Build Advice
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Build Advice
Hello All,
I have some questions for the group here. I bought a project. Not a HUGE project, but a project nonetheless. 1970 Corvette. Was a 350/TH400 car. I would like to know what everybodies opinion is here on a few things. Keep in mind, the car will be a cruiser, just for driving to car shows and around town with the ever so occasional tire roasting.
1. Suspension. Should I go ahead and do a sport suspension upgrade considering it is a 40 year old car? If so, which is the best.
2. Steering. Rack and Pinion or leave alone? Which kit is best?
3. Brakes. Are the factory sufficient? Or upgrade to a nice aftermarket kit? Which one?
4. Drivetrain... NOw we have alot of options. I have easy access to old school, small blocks to big blocks, supercharged to whatever. I am leaning more towards a LS style sway...probably a 6.0 upgraded with a 4l80. BUT....if I can get HP3 version of the 8.1 (525 hp) I am liking that idea.....8.1/4l80.
Now, I understand everybody has their own opinions but I would like to collect ideas from the professionals here and make my own choices based on peoples past experiences.
Thanks
Andy
I have some questions for the group here. I bought a project. Not a HUGE project, but a project nonetheless. 1970 Corvette. Was a 350/TH400 car. I would like to know what everybodies opinion is here on a few things. Keep in mind, the car will be a cruiser, just for driving to car shows and around town with the ever so occasional tire roasting.
1. Suspension. Should I go ahead and do a sport suspension upgrade considering it is a 40 year old car? If so, which is the best.
2. Steering. Rack and Pinion or leave alone? Which kit is best?
3. Brakes. Are the factory sufficient? Or upgrade to a nice aftermarket kit? Which one?
4. Drivetrain... NOw we have alot of options. I have easy access to old school, small blocks to big blocks, supercharged to whatever. I am leaning more towards a LS style sway...probably a 6.0 upgraded with a 4l80. BUT....if I can get HP3 version of the 8.1 (525 hp) I am liking that idea.....8.1/4l80.
Now, I understand everybody has their own opinions but I would like to collect ideas from the professionals here and make my own choices based on peoples past experiences.
Thanks
Andy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: coon rapids mn
whats your budget ?I seen where a rack has problems with oil pan clearances .consider a ls2 ,its the aluminum 6.0 . or consider a bored and stroked ls2 for 402+ ci,Texas Speed has good prices on ls motors.would a gearvender over drive fit in a vette behind a t400.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,380
Likes: 415
From: N J
I am faaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr from a pro, but I would :
Rebuild your stock suspension.
Rebuild your stock steering.
Rebuild your stock brakes.
Then put a big fat big block in there and have some fun. Of course to do so would require several small block to big block conversion changes to be made. Good luck and enjoy it!
Rebuild your stock suspension.
Rebuild your stock steering.
Rebuild your stock brakes.
Then put a big fat big block in there and have some fun. Of course to do so would require several small block to big block conversion changes to be made. Good luck and enjoy it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 652
From: Thunder Bay
I have a '79 with the Vette Brakes Grand Touring Plus suspension kit with KYB shocks. Great kit. I love the handling. I also have the Steeroids Rack and Pinion conversion. Also a great upgrade. As for brakes, mine are stock and its hard to imagine why you would need better brakes on the street. The stock Corvette brakes are very good. As for drivetrain an overdrive transmission is a must, whether its a 4 spd auto or a 5 or 6 speed manual. For an engine there are lots of good choices. I have a 383 stroker, but if I was doing it over again, it would be an LS motor. The power those things make is just sick!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Hello All,
I have some questions for the group here. I bought a project. Not a HUGE project, but a project nonetheless. 1970 Corvette. Was a 350/TH400 car. I would like to know what everybodies opinion is here on a few things. Keep in mind, the car will be a cruiser, just for driving to car shows and around town with the ever so occasional tire roasting.
1. Suspension. Should I go ahead and do a sport suspension upgrade considering it is a 40 year old car? If so, which is the best. I would go with STOCK rubber front and rear kits from Van Steel (front suspension rebuild kit and rear rubber bushings).
