69 c3 performance limits?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 570
Likes: 22
The front end has recently been reworked including new power steering, steering box and bushings. Not sure about the rear but the bushings look ok. I'll probably take it slow the start until I get a feel for the car. The current owner drives the car on a semi regular basis about once per week and does not push the car too hard.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 148
From: East London/SW Essex UK
As with all 'old' cars when you don't really know how well the previous owners have maintained the vehicle or more importantly driven it, IMHO the trick is to gradually 'build-up' the rev's and performance over several months before it giving full and continuous 'hammer'.
When I bought my '68 L36 when it hadn't been used regularly for about 10 years. The first thing to happen was an overheat caused by poor cooling maintenance and a silted-up radiator and engine block on the 100 mile return journey. Next thing was brake issues, power steering leaks etc etc - all the usual old Vette issues. As others have said, there is little point in revving anywhere near red line - power/max torque is developed way under this - so shift at revs just north of maximum torque. Mine wouldn't rev comfortably past 4200 (despite adding headers and aftermarket carb/inlet) still performed reasonably well though.
When I bought my '68 L36 when it hadn't been used regularly for about 10 years. The first thing to happen was an overheat caused by poor cooling maintenance and a silted-up radiator and engine block on the 100 mile return journey. Next thing was brake issues, power steering leaks etc etc - all the usual old Vette issues. As others have said, there is little point in revving anywhere near red line - power/max torque is developed way under this - so shift at revs just north of maximum torque. Mine wouldn't rev comfortably past 4200 (despite adding headers and aftermarket carb/inlet) still performed reasonably well though.
Last edited by roscobbc; May 30, 2016 at 04:35 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Do a full inspection on the car, If the steering, suspension and brake stuff is in good shape and tight, I'd drive it like you stole it.
Start out easy on it until you get used to how it handles/stops, then drive and enjoy it as you want..
Contrary to popular believe, these are sports cars...(contrary to the car show/purists beliefs).
Start out easy on it until you get used to how it handles/stops, then drive and enjoy it as you want..
Contrary to popular believe, these are sports cars...(contrary to the car show/purists beliefs).
