Front clip swap …

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Jun 8, 2023 | 04:54 PM

#21

Ericshere03

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 404

Likes: 46

From: Feenicks

Reached out to Custom Image, the rear graft on chrome bumper conversion is a correct profile but requires their flared rear fenders …

the bolt on rear chrome bumper conversion protrudes out like the stock bumper but looks to allow use of factory bumper and shock absorbers for safety. And of course stock fenders are fine.

as for the front, there is nothing that can be done with the factory clip needs to be fully replaced it seems …

looking to be about 10 grand on top of a paint job. I’d say if paint and conversion can be done for 15k. It’s a no brainer way to get a chrome bumper car without paying chrome bumper prices. Starting with a clean and well preserved rubber pumper makes no sense, but something that needs paint and replacement bumpers because the urethane is wavy, it starts to look more reasonable …

Jun 8, 2023 | 06:51 PM

#22

Pale Roader

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2020

Posts: 1,148

Likes: 265

From: The frozen wastes...

The 81 is just a better car in every way. The weight reduction is a big deal, if you actually drive the car and want speed. Everything is newer, many C3 issues had been sorted by then, the interiors are more comfortable, and better (except for that god-awful gauge cluster), it just doesn't have the look. I contemplated making a 69 out ov a 80-81 too. Its 6 ov one, half a dozen ov the other. By the time you put all that 81 stuff in a 69, you'd have spent the same money, and devalued it as much. I think if you actually did a full conversion (both ends) and did a good job, the car would be worth MORE with the earlier clips. Not restoration wise, but not everyone cares about NCRS. I'd buy a 68-9 converted 80-81 in a heartbeat. I'd pay more for it.

Jun 9, 2023 | 10:12 AM

#23

JimmyHill

Intermediate

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 29

Likes: 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCarBum

I think this looks like a million dollar car to me.
I say go for it!

I don't know about $1M, but the fuel tank location hints at a custom chassis, so the build still likely cost well north of 6 digits. I personally like it.

Jun 9, 2023 | 09:01 PM

#24

Little Mouse

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 5,403

Likes: 95

I weighed my 66 but not my 78 they claim 78/79 vette weighed around 3650 so the 80 up weight reduction did not put the car at the weight of earlier C3 vettes, all the engines by then were gutless. GM ( chevy ) had only one thing it could sell luxury car corvettes.

Jun 10, 2023 | 03:39 AM

#25

Pale Roader

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2020

Posts: 1,148

Likes: 265

From: The frozen wastes...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mouse

Base 4-speed shipping weight on a 66 coupe is around 3000lbs. Base 4-speed smallblock shipping weight on an 81 is 3180lbs. Its not that they were lighter than the really stripped-out early car, but that they were considerably lighter than the fat 75-79 cars. Further, everything on your 66 is heavy and iron. By 81 they'd found hundreds ov places to shave weight. Should you apply most ov those things to your 66 you'd be closer to 2500lbs than 3000. Also, consider how many 'safety' mandates on that 80 add MASSIVE weight... and that 3180lbs is with all that bullshit in place.

Interestingly enough, those later engines, the L82 anyways, were rated garbage, but that was a grotesque single catted exhaust and tune. Toss that cat and tune it, and that 80 L82 will make every ounce ov power, or more, than a 60's 300HP 327 or 350.

Jun 10, 2023 | 10:46 AM

#26

JimmyHill

Intermediate

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 29

Likes: 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pale Roader

Interestingly enough, those later engines, the L82 anyways, were rated garbage, but that was a grotesque single catted exhaust and tune. Toss that cat and tune it, and that 80 L82 will make every ounce ov power, or more, than a 60's 300HP 327 or 350.

It also has to be remembered that testing was done in GROSS hp until the early 70's when they switched to NET hp. If tested under SAE GROSS standards, a 245(net)hp TPI L98 will put out 300hp in stock form. Just switching from the SAE gross to net standard cost the 'Street Hemi' 75hp without a single change to the engine itself.

Jun 10, 2023 | 12:25 PM

#27

Little Mouse

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 5,403

Likes: 95

I orded my 78 L82 with 2.43 close ratio 4 speed and the gearing came with it 3.70 decent gearing for a street car. I kept the car for 500 miles and sold it laughable slug of a car. When i had the sbc in the 66 i weighed it at the public truck scales that are tested often to be within 50 lbs. With the convertible top removed and just the hard top on it full of gas 3150. Only form of a luxury item
on it a radio and heater. Now back then i ordered the 73 with the LS4 M21 no a/c or pw extra weight another joke of an engine. When the car had 4000 miles on it pulled the engine out only things reused when it went back in 2 bolt block, timing cover, distributor no longer a slug, at 18 months decided to get rid of it pulled the engine out put everything back on it original.

Last edited by Little Mouse; Jun 10, 2023 at 12:48 PM.