2. Steering. Rack and Pinion or leave alone? Which kit is best? Refresh with a (power steering?) rebuild kit from above-mentioned dealer.
3. Brakes. Are the factory sufficient? Or upgrade to a nice aftermarket kit? Which one? Refresh with OEM-grade replacements from above-mentioned dealer
4. Drivetrain... NOw we have alot of options. I have easy access to old school, small blocks to big blocks, supercharged to whatever. I am leaning more towards a LS style sway...probably a 6.0 upgraded with a 4l80. BUT....if I can get HP3 version of the 8.1 (525 hp) I am liking that idea.....8.1/4l80. I'd go with a 350rwhp target for your intended driving habits... easily achievable with a hop-up of your Gen 1 350. Add rebuilt components (driveshaft rearward) from above-mentioned dealer.
Now, I understand everybody has their own opinions but I would like to collect ideas from the professionals here and make my own choices based on peoples past experiences.
Thanks
Andy
I have some questions for the group here. I bought a project. Not a HUGE project, but a project nonetheless. 1970 Corvette. Was a 350/TH400 car. I would like to know what everybodies opinion is here on a few things. Keep in mind, the car will be a cruiser, just for driving to car shows and around town with the ever so occasional tire roasting.
1. Suspension. Should I go ahead and do a sport suspension upgrade considering it is a 40 year old car? If so, which is the best. I would go with STOCK rubber front and rear kits from Van Steel (front suspension rebuild kit and rear rubber bushings).
2. Steering. Rack and Pinion or leave alone? Which kit is best? Refresh with a (power steering?) rebuild kit from above-mentioned dealer.
3. Brakes. Are the factory sufficient? Or upgrade to a nice aftermarket kit? Which one? Refresh with OEM-grade replacements from above-mentioned dealer
4. Drivetrain... NOw we have alot of options. I have easy access to old school, small blocks to big blocks, supercharged to whatever. I am leaning more towards a LS style sway...probably a 6.0 upgraded with a 4l80. BUT....if I can get HP3 version of the 8.1 (525 hp) I am liking that idea.....8.1/4l80. I'd go with a 350rwhp target for your intended driving habits... easily achievable with a hop-up of your Gen 1 350. Add rebuilt components (driveshaft rearward) from above-mentioned dealer.
Now, I understand everybody has their own opinions but I would like to collect ideas from the professionals here and make my own choices based on peoples past experiences.
Thanks
Andy
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Rebuild suspension, rebuild sterring, rebuild brakes and bolt in a 540 EFI big block with a TKO 600 and 3.70 gears.
http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/5...street_efi.php
http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/5...street_efi.php
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Leander TX
Rebuild suspension, rebuild sterring, rebuild brakes and bolt in a 540 EFI big block with a TKO 600 and 3.70 gears.
http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/5...street_efi.php
http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/5...street_efi.php
http://www.sonnysracingengines.com/e...p-new-for-2013
I agree with rebuilding all the stock stuff.. but these days a decent small block can be built for cheap and save you the weight (and ill handling). I'd say look at a 90's one piece main seal block with roller cam capability. Build a nice roller 383.. and save some $$ for your kids education or beer or tequila or a two post lift.
.. although there is no sound quite like a bbc
Last edited by iree75; Feb 2, 2013 at 10:44 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
It isn't a bolt in.
The 540 is a easy bolt in. Exhaust ports are even stock location. It is a 625 hp, under 10 to 1 hydraulic roller, very streetable engine that runs on midgrade. and with thev EFI TKO will likely get 20 MPG on the highway. A 70 vette needs a BB. 5 speed.
The 540 is a easy bolt in. Exhaust ports are even stock location. It is a 625 hp, under 10 to 1 hydraulic roller, very streetable engine that runs on midgrade. and with thev EFI TKO will likely get 20 MPG on the highway. A 70 vette needs a BB. 5 speed.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
