Modernizing a 74 Vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans LA
Modernizing a 74 Vette
I apologize if this topic has been hashed out at length here before. I was wondering what a ballpark figure would be to take a 74 T-top Vette and make it more modern.
By modern I mean dropping a very reliable crate motor(preferably making around 400hp), having a suspension that is stiff enough to have lateral g's of say .94 or so, new leather interior, and a great exterior paint job.
I think basically I am asking how much a turn key 74 would cost that I could completely rely upon on the street and track. Also, any ideas on maintainance cost per year assuming I put 13,000 miles on it/year?
I realize that this question is very open ended, but I would be very greatful for some education on the subject, and its possibility.
By modern I mean dropping a very reliable crate motor(preferably making around 400hp), having a suspension that is stiff enough to have lateral g's of say .94 or so, new leather interior, and a great exterior paint job.
I think basically I am asking how much a turn key 74 would cost that I could completely rely upon on the street and track. Also, any ideas on maintainance cost per year assuming I put 13,000 miles on it/year?
I realize that this question is very open ended, but I would be very greatful for some education on the subject, and its possibility.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (VetteOnSHINE)
Well, I put a GM Crate motor in my '73 (~$3500), new interior including C4 seats, carpet, door panels, etc. ~$1500), spruced up suspension a bit with all new U-joints, etc. (~$300). I am planning a new stereo setup (CD Player & speakers) which should run about $500. None of these prices include labor mind you. This probably isn't what you were looking for but I tell ya, my car drives pretty darn good...not exactly "Modern" but a ton of fun now!
Depending on how much work YOU want to do yourself is what is going to set your cost, IMO.
Depending on how much work YOU want to do yourself is what is going to set your cost, IMO.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (VetteOnSHINE)
I've got about $25K in mine (including purchase price of $2600), which has pretty much everything you described except the crate motor, I rebuilt my original with higher compression, better cam, and a little bit of head work.
See my website for details on interior, exterior, suspension, etc.
Keep in mind that I went a little over the top cosmetically, and there are also some mechanical components that you could do without, but I wouldn't scrimp on mechanicals if you plan to drive it daily.
The car is very reliable, although I don't put many miles on it, just weekends and horsing around a little.
Jeff
See my website for details on interior, exterior, suspension, etc.
Keep in mind that I went a little over the top cosmetically, and there are also some mechanical components that you could do without, but I wouldn't scrimp on mechanicals if you plan to drive it daily.
The car is very reliable, although I don't put many miles on it, just weekends and horsing around a little.
Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (no_radio)
Why Modernize? Part of the charm and quirk of these cars is that they are not modern. If I want modern I will drive my SAAB :cheers: However the 74 Seats suck I would recommend late model C-3 seats which drop right in or C-4 seats
[Modified by Alwyn678, 10:17 AM 2/11/2003]
[Modified by Alwyn678, 10:17 AM 2/11/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (VetteOnSHINE)
74 is a great yr. choice. A crate motor is not really modernizing, the engine can be built!
Get FE-7 sus. w/ VB rear spring for less wt. See 77 Facts on my website.
17" Wheels & tires are a good upgrade.
As far as interior, could be upgraded to 77 & newer seats.
We have had "modern" cars since at least 57! The main change in cars has been electronics- CD stereo rec.!
:cool:
Get FE-7 sus. w/ VB rear spring for less wt. See 77 Facts on my website.
17" Wheels & tires are a good upgrade.
As far as interior, could be upgraded to 77 & newer seats.
We have had "modern" cars since at least 57! The main change in cars has been electronics- CD stereo rec.!
:cool:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 246
Likes: 12
From: middletown, de
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (VetteOnSHINE)
depend on your definition of "modern" if you want fuel injection, an overdrive trans, upgraded suspension etc. your really gonna pay through the nose. if you want something that gonna be good and reliable probably somewhere in the area of 15 grand plus the car. just a guess...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (VetteOnSHINE)
A fiberglass rear spring, larger wheels, EFI, & OD tranny are all very good choices for updating a C3. 74 is a good model year as it's usually the lower value year & doesn't require Converters so exhaust options are up to you :D .
If you are buying a car, IMO look for one that's got a good solid suspension (bushings & bearings), & a good running engine. Brakes on a Corvette can be expensive to repair/ replace so beware. Paint jobs can run in the $3-5k range.
This should give a slight idea on what to look for. There are some folks here on the forum getting ~20 mpg with their C3's which is better than many trucks & SUV's. I only wish I could drive my own car more often than I do. :cheers:
If you are buying a car, IMO look for one that's got a good solid suspension (bushings & bearings), & a good running engine. Brakes on a Corvette can be expensive to repair/ replace so beware. Paint jobs can run in the $3-5k range.
This should give a slight idea on what to look for. There are some folks here on the forum getting ~20 mpg with their C3's which is better than many trucks & SUV's. I only wish I could drive my own car more often than I do. :cheers:
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (SmokedTires)
I am happy with my car. Not sure if it is modern or not, but it is a terrific ride and I love the "seat of the pants" thingy. :) :steering:
[Modified by OHSIXX, 8:57 PM 2/11/2003]
[Modified by OHSIXX, 9:00 PM 2/11/2003]
[Modified by OHSIXX, 8:57 PM 2/11/2003]
[Modified by OHSIXX, 9:00 PM 2/11/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
From: melbourne,Australia
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (VetteOnSHINE)
Iagree with Ganey,17"wheels with decent tires along with modern shocks like koni make it handle really quite well for such old suspension technology...my 74r has a seriously modified 383 and is a joy to drive...the 74 has no real exhaust restrictions with true duals so can be made into quite a hot-rod....the other item you will need to attend to is the front suspension bushes and alignment,you will be surprised the difference they make...john :chevy
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (jdunne)
Iagree with Ganey...
...john :chevy
...john :chevy
Thanks. In case you might be interested, I changed the FE-7 shocks to Koni Adj. at low miles & it made no diff. Things like that & tests indicate the factory evidently spends quite a bit of time on shock development. Running Delco Performer w/ the VB rear.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
From: melbourne,Australia
Re: Modernizing a 74 Vette (Ganey)
Ganey,maybe my standard shocks were past it,although they seemed alright on the road,after 6 laps autocrossing a hand bicycle pump would have performed better as a shock,they simply couldnt cope with the weight transfer under power and the car was nearly uncontrollable in corners..the konis fixed that...i guess it depends how you use them.....john :chevy ;)
