What's interchangeable?
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
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What's interchangeable?
Hello everyone, I bought a 74 BB stingray, with a big hole in the frame, (where it looks like grass was touching it, may be fixable), bad carpet, and in need of a paint job. Was considering, buying a C3 in better shape, and putting my motor, and 4 speed in it. The motor isn't organal, its a 425/396. The bad vette had lots of after market suspension parts, to hold the HP. Question is I'm looking at a 80 in very good condition with a 350 auto. Will things like the rear end, heaver duty strut towers, and fiberglass mono spring fit in the 80? Ty for your time
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
No strut towers in a C3...just shocks and springs (transverse leaf in rear). Your decision is likely going to rest with the added cost of a paint job for the '74. By 1980, some of the driveline and suspension parts were weakened because the stock cars had less power and weight was becoming an issue. So part strength was sacrificed.
I think the '74 car would be a better choice for installing your engine/trans; but the cost of paint may be the deal-breaker.
I think the '74 car would be a better choice for installing your engine/trans; but the cost of paint may be the deal-breaker.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Food For Thought: why not shop for a 74 frame? A used one in good shape is likely to be cheaper than an entire 80 parts car. How bad is your existing frame? Have you considered repairing what you have?
