name Z068, Complete frame off first timer.
Any advice or warnings welcomed.
Steve
Received as a gift from an uncle, an original boring nothing special 68 C3. The car was purchased new by my uncle. My wife and I decided we needed to keep the car and do it justice. So to an otherwise "non-special" edition we are in the process of deconstructing. We are almost to the point at which the body will come off.
I purchased from speeddirect a complete "insigator" suspension/ brake/A-arm/rack-pin steering kit. I am putting a turnkey LS7 engine in it for power. Hence the name Z068, Complete frame off first timer.
Any advice or warnings welcomed.
Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Greetings Members,
Received as a gift from an uncle, an original boring nothing special 68 C3. The car was purchased new by my uncle. My wife and I decided we needed to keep the car and do it justice. So to an otherwise "non-special" edition we are in the process of deconstructing. We are almost to the point at which the body will come off.
I purchased from speeddirect a complete "insigator" suspension/ brake/A-arm/rack-pin steering kit. I am putting a turnkey LS7 engine in it for power. Hence the name Z068, Complete frame off first timer.
Any advice or warnings welcomed.
Steve
Received as a gift from an uncle, an original boring nothing special 68 C3. The car was purchased new by my uncle. My wife and I decided we needed to keep the car and do it justice. So to an otherwise "non-special" edition we are in the process of deconstructing. We are almost to the point at which the body will come off.
I purchased from speeddirect a complete "insigator" suspension/ brake/A-arm/rack-pin steering kit. I am putting a turnkey LS7 engine in it for power. Hence the name Z068, Complete frame off first timer.
Any advice or warnings welcomed.
Steve
You mentioned ordering the instigator susp, but have you considered the SRIII or similar tube frame setup with C5 susp?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
I did consider, but I spoke to somebody who had done it and he recommended to stay with bolt on upgrades unless I had more money and time than I do. It wont get raced, we just do the local car show scene now, I also own a 2005 Viper (stock). All my mods are relatively simple and most of this stuff I'm capable of doing without machine tools.
I will search for Z069, I figured the project name was probably common.
Thanks, will keep this forum up to speed on the progress.
Steve
I will search for Z069, I figured the project name was probably common.
Thanks, will keep this forum up to speed on the progress.
Steve
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I did consider, but I spoke to somebody who had done it and he recommended to stay with bolt on upgrades unless I had more money and time than I do. It wont get raced, we just do the local car show scene now, I also own a 2005 Viper (stock). All my mods are relatively simple and most of this stuff I'm capable of doing without machine tools.
I will search for Z069, I figured the project name was probably common.
Thanks, will keep this forum up to speed on the progress.
Steve
I will search for Z069, I figured the project name was probably common.
Thanks, will keep this forum up to speed on the progress.
Steve
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
Hey Alan,
The car had original motor, which I will keep. He had put HUGE "smoky and the bandit" era fender flares on it. The interior has been pretty well hacked up over its 41 years of life. I was able to retain all the "jewelry", the chrome ignition covers and stuff. I plan on E-bay for the stuff I can make back a little of the money I'm spending on this project. I'm going top shelf wherever I can. The body is rough and will require some panels replaced. Going back all original was not really an option. When done I probably could have purchased a new std Vette.
Kind of overwhelming but a family project and will take our time. I am used to hi performance boats and there are no parts purchased on boats EVERYTHING is made, so retro on the LS7 engine doesn't frighten me, its just a witch hunt for parts, I'm in the hose and fitting business so the plumbing issues, including the dry sump/ A/C / Brakes are a slam dunk for me.
All the problems I know I will encounter just sweeten the prize at the end of the road.
Looking forward to help, experience and knowledge from this forum.
Regards,
Steve
The car had original motor, which I will keep. He had put HUGE "smoky and the bandit" era fender flares on it. The interior has been pretty well hacked up over its 41 years of life. I was able to retain all the "jewelry", the chrome ignition covers and stuff. I plan on E-bay for the stuff I can make back a little of the money I'm spending on this project. I'm going top shelf wherever I can. The body is rough and will require some panels replaced. Going back all original was not really an option. When done I probably could have purchased a new std Vette.
