Automatic Transmission C3s

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Mar 21, 2004 | 08:15 PM

Paul L

Thread Starter

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 30,995

Likes: 98

From: Ontario

Re: Automatic Transmission C3s ('79ProwlerOrange)

I gave it shot at the drag strip just what to see what it would do on a Club fun day. It was close to Road & Track in April of 1979. They said 15.6 at 91mph. I was pleased to come close as a neophyte with an old buy stock car!

Mar 22, 2004 | 04:38 AM

jetlag

Racer

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 301

Likes: 2

From: Memphis TN

Automatic Transmission C3s

Are C3 Vettes with the auto only a 3 speed? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I really don't know.

If it is...Can you drag race with it and not run out of gear?

Thanks
-Matt

Mar 22, 2004 | 04:48 AM

SpyderD

Pro

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 690

Likes: 1

From: near Memphis TN

Re: Automatic Transmission C3s (jetlag)

1982 model came with a 4-speed 700R4. All other years are 3 speed I think. Many of us (like me) have retrofitted 4-speed automatics in our C3's with the overdrive gear.
Running out of gear? I guess that would depend on your differential ratio. Stock rear gears range from 2.87 to, I think, 4.11. Of course, some stock vette's would be out of their torque or HP peak if running at high RPM.

Mar 22, 2004 | 05:23 AM

Shark Racer

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 12,399

Likes: 247

From: San Jose CA

Re: Automatic Transmission C3s (jetlag)

I think with most of the stock 350 vettes, any gear 3.70 or below should have more than enough gear for the track. Most of the cars ran in the high 14 to mid 16 second range, so you'll never really hit a very high trap.

-Steve