FS: 1980 Corvette restomod for cruising and autocross
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
1980 Corvette restomod for cruising and autocross
** SOLD **
And driven almost 600 miles to its new home.
$14,500
86,200 miles (It had 69,800 miles when I bought it in 2001, so I drove it <1,000 miles/year.)
It’s not perfect and it needs a little work, but all the major modifications have been done: Engine, transmission, differential, suspension, brakes, exhaust, radiator, paint, etc. I put more than $24,000 into this car since I bought it in early 2001!
I had a detached garage with a 4-post lift and lots of room for parts and tools, but we moved “to the city” this year and downsized. I no longer have the space to work on it. I am deep into major remodeling projects, so I don’t have the time to autocross or otherwise enjoy it like we did. I used only ½ tank of gas this year and about that much last year. (It gets about 20 mpg.)
Here are the highlights of 17 years of upgrades:
· GM Performance 350 HO crate engine with iron 64cc Vortec heads, powdered metal steel connecting rods, cast-aluminum pistons, hydraulic flat tappet camshaft
(See more details at http://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210008.html. )
· Edelbrock RPM Air Gap dual plane intake with heat reflecting ceramic coated inside, heat radiating black ceramic coated outside
· Fuel Air Spark Technology (FAST) EZ fuel injection with a Walbro CA758-2 electric in-tank fuel pump (255 lph @ 50 psi)
· Aeromotive 13129 Fuel Pressure Regulator (30-70 psi) and Summit 230103 40 micron billet fuel filter
· GM Performance HEI distributor (Proform 141-682) with MSD control module, ACCEL Extreme 9000 ceramic spark plug wires
· AGM Industries AC Delete kit
· Long tube ceramic coated headers into a mandrel bent true dual exhaust with an X-pipe, Magna Flow mufflers with polished stainless steel downturned exhaust tips
· Keisler RS500 5-speed manual transmission (based on the T45 transmission used on GT and Cobra Mustangs through 2001)
· Centerforce DF735552 Dual Friction street/strip clutch with hydraulic actuator
· Hydratech aluminum master cylinder on a Hydratech Hydroboost hydraulic brake booster
· Champion aluminum radiator
· Shrouded dual 11 in. fans with a Ron Francis Wiring dual fan controller (independently adjustable for each fan)
· C5 Corvette-based cold air intake draws air from ahead of the radiator
· SpeedDIRECT Steeroids power rack & pinion steering conversion
· Composite monosprings back (360 lbs, lowered with C4 spring bolts) and front (adjustable rate and height)
· Custom traction bar (It stopped wheel hop at the starting line!)
· Tubular lower A-arms
· Bilstein Sport shocks
· VB&P front spreader bar and HD rear camber strut rods (threaded for easy adjustment)
· 1 1/8” front sway bar, 5/8” rear sway bar
· Wilwood Forged Dynalite Big Brake Front Brake Kit with oversized solid surface rotors, black 4-piston aluminum calipers
· Wilwood Forged Dynalite rear Brake Calipers, black 4-piston aluminum calipers on stock rotors
· BOSS 338 wheels, 18”, 3/8” custom billet hub centric spacers in front
· 255/45-18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar, Z-rated, 220AAA tires
(Note: Tires meet the SCCA Classic American Muscle (CAM) class “UTQG Treadwear Grade 200 or higher” rule.)
· Original Code 28 Dark Blue Metallic but not original paint. Previous owner’s red paint was media blasted and repainted to original color in 2005; original soft plastic bumper covers were replaced by fiberglass covers at that time (bonded and blended into body for a seamless look),
· Oyster leather and vinyl interior
· Mirrored glass T-tops
· Blaupunkt Monte Carlo MP34 CD, receiver, full-DIN, X-BASS, detachable faceplate, max 45W x 4 channels (15W x 4 continuous), custom carpeted rear speaker box with Polk Audio 6x9 3-way speakers, power radio antenna
· Upgrades and modifications reduced the weight a couple hundred pounds.
· The Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM), dealer shop manual, Hayes, and Chilton manuals, instructions for all major upgrades, and numerous parts are included.
· It also comes with hundreds of pictures of projects, etc.