Kind of overwhelming but a family project and will take our time. I am used to hi performance boats and there are no parts purchased on boats EVERYTHING is made, so retro on the LS7 engine doesn't frighten me, its just a witch hunt for parts, I'm in the hose and fitting business so the plumbing issues, including the dry sump/ A/C / Brakes are a slam dunk for me.
All the problems I know I will encounter just sweeten the prize at the end of the road.
Looking forward to help, experience and knowledge from this forum.
Regards,
Steve
Last edited by Z068; Jan 7, 2010 at 05:55 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I would highly recomend the SRIII frame. From a time stand point it will be less time. The ride and handling are far superior to anything you can do with a C3. I have riden and driven both. If I were to do it over again the SRIII would be a no brainer. By the time you rebuild the old frame and put everything on the cost will be very similar. Also think about the rear. You will kill the C3 rear wit ha LS7. The SRIII uses a Dana 44 and all the HD pieces. I think you should put more thought into this and more research. My brother in law has a SRIII with a LS7 with more power than a stock LS7. The SRIII is the way to go. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
Gordon,
From a "It makes sense standpoint" your probably right. It just seems to me that changing a chassis would put it over the tipping point of what I want to make this car, If I were to choose a project it would not be this car, however, its what was given to me. And as far as the rear handling 500 HP? thats a relatively low amount of power, I can't see after being gone through how it can't handle it. But that being said, there is much much more experience than I have here so I'm willing to listen. This car (my wifes) will just be driven around town to and from the Saturday night car shows, like we do with my viper that has never seen even 150. (just call me grandma)
Now,
If I were building a pro-street chevelle, you bet.....new chassis and all.
Thanks for the input, it's appreciated
Steve
From a "It makes sense standpoint" your probably right. It just seems to me that changing a chassis would put it over the tipping point of what I want to make this car, If I were to choose a project it would not be this car, however, its what was given to me. And as far as the rear handling 500 HP? thats a relatively low amount of power, I can't see after being gone through how it can't handle it. But that being said, there is much much more experience than I have here so I'm willing to listen. This car (my wifes) will just be driven around town to and from the Saturday night car shows, like we do with my viper that has never seen even 150. (just call me grandma)
Now,
If I were building a pro-street chevelle, you bet.....new chassis and all.
Thanks for the input, it's appreciated
Steve
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Wht put in a LS7 if you are just puttering around. 
Just kidding. Nice to know it is there. The rear can handle the 500 HP as long as it is not run on slicks or you don't plan on visiting the drag strip consistantly. The C3 rear is pretty weak. There are some upgrades tha tcan make it stronger but the Dana 44 that Mike from SRIII uses is the ticket. I understand about going over the top. My brother in law went a little over the top with his car but it is pretty unreal to drive. Keep us posted on the progress.
Just kidding. Nice to know it is there. The rear can handle the 500 HP as long as it is not run on slicks or you don't plan on visiting the drag strip consistantly. The C3 rear is pretty weak. There are some upgrades tha tcan make it stronger but the Dana 44 that Mike from SRIII uses is the ticket. I understand about going over the top. My brother in law went a little over the top with his car but it is pretty unreal to drive. Keep us posted on the progress.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Take a look at the new LSX454 crate motor, it uses the LS7 heads, very nice motor and not unreasonable priced and made for this type of project
Last edited by MotorHead; Jan 7, 2010 at 10:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
Guys,
Thanks for all the encouragement, I'll need it.
Fat Cat, will take some pic this weekend, should have body ready to come off Sunday. I realize I could put a whole lotta motor in this thing for what the turnkeyenginesupply LS7 cost but the theme would get all jazzed. My business partner thinks I've lost a screw or two along the way. But I figure a complete with all acc, headers, ECM, A/C, P/S. I would probably be somewhere in the same vicinity, and if it cost me 2-3K more to get a the real deal, oh-well. I've done dumber stuff.
Steve
BTW do you need photobucket to post photo's here or do they attch to post?
Thanks for all the encouragement, I'll need it.
