1st time posting and I need some advice!!! I have a 1968 427 390-horse 4-speed convertible with matching numbers. It hasn't been on the road in 15-years. The engine was rebuilt just before I stopped driving it so I think I can get it running with out taking it apart again. I'd like to get it going again and would like to upgrade it. What I know is wrong with it: Needs a fuel tank and line, needs a tach drive distributor (I want electronic ignition), needs carb rebuild or upgrade (again I'd like to go with one of those fuel injection throttle bodies), brakes should be checked - maybe upgrade. I have original wheels, centers and trim rings, but need tires. I'd like to upgrade to 17-inch wheels and tires, but now I start the never ending spending process. Anyone have any thoughts???

 

Sell it and buy a NOM 'Vette that you can upgrade to your heart's content? :-D

Honestly, I'm not sure what you're asking. You have some maintenance items to square away, and upgrades you want to do...finish the maintenance, and set a budget/timeframe for the upgrades

 

Whatever increases your enjoyment of the car. Sounds like it needs some attention.

With the tank/fuel line, probably best to prep it for your new fuel injection system. FAST 2.0 has eight (8) injectors which should make it better for performance of your big block (and for future perf improvements).

This is good info (for FAST 2.0 system install... not a C3 but helpful):
http://www.youtube.com/compcams?AID=3236

The other stuff sounds like maintenance items.

17-18" wheels are good idea if you plan to high speed race (cornering). I've seen some threads where C3's intended for road racing get frame gussets to control flex/separation. This may be something you want to consider if you plan to pull engine or work on suspension (before installing).

LOTS of good info and folks that have done what you are considering. Make a list and work your way through it.

Most important: Enjoy it!

Welcome to the forum. Please post pictures and threads as you work through your C3. It's always great to hear what others are doing/considering for ideas.

 

I'm with Billa on this one. Original cars are getting harder and harder to find. At least keep all the original parts. My 68 is pretty original; going forward and changes will use stock parts as much as possible. Just my 2 cents...

 

If yer gonna drive it, BRAKES first.

 

 

brakes then drive it like you stole and have fun.

 

Get it running and safely drivable, then decide which way you want to go. Why not keep it stock for the time being, drive it all spring and summer to get used to it again, and reassess things in the fall?

 

Thanks Easy Mike. I like your suggestion and appreciate others comments. If I decide to sell it will be running. If I decide to upgrade I will know where to start. I'll order a tank and fuel line, make sure brakes work, throw on some tires on original rims, make the engine mechanically sound, and finally drive it again!!!! Thanks for input. When I start I'll take pics and let you know how it goes

 

Bingo.

 

I just did a 68 427/390. I did a bigger cam and springs, intake and carb, and installed the Pertronics kit in the tach drive dizzy

 

If it is that original, only make small changes that can be returned to stock and save all removed original parts. I have had my 68 coupe for 41 years and you would not believe how many 68 and 69's I have seen stripped to make race cars or customized into ugliness. Lou.

 

number one is ENJOY IT!!!!

 

I'll bail you out.
Sell it to me.

Bman

 

rare car,just fix it,drive it,

 

Do you have a picture of it?

 

I am ashamed to take a picture right know. I call it my $20,000 shelf. This spring I will clear off my "shelf" and make it a car again!!! I am putting together a list of what I need to get it on the road again.
1. gas tank and fuel lines. I was thinking electronic fuel pump and was considering an intank set-up, but that is looking like a $400 to $600 upgrade in addition to a $200 tank. I think I'll stay with mechanical pump, new lines and a new tank.
2. distributor with mechanical tach drive. I will upgrade to an electronic. Not sure which yet. I've seen prices from $50 to almost $400. Any input or experience will be appreciated.
3. brakes. have always had trouble with the brakes. The brake system is a non-power assist system. I have rebuilt stock calipers, but they have sat for close to 17-years. I think I will replace the stock calipers with some brand of upgrade that will work with stock rotors, new brake lines, new distribution valve, and ss hoses. Again any input will be appreciated.
4. rebuild/replace q-jet. I always thought the q-jet was OK and it will fit under hood. I thought about an upgrade to efi, but cost has scared me away. I'm guessing efi will cost about $2000, electronic fuel pump $500, so at least $2500. Qjet rebuild kit $40 or new qjet $350 and it stays close to original.
5. I need tires. I want some modern rubber and like the look of c5 wheels, so I might look for some used on local craigslist. Then buy some adapters.

Those five have to be done. Then I can look at other possible upgrades or repairs. When I start in spring I will start posts and pictures.

 

If you have an origional, unmolested Qjet on that car, just send it to Lars Grimsrud for a rebuild. DON'T LET ANYBODY ELSE MESS WITH IT. When he gets it back to you, it will run like a champ.
As for the distributor, just remove the points and put a Pertronix module in. Recurve it yourself or ship it to Lars when you send him the carb.

 

Please don't make us wait until spring to see some pictures!
I for one, would love to see as many pics of your car as you care to post.
Spring is almost here, you know. Fresh oil, gas and battery and it might fire right up, you never know until you try.

 

I've got one of those cheap tach drive HEI units in my 74. So far, so good......