C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

How much can you change/modify a C3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:00 PM
  #1  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default How much can you change/modify a C3

I am a green as grass newbie to this forum...be kind ;) Our 1973 will be arriving in about 10 days and I am gathering info and learning as much as I can. We are delighted to be joing the ranks of the Corvette ownes across the internet and I find no reference to what is desirable in a 1973. Does new paint job say modified with flames detract from the collector aspect? How important is "stock". I will admit we fell into owning this car and it is beautiful, matching numbers etc... any helpful links pertaining to history or stories from other owners are greatly appreciated. We will be looking into joining a local club here in the NW to learn more and meet others. Needless to say our 17 yr old can't get the smile off his face. Happy holiday weekend everyone.
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:27 PM
  #2  
70 LS1's Avatar
70 LS1
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (LaurieB)

Welcome to the corvette lifestyle, because that is what it really is. And welcome to the forum. The forum is a great place to share projects and stories, a place to seek knowledge when you are stumped and a way to connect with thousands of other corvette owners worldwide.

To answer you question of how much you can change or modify a C3, the sky is the limit.

You are going to run across some people that would consider it a molestation to modify a numbers matching car. If you got this car as an investment, then you should probably leave it alone. The most valuable cars are the unrestored originals in good shape. The most important thing for you to do is figure out what you want to do with it. If you want it to be a numbers matching restored concours winning show car, then mods would be absolutely out of the question. If that is not what you are looking for, then do whatever you want. Afterall, it is now your car for you to enjoy. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:31 PM
  #3  
Red73's Avatar
Red73
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (70 LS1)

I'm with 70 LS1, I bought my 73 knowing it wasn't numbers matching so I felt no guilt modifying it the way I wanted. It yours to value and do with it what you want. The important things to remember are that it's your car and you can do with it what you want and if you do modify it make sure you double the cost estimate when you're planning your modifications. Rod :cheers:
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:34 PM
  #4  
FINWOLF's Avatar
FINWOLF
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 170
From: PA
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (70 LS1)

IM with 70LS1 keep it stock if you want the most money for it if you ever want to sell it if no do what ever you want I have a C2 that looks like a C3 I catch hell all the time for what I did but it is mine and you do what ever you want.
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:37 PM
  #5  
70 LS1's Avatar
70 LS1
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (Stephen DeFazio)

Hey Steve
I never looked close enough to realize that is a 65. That is a nice looking custom.
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:47 PM
  #6  
FINWOLF's Avatar
FINWOLF
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 170
From: PA
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (70 LS1)

Jeff, ya it is a 65 at least it started that way it is better to see it in person pic's don't do it justice. I love the C3 look but like the doors on the C2 and the inside of the C2.I will do more to it as I can aford it.
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 08:47 PM
  #7  
Stevo81's Avatar
Stevo81
Pro
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (70 LS1)

Well written response, Jeff. And LaurieB, as an owner of an '81 and father of a son who drives a 65 Mustang (I am so embarassed), tell that 17 year old to wipe the smile off. The sacred trust of a vintage set of wheels is an honor to be taken with solemnity. Not to mention the oak tree just around the next corner. Oak trees always win. Congrats to you. Stevo
Reply
Old May 26, 2002 | 09:23 PM
  #8  
Nomad78SA's Avatar
Nomad78SA
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville,Tn,USA TN
Default Re: How much can you change/modify a C3 (Stevo)

Enjoy your car as you see fit....
Neil in Tenn
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To How much can you change/modify a C3

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:57 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE