I converted my 76 from auto to T5, I bought a swap meet trans for $375(make sure it's a world class T5) and had it rebuilt and upgraded. I sourced the correct bellhousing on local CL, bought a new flywheel and clutch from a parts store. I bought the pedal conversion kit from Corvette Central. I had to modify the trans-to-crossmember mount because the F-body T5's were mounted on an angle but mounts straight up in the C3. Shortened a driveshaft, bought a 90degree adapter and speedo cable extension to get that to fit, bought the T5 back-up switch and wired it into the C3 harness. Might be a few smaller bits to this job but you get the idea. All-in I'm around $2300 for the swap and now I have overdrive, I'm happy with it.

 

I spent most of my life living paycheck to paycheck, raising three kids, house, junk daily drivers one after the other. Even when I bought my Harleys......I shouldn't have because I really didn't make enough money. Finally, life works out in my favor, and I have some expendable cash. Frankly, I earned my right to spend the money on my Corvettes, and not going to feel guilty about it. I am pretty sure most would do the same. But I stick to my original post......a 4 speed transmission is one of the key essential components to the character of a C3 Corvette...as designed and built by Chevrolet. I could afford to buy a 5 speed......just don't want it.

 

One thing I love about this hobby, and this Forum, is that there are lots of ways to enjoy it. I've done the whole classic car on a budget thing. I enjoy trying to save a few pennies by 3D printing parts, or doing my own wiring, and fixing most mechanical things on the car.

I also know that small jobs often become big jobs with things I can't predict. So, throwing $5K at a problem isn't always a bad thing, if the problem gets solved. If it means I don't miss a season of driving, or if my wife gets to continue to daily her car, it can be worth it.

YMMV. I love reading the budget builds, and seeing the creative solutions. I love doing that to my own cars, when appropriate. But I love driving my car most of all.

 

When did the Z-Bar frame bracket stop being added to frames at the factory? Reaching back into my C2 days all frames regardless of auto or manual had the Z-Bar bracket on the frame.

 

There is a group on Facistbook called 'Budget C3 Corvette Projects' that is pretty budget-friendly. Lots ov tech questions and you dont get hammered if you cant just fire your credit card at the problem. Check it out.

As for this forum... i still love it. I suppose one has to expect a lack ov empathy towards being broke when you're on a Corvette forum. Corvettes have always been elite cars. You dont see it on 'base' forums like Chevy or Mopar. If it wasn't a burning personal peeve ov mine... rich people telling me i simply dont get to play... then it'd be a great forum. I got a lot ov that on Moparts, especially back when i was trying to build a 'budget' 426 Hemi. Soured me then too. A LOT ov the people here that 'have' are older, and have certainly paid their dues, but it would just be nice if they remembered back when they hadn't, and what it felt like to be told you cant play.

Anyways, for me its moot. I have sadly decided to sell my 73. Gonna put it up before i start messing with it and get a decent price for it, together and running. I wanted a 68-9 4-speed coupe, but had the budget for a rubber bumper automatic. This was close... but no matter which way i go, i'm thousands ov dollars away from what i want. Moreover, someone out there is probably looking for a solid 73 automatic car for a decent price. So, i guess in the end i dont get to play. Guess i'll just hack away at my roach 68 AMX until someone drops a 69 4-speed coupe shell on my lap for chumpchange.....


Edit: I forget who said it, but some celebrity recently had a quote that really stuck with me. He said: "If you cant afford to buy two ov something, then you cant afford it." I've found this to be absolutely true.