Idea for a G-Machine
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Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
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Idea for a G-Machine
Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum and would like to introduce my plan. I know someone with a 1972 Vette for sale that I want to buy. I want to transform this car into a G-machine, with modernized suspension, brakes, transmission, interior, etc. I was curious to see what the people in this forum would think of the idea. I wasn't sure whether you guys frowned at this sort of thing. I am open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!
Team Owner
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From: Sometimes I wonder... why is that frisbee getting bigger? Then it hits me.
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St. Jude Donor '06
first off WELCOME!
Secondly that is what I am aiming towards with my 77, I am not going all out road race ready but Definitly upgrading. I bought my car with an LT1 and ZF6 6 spd already in place, plus the prev owner had already redone the suspension with newer poly components, I will be repairing what was done improperly and upgrading as I go, will take me some time but I plan on having a pretty well rounded 77 when I am done.
Secondly that is what I am aiming towards with my 77, I am not going all out road race ready but Definitly upgrading. I bought my car with an LT1 and ZF6 6 spd already in place, plus the prev owner had already redone the suspension with newer poly components, I will be repairing what was done improperly and upgrading as I go, will take me some time but I plan on having a pretty well rounded 77 when I am done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Yes, welcome to the forum.
I'm wholeheartedly for improving on all aspects of performance. The nice thing about a Corvette is that a lot of parts on the car are already heavy duty so things that would have to be upgraded on other cars don't have to replaced. There are also a lot of good performance parts available to make it a real cornering monster. So the real question is how much money do you have to spend on it and how fast do you want to go?
I'm wholeheartedly for improving on all aspects of performance. The nice thing about a Corvette is that a lot of parts on the car are already heavy duty so things that would have to be upgraded on other cars don't have to replaced. There are also a lot of good performance parts available to make it a real cornering monster. So the real question is how much money do you have to spend on it and how fast do you want to go?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
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Thanks a lot for the responses. I plan to drop in a new engine, possibly a 427 or 454. I am also thinking about a Steeroids Power Steering System. I'm just going to take it one step at a time and hopefully end up with a great car in the end. And btw tshort, I was basically looking for ideas, and most importantly, feedback from those whom have already transformed their C3 Vette into a G-Machine.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
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From: carson Missouri
A major improvement for me was the Vette Brakes Performance Plus suspension upgrade. This allows adjustment in ride height and spring rate. The kit comes with poly components, tubular A-arms, Bilstein shocks, conversion from coil springs up front to a transversely mounted fiberglass mono spring. This was the best upgrade I have done to my Vette.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Click Avatar for Contact Info
Originally Posted by Antnee77
Thanks a lot for the responses. I plan to drop in a new engine, possibly a 427 or 454. I am also thinking about a Steeroids Power Steering System. I'm just going to take it one step at a time and hopefully end up with a great car in the end. And btw tshort, I was basically looking for ideas, and most importantly, feedback from those whom have already transformed their C3 Vette into a G-Machine.
My 2 cents: If you want ultimate handling for lowest cost, go with a C4. You'll have race car like handling, a suspension that can handle plenty of power with engine uprgrades, wider tires and overdrive. I love my '77 and will never sell it, but plan to someday buy a 1996 for track racing at Road Atlanta (www.roadatlanta.com) and Roebling Road (www.roeblingroad.com).
Thread Starter
Cruising
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Originally Posted by lowvette
Unless you get an aluminum block, that BBC engine will hurt your handling. You may want to consider building a 383 to get power while keeping the front end light. No experience with Steeroids here, but if it does as advertised it should be a major improvement.
My 2 cents: If you want ultimate handling for lowest cost, go with a C4. You'll have race car like handling, a suspension that can handle plenty of power with engine uprgrades, wider tires and overdrive. I love my '77 and will never sell it, but plan to someday buy a 1996 for track racing at Road Atlanta (www.roadatlanta.com) and Roebling Road (www.roeblingroad.com).
My 2 cents: If you want ultimate handling for lowest cost, go with a C4. You'll have race car like handling, a suspension that can handle plenty of power with engine uprgrades, wider tires and overdrive. I love my '77 and will never sell it, but plan to someday buy a 1996 for track racing at Road Atlanta (www.roadatlanta.com) and Roebling Road (www.roeblingroad.com).
VETDRMS, I will look into a Gen III LS6, as I have not done so already. Sounds like it might be just what I am looking for! Thanks !
Burning Brakes
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When I auto-x or drag race my '77, often someone tells me they like the shark bodies best of all the Vettes. The 68-72 is a good choice for style. I'd stay away from the 68 because (I believe / not 100% sure) the rear suspension is a little different for narrower wheels. Before you buy, test drive a C4 if you've never driven one.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 356
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From: Glacier County mt
I agree
Originally Posted by 71stingraybigblock
A major improvement for me was the Vette Brakes Performance Plus suspension upgrade. This allows adjustment in ride height and spring rate. The kit comes with poly components, tubular A-arms, Bilstein shocks, conversion from coil springs up front to a transversely mounted fiberglass mono spring. This was the best upgrade I have done to my Vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
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From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Originally Posted by Antnee77
And btw tshort, I was basically looking for ideas, and most importantly, feedback from those whom have already transformed their C3 Vette into a G-Machine.
Good luck with your project.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
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OIC, tshort. I am definitely going to go along with it and I'll be sure to post pictures along the way. There's also no doubt that I'll have my share of questions about products and install problems, etc. Thanks again guys!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 690
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From: near Memphis TN
OK I've got to ask the stupid question. What exactly is a "G machine"?
When I saw this title I was thinking oh no, I picture some kid with a civic saying "hey yo dog, check out my g machine with the wing", but I see some serious responses here so I've got to ask the question. Never heard the phrase before.
When I saw this title I was thinking oh no, I picture some kid with a civic saying "hey yo dog, check out my g machine with the wing", but I see some serious responses here so I've got to ask the question. Never heard the phrase before.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,455
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From: Republic of Texas
Originally Posted by lowvette
I'd stay away from the 68 because (I believe / not 100% sure) the rear suspension is a little different for narrower wheels.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,455
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From: Republic of Texas
Originally Posted by SpyderD
OK I've got to ask the stupid question. What exactly is a "G machine"?
When I saw this title I was thinking oh no, I picture some kid with a civic saying "hey yo dog, check out my g machine with the wing", but I see some serious responses here so I've got to ask the question. Never heard the phrase before.
When I saw this title I was thinking oh no, I picture some kid with a civic saying "hey yo dog, check out my g machine with the wing", but I see some serious responses here so I've got to ask the question. Never heard the phrase before.
"G" Machine one that is built for handling, thus taking g's (G-forces).
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,183
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From: out of nowhere
Hey SpyderD, A G-machine will usually also be slammed and have 17" or larger wheels. It's a very common style now. I forgot the site, but if you search G-machines you'll probably find a site where they specialize in building cars this way. I've seen everything from Camaros, Novas, etc., etc. being built to at least look like a G-machine. Definitely a very cool look (at least to me).