I just wanted to post some project updates... This has taken a lot longer than expected... Updates include: brake plumbing with new MC/Booster, steering linkage, hyd clutch install, Vintage Air install, Dewitt's rad/fans install, Powerjection III harness and fuel line plumbing, throttle linkage, new surge tank, engine harness, body harness, added Painless Cirkit for additional triggered ign sources, battery box, battery cables...

I think that's it, but basically I'm just about complete with the 'mechanicals' and now on to body, paint, interior and trim...

The car is a '68. Engine is Dart SHP based 400 with 10.5:1, AFR 195 Streets, Comp 280 XFI HR, 1.6 RRs, PJ III on RPM Air Gap, Mallory Billet Tach Drive (mag breakerless w/mech advance) and Mallory coil, early 90s Camaro serp brackets/accessories, and SS Hooker Side exhaust...

Fuel sys is a modified '68 tank with a Tanks Inc baffle tray and internal Walbro 255 LPH pump to 3/8" SS hardlines for press and return

Trans is TKO 600 with Macleod hyd throwout bearing (w/.64 5th)

Rear is '87 vintage with Dana 44 3.43s

Susp is '87 with QA1 Coilovers

Steering is '87 rack&pinion mated to '68 column with Borgeson 1"x48 to 3/4" DD iso U-joint, 3/4" DD shaft and 3/4" DD to 17mm standard U-joint

Brakes are '87 calipers and rotors mated to '68 MC/booster/distribution block

I think that's it...overall it has been more work than I envisioned, and a lot more $$ in incidentals like hardware. I cannot give enough praise to the support folks on CF, SRIII, Keisler, Dewitt's, Vintage Air and Professional Products...I'd still be lost without the help...

Hope this can inform anyone interested in the same.
r,
Rob

 

That is an incredible project! Thanks for the great pics

 

Thanks. I included some pics of the bare chassis and drivetrain before the body went on and a few of the required rear floor mods (more are in a previous post)

I've also added a Powermaster lightweight starter...

I forgot to mention in the previous post: the bellhousing the GM Super Duty 11" piece suggested by Keisler, the flywheel is the GM billet steel 168 tooth and the clutch/pressure plate are the Keisler/RAM dual friction 11" "pro touring" pieces.

 

That looks so cool to see a rolling chassis like that. Looks like you could just bolt a seat on and take it for a ride!

(note to self: take pics of any resto I do...)

 

Postal123...

What frame is being used as the platform for you car? Did you have to 'graft' the '87 suspension to it, or did it come ready to install '87 components directly?

Great looking work. Neat project.

 

7T1,

Its an SRIII frame, and yes i cheated and purchased the Stage II option so it showed up in a transporter as a roller. It's a lot of work, as it is...not sure where I'd be sitting otherwise. The only mods to the '87 pieces are the narrowed anti-roll bars. The options for the build are: Dana 44 rear with specified gears, ss brake line plumbing and a set of spacesavers so I could roll it around. Another specified item, was that I was planning to have side exhaust, so there are two diagonal bars running from the rear pass corners to the engine mount area...

I've got a '68 chassis and drivetrain listed in the parts section, if anyone is interested

r,
Rob

 

Nice!

 

DAMN! That is nice! That frame looks solid as hell. I am not sure about your choice of tires and wheels, though

 

Nice looking project. I am doing a very similar one myself. Using the SRIII frame also. I got the bare frame and mounted suspension from a 93 ZR1. Dual adjustable coil overs, T56 Magnum 6 speed and just dynoed my new motor yesterday. It is a Dart sportsman block 10.5:1 compression, Dart CNC Pro 1 heads and Dart manifold. Motor came in at 603hp and 540 ftlb of torque. Hope to hook motor to tani and install soon. Still have to run plumbing etc. before doing body swap. Thanks for the pictures, looks great. Good luck with the rest of the project. Should be fun when it's all done.

 

Very Nice!
I look forward to the progress on this build.
Good Luck!

 

Vetteguy,

That motor sounds wicked! I wish I had dynoed before the install...I'd love to get close to numbers like that, but not sure my heads and cam are up to it? And I'm already jealous of your 6spd...I don't think the really stout T56s were available when I planned this thing...it never ends!

I chose the '87 susp pieces because late '86-87 were the most robust of the 16" wheel C4s and had a slightly narrower track width than 88+. I'm trying to run staggered 18/17" TTII and have the look close to its age I'd post pics of the thing on its feet, but the jackholes cut my rear wheels with the wrong offset...will be 17x8 5.5" and 18x9.5 6.75. Pics will certainly follow...

Feel free to PM me and get my ph# if you have any question or want pics of plumbing, floor mod, etc... I have a ton of pics that I've never posted. Particularly, the fuel lines down in the rear corner of the pass area don't have a whole lot of clearance...I got lucky! Same goes for the floor mod...it's a little intimidating to sawzall so much of your floor out...again, I got lucky here. The underside looks like it came that way, so I'm really happy with it...luck struck twice! Again, I've got lots of pics so don't hesitate to ask.

r,
Rob

 

Rob,
I love that frame! Did you have to modify the rear compartment to fit the frame?

Günther

 

Hi Rob,
I've often posted how much I love to see a complete chassis with running gear... Yours is a beaut!!!!
It's a shame to cover it with a body.
Good Luck as you continue!
Regards,
Alan

 

SRIII sure has a sweet product. Yours looks strong P-123, in every aspect. I suppose you're experiencing "how much" the length of time is actually needed and how you can get nickel and dimed on small items that are required for a clean build. Your project looks great, nonetheless!

I'll be watching your progress too. Thanks and good luck!

 

That frame is a work of art as well as a major performance upgrade.
Very nice project. Looking foward to seeing progress pictures.
Good luck!

 

Thanks guys, it helps to get your nods of approval...since this is such a diversion from original...

Gunther, yes, you do have to modify the rear floor area to fit. Basically the rear frame rails will interfere with the inner fenders and the diff and 'batwing' will interfere with the storage compartments. SRIII sells a 3 piece panel kit (only $200 or so) that you bond in after you've made the appropriate cuts. I did a post a while back with many of the pics from this process...here is a link:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...e-chassis.html

Alan, thanks! I've followed many of your posts and you've already helped me out quite a bit, without even knowing it...I'm sure I'll be picking your brain a bit as I get into the Corvette specifics...

Datsup7T2, Yes! the time and windfall of incidental is a little eye opening...so many little pieces that are impossible to account for. Funny thing...I'm working for a sort or low-bling, almost factory-ish look and one of my major successes was finding plain black radiator hoses that looked like they belong...just an example of the complications you can get into when you start changing things..
r,
Rob

 

Those pics make me want to yank out my solid frame just to have one of those beauties under the C3s sexy body

 

Very Beautiful. I hope to join you in the tube frame club one day.
Good luck with the build.

 

looks great. any updates? very interested to see how it is coming out

 

that is very