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Why is there a battle anyway? There are those that want their car to be original, some that don't, both are cool. Both are worthwhile endeavors, neither is better than the other. As for me, 180 hp in something that looks as good as a shark just ain't gonna cut it, plus I have to meet emissions, I will like the dependability and easy starting, decent gas mileage of modern tech, so there is a large practicality component to my decision. I also like the way it drives as is, so I'm keeping the suspension stock except for overhauling it unless I HAVE to change something because of the weight difference. I also like the way it looks, so I probably won't change much there except for paint (which it needs DESPERATELY). But then again, I installed 9 Cobalt gauges in the panels but made them look as if they've been there for 25 years (That's the goal, anyway). Kinda weird, I know. But saying that going stock or modding is right or wrong is kinda like saying that Southern Rock is better than Electric Blues or vice versa. The outcome is the same---a cool car. (Hopefully)
In my opinion, the thing that makes a C3 a C3 is the VIN as long as the major body panels still remain. Anything else can be changed out due to "maintenance". I done a bit of maintenance on my suspension (removed old stamped steel, replaced with tubular and mono springs), and now I'm replacing just a few other worn parts with what is available now (completely new engine & interior).
Edit:
OK - these are pretty cool. If you put a C3 body on one of these, is it still a C3? I think so - kind of like cosmetic surgery.
I wish my frame was all rotten and needed replacing. Then I could kinda justify buying the tubular frame. I can only ponder how rigid that thing must be.
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
I wish my frame was all rotten and needed replacing. Then I could kinda justify buying the tubular frame. I can only ponder how rigid that thing must be.
Ever wonder what would happen if someone had that frame,
then got struck by some other car, bent the frame. Most likely
you could not straighten those out again and you have to get
another one, or put your old frame back in
This whole question speaks to the issue of the corvette as a "hotrod". Many purist want a staock car the way it was from the factory while other, especially late shark owners, want more power whicvh can lead to all out performance rebuilds. The greatest appeal of the C3 is its sexy sexy sexy curves bar none. Yet, the car seems to sometimes be ignored as a true classic by the snobby automotive press. This gives all us C3 people the oppertunitly to really get crazy with the brake and susupension packages on these rides. The C3 is probably the easiest and cheapest future show car vette of all six generations. The C5-68 is priceless but probably also very pricey. Automobile magazine said thre C3 was too flamboyant to stand the test of time. OK, great, too flamboyant, so be it. I'll just buy a pace car or maybe even a 75 convertible for like $5500-9500 and drop in a GM 502 and call it a day!!!!!
Everyone is different, therefore there are different views on this. I say if you want a stock car, keep your car stock anddon't criticize those who modify. If you want a modified/ modernized car, then modify to your heart's content and don't criticize those whoe demand factory correctness. Everyone likes C3's for different reasons and that is what is so great about these cars.
Does anyone make a kit to install rack and pinion steering in a C3? I've got to replace the entire steering system in my wife's 79, practically everything is worn out. I'd love to get rid of the system if I could.