Fat Cat, will take some pic this weekend, should have body ready to come off Sunday. I realize I could put a whole lotta motor in this thing for what the turnkeyenginesupply LS7 cost but the theme would get all jazzed. My business partner thinks I've lost a screw or two along the way. But I figure a complete with all acc, headers, ECM, A/C, P/S. I would probably be somewhere in the same vicinity, and if it cost me 2-3K more to get a the real deal, oh-well. I've done dumber stuff.
Steve
BTW do you need photobucket to post photo's here or do they attch to post?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
You need a host for your photos. Photobucket is a good one but any host will do. Then just attach them to the post and make sure there are IMG brackets or your photo won't show.
This will help.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/help...post-pics.html
This will help.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/help...post-pics.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
I would definitely give Van Steel a call about your rear end and suspension. Let them know what your goals are and what you're going to use the car for and they can point you in the right direction without being excessive. Good call on the rack and pinion. Big debate on here about whether that product is worthwhile, but I have it on my '72 and it steers like a dream. There was a guy on here awhile back that had a big block '68 that was regularly track beaten with a Steeroids kit on it. Figure if it can stand up to that then it can stand up to anything.
I would also suggest seam welding and adding gussets to the frame. This will give you a guide for it. It is what they did for race cars back in the day and it, of course, still applies.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf
Should be an awesome project. While I agree with others about an aftermarket chassis being superior, I don't think it will be cheaper. Also, my car was built on a stock chassis, and it rides and handles like a dream.
Here's my supercharged LS6 '72 about a month after it was finished. I couldn't really put it through its paces because the clutch was giving me problems (I just had to do some adjusting on the hydraulic setup).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n0kVNdr8bE
I would also suggest seam welding and adding gussets to the frame. This will give you a guide for it. It is what they did for race cars back in the day and it, of course, still applies.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf
Should be an awesome project. While I agree with others about an aftermarket chassis being superior, I don't think it will be cheaper. Also, my car was built on a stock chassis, and it rides and handles like a dream.
Here's my supercharged LS6 '72 about a month after it was finished. I couldn't really put it through its paces because the clutch was giving me problems (I just had to do some adjusting on the hydraulic setup).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n0kVNdr8bE
Last edited by SuprJames; Jan 8, 2010 at 10:08 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
I would definitely give Van Steel a call about your rear end and suspension. Let them know what your goals are and what you're going to use the car for and they can point you in the right direction without being excessive. Good call on the rack and pinion. Big debate on here about whether that product is worthwhile, but I have it on my '72 and it steers like a dream. There was a guy on here awhile back that had a big block '68 that was regularly track beaten with a Steeroids kit on it. Figure if it can stand up to that then it can stand up to anything.
I would also suggest seam welding and adding gussets to the frame. This will give you a guide for it. It is what they did for race cars back in the day and it, of course, still applies.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf
Should be an awesome project. While I agree with others about an aftermarket chassis being superior, I don't think it will be cheaper. Also, my car was built on a stock chassis, and it rides and handles like a dream.
Here's my supercharged LS6 '72 about a month after it was finished. I couldn't really put it through its paces because the clutch was giving me problems (I just had to do some adjusting on the hydraulic setup).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n0kVNdr8bE
I would also suggest seam welding and adding gussets to the frame. This will give you a guide for it. It is what they did for race cars back in the day and it, of course, still applies.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf
Should be an awesome project. While I agree with others about an aftermarket chassis being superior, I don't think it will be cheaper. Also, my car was built on a stock chassis, and it rides and handles like a dream.
Here's my supercharged LS6 '72 about a month after it was finished. I couldn't really put it through its paces because the clutch was giving me problems (I just had to do some adjusting on the hydraulic setup).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n0kVNdr8bE
NICE!!!,
Your build is more along the lines of what I'm doin. Your fender flares are about whats on the car now, tell me how you like them, I may just keep them on it.
When I say the car wont get flogged, I guess it just depends on your definition of a "flogging".
And Easy, no offense to the car intended, If it were a special edition of some kind or had something other than small block, TH400, it may have inspired me to go back original.
Steve