Modified vs. Original 1981
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 79
From: West Coast
Modified vs. Original 1981
Let me just say that I love my Vette, and not want nothing more than just to make it the very best it could be.
That being said, couple of quandaries :
What's with the C3 Seats, are they as comfortable as they should be, is a C5 swap in order?
How awesome is the rear composite spring, should it be swapped out for a speed direct IRS Coil Over Setup?
Also the interior dash,gauge lights suck, perhaps a modern LED upgrade to bring it up to par?
Any advice greatly appreciated, love the style and heritage, just need some modern tweaks!
That being said, couple of quandaries :
What's with the C3 Seats, are they as comfortable as they should be, is a C5 swap in order?
How awesome is the rear composite spring, should it be swapped out for a speed direct IRS Coil Over Setup?
Also the interior dash,gauge lights suck, perhaps a modern LED upgrade to bring it up to par?
Any advice greatly appreciated, love the style and heritage, just need some modern tweaks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 4
From: Syracuse IN
I like my seat in the 81, but I have never sat in a C5
Dash lights would be nice to be a little brighter, but I am ok with them
Have you ever driven a C3 with the IRS coil over? Seems it would be nicer to me
My upgrades this year are going to be;
5 speed tranny
carbon fiber covering over dash, gauge and console panels
new carpeting
Dash lights would be nice to be a little brighter, but I am ok with them
Have you ever driven a C3 with the IRS coil over? Seems it would be nicer to me
My upgrades this year are going to be;
5 speed tranny
carbon fiber covering over dash, gauge and console panels
new carpeting
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Brightness of dash lights is a function of the proper grounding of the wiring, the condition of the headlight switch and the age of the bulbs. Those gauges weren't dim when the car was new.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 79
From: West Coast
Thanks guys, no doubt want to enjoy it to the fullest, without taking away from it
What about LED bulbs in place of factory, do they even exist, if so where?
Also most likely the dimmer/headlight switch, it feels awfully touchy. I have a new replacement on hand, but after some much negative talk about the new ones being cheap garbage, I stalled my efforts.
Also most likely shocks can be needed in back, are the QA1 the real deal and the way to go or simply a nice new sport shock would suffice?
Any opinions?
What about LED bulbs in place of factory, do they even exist, if so where?
Also most likely the dimmer/headlight switch, it feels awfully touchy. I have a new replacement on hand, but after some much negative talk about the new ones being cheap garbage, I stalled my efforts.
Also most likely shocks can be needed in back, are the QA1 the real deal and the way to go or simply a nice new sport shock would suffice?
Any opinions?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
The guy that'll be refurbishing my gauges suggested painting the buckets white instead of the factory pale blue, might reflect better. I'm thinking of using some shiny aluminum foil tape for even more.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
I tried them and it didn't work that well for me. I used the 5 element bulbs. The problem is that the LEDs are directional, and they just didnt' seem to light up the gauges that well.
I ended up looking for and using the higher wattage incandescent bulbs. As it turns out, they actually come in wattages from about 1.5 to I think it was 5 watts. The old bulbs were dirty and blackend, so swapping to the clean higher wattage bulbs helped a bunch!
I ended up looking for and using the higher wattage incandescent bulbs. As it turns out, they actually come in wattages from about 1.5 to I think it was 5 watts. The old bulbs were dirty and blackend, so swapping to the clean higher wattage bulbs helped a bunch!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I tried them and it didn't work that well for me. I used the 5 element bulbs. The problem is that the LEDs are directional, and they just didnt' seem to light up the gauges that well.
I ended up looking for and using the higher wattage incandescent bulbs. As it turns out, they actually come in wattages from about 1.5 to I think it was 5 watts. The old bulbs were dirty and blackend, so swapping to the clean higher wattage bulbs helped a bunch!
I ended up looking for and using the higher wattage incandescent bulbs. As it turns out, they actually come in wattages from about 1.5 to I think it was 5 watts. The old bulbs were dirty and blackend, so swapping to the clean higher wattage bulbs helped a bunch!
That's what I did. and having a good alternator and battery helps too 
