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So, I was recently gifted an 82 c3 with what might be a wide body kit
. The whole thing needs work as a whole as it sat outside for five years before it got me, although I'm ready to put in the work I'm also trying to figure out what engine and transmission to put into it as the engine is gone and the transmission needs either replaced or rebuilt. I'm thinking I want to stick with a small block but maybe a bigger one that came in it originally, but definitely nothing smaller than what came stock. Any suggestions or things to look out for when working on these?
Welcome to the forum! That’s an awfully generous gift, I would assume a Christmas present?
Thats definitely a wide body kit. The fenders stick out much more than stock. I notice is has aftermarket bubble taillights and a “twin turbo” hood as well. One thing I would decide right now is if you plan on painting it yourself or paying someone else to. With all the special prep that goes into fiberglass people are spending north of 15k for a good paint job.
As for the engine, with your higher hood, the fact that it’s an ‘82 with a factory fuel injection setup, and since it doesn’t have an engine, you’re already most of the way there to an LS swap. That’s what I would do personally, but they sky is the limit. Keep in mind though the rear differential is not as robust as the earlier C3s. It will definitely need work done if you plan on putting more than ~300 horsepower to it.
As for the rest of the car I would give everything a good once over. Reading post #107 of this thread will give you a general idea of what to look for when buying a car. You already own it obviously, but they’re still good places to check.
Last edited by Piersonpie; Dec 27, 2024 at 07:08 PM.
Do you perhaps have a teenage driver whose Honda needs a steering wheel ? Start there.......
Before you begin planning though......you stated it sat outside for 5 years which means one thing. Give the frame and birdcage a complete inspection for rust. You can read the threads on this forum about where to look, and how to look. Nothing else matters unless these items are in good condition.
If they are truly rust free and/or with minor corrosion and are treatable/usable.....my rough back of the napkin calculations for a nice completed project look like this.......
Prep and paint $10-20K
wheels $4-8K
tires $4K
cheap LS swap $3-5K
pro built 500hp small block $7-10K
pro built 650hp big block $10-15K
transmission $3K
rear diff $3K
Interior $2K
misc (while you are in there) $5-10K
Nice original 100% stock 3rd gen C3's are listed for between $18K up to high twenties. Generally speaking this project, if completed, will be worth 50 cents on the dollar when you sell. There is no sunshine here, you gotta want it for yourself. Good luck, it's a nice starting point.
E & OE
Last edited by Nikolai122; Dec 27, 2024 at 12:52 PM.
paint $15-20K wheels $4-8K tires $4K cheap LS swap $5K pro built small block $10K pro built big block $15K transmission $3K rear diff $5K Interior $5K misc (while you are in there) $5-10K
You need to shop around, Wheels 4-8K...Tires 4K....????
OP,
That looks like it was once a Collectors Edition, it at least has the rear window conversion...Does it open? Do a VIN search or post it here.... You will definitely spend some coin on that one...take your time... If it has the stock rear don't get too carried away with HP, its the weaker Dana with probably 2:87 gears, neither is ideal,.,,,,
You need to shop around, Wheels 4-8K...Tires 4K....????
Did you see the flares on that thing ? You gonna run 15" wheels ? Probably custom ordered sizing in forged 18" at a minimum is where he'll need to start......I wouldn't run generic steel or even cast rims, so......$1,000+ per wheel depending on fit, finish, and manufacturer. Top end HRE wheels for example, can cost more. Depends on budget for sure.
18" wide low profile performance rubber in odd sizing is easily $1K per corner. I've paid that before.
Last edited by Nikolai122; Dec 27, 2024 at 05:31 PM.
So, I'm waiting for it to be moved to my place to see if I can find a vin as the owner says it doesn't have a vin just an " Assigned Identification Number " sticker from the state in the door jam. A bonded title is definitely going to be the move as far as I'm aware I think the vin should be on the side of the windshield somewhere.
What was the rational behind the "gifting". Is there any sentimental attachment to this particular vehicle? I see a HUGE money pit here. Depending on your mechanical expertise, motivation and time availability you could easily be into this project for $30 to $50K with the end result being a car worth $20K. Proceed with caution. Maybe sell or part it out especially if there are some expensive structural repairs needed. If you're really into the late C3s you probably can spend between $10 to $15K and get a nice driver that would be a good starting point for a project.
Semi blank slate