· Clean title
Things that need some attention:
· Door locks
· Adjust power windows
· Reconnect Killer Lights electric headlight actuators (with Firebird Trans Am motors, C4 Corvette control module)
· Heat and blower controls need to be connected
· Body mounts are cracked but not really a problem. I have new ones, but this project never made it to the top of the list.
· Corners of the adjustable aluminum front valance/splitter need to be trimmed if you need to comply with SCCA Classic American Muscle (CAM) class rule, “Front splitter, air dam, and/or spoiler may be added below the bumper, but must not extend past the perimeter of the original body…”
· Transmission is leaking a little fluid, most likely from the press-fit cap on the yoke. It’s an easy fix (apply silicone sealer). I may have it fixed at a local shop.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...k-keisler.html
And driven almost 600 miles to its new home.
$14,500
86,200 miles (It had 69,800 miles when I bought it in 2001, so I drove it <1,000 miles/year.)
It’s not perfect and it needs a little work, but all the major modifications have been done: Engine, transmission, differential, suspension, brakes, exhaust, radiator, paint, etc. I put more than $24,000 into this car since I bought it in early 2001!
I had a detached garage with a 4-post lift and lots of room for parts and tools, but we moved “to the city” this year and downsized. I no longer have the space to work on it. I am deep into major remodeling projects, so I don’t have the time to autocross or otherwise enjoy it like we did. I used only ½ tank of gas this year and about that much last year. (It gets about 20 mpg.)
Here are the highlights of 17 years of upgrades:
· GM Performance 350 HO crate engine with iron 64cc Vortec heads, powdered metal steel connecting rods, cast-aluminum pistons, hydraulic flat tappet camshaft
(See more details at http://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210008.html. )
· Edelbrock RPM Air Gap dual plane intake with heat reflecting ceramic coated inside, heat radiating black ceramic coated outside
· Fuel Air Spark Technology (FAST) EZ fuel injection with a Walbro CA758-2 electric in-tank fuel pump (255 lph @ 50 psi)
· Aeromotive 13129 Fuel Pressure Regulator (30-70 psi) and Summit 230103 40 micron billet fuel filter
· GM Performance HEI distributor (Proform 141-682) with MSD control module, ACCEL Extreme 9000 ceramic spark plug wires
· AGM Industries AC Delete kit
· Long tube ceramic coated headers into a mandrel bent true dual exhaust with an X-pipe, Magna Flow mufflers with polished stainless steel downturned exhaust tips
· Keisler RS500 5-speed manual transmission (based on the T45 transmission used on GT and Cobra Mustangs through 2001)
· Centerforce DF735552 Dual Friction street/strip clutch with hydraulic actuator
· Hydratech aluminum master cylinder on a Hydratech Hydroboost hydraulic brake booster
· Champion aluminum radiator
· Shrouded dual 11 in. fans with a Ron Francis Wiring dual fan controller (independently adjustable for each fan)
· C5 Corvette-based cold air intake draws air from ahead of the radiator
· SpeedDIRECT Steeroids power rack & pinion steering conversion
· Composite monosprings back (360 lbs, lowered with C4 spring bolts) and front (adjustable rate and height)
· Custom traction bar (It stopped wheel hop at the starting line!)
· Tubular lower A-arms
· Bilstein Sport shocks
· VB&P front spreader bar and HD rear camber strut rods (threaded for easy adjustment)
· 1 1/8” front sway bar, 5/8” rear sway bar
· Wilwood Forged Dynalite Big Brake Front Brake Kit with oversized solid surface rotors, black 4-piston aluminum calipers
· Wilwood Forged Dynalite rear Brake Calipers, black 4-piston aluminum calipers on stock rotors
· BOSS 338 wheels, 18”, 3/8” custom billet hub centric spacers in front
· 255/45-18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar, Z-rated, 220AAA tires
(Note: Tires meet the SCCA Classic American Muscle (CAM) class “UTQG Treadwear Grade 200 or higher” rule.)
· Original Code 28 Dark Blue Metallic but not original paint. Previous owner’s red paint was media blasted and repainted to original color in 2005; original soft plastic bumper covers were replaced by fiberglass covers at that time (bonded and blended into body for a seamless look),
· Oyster leather and vinyl interior
· Mirrored glass T-tops
· Blaupunkt Monte Carlo MP34 CD, receiver, full-DIN, X-BASS, detachable faceplate, max 45W x 4 channels (15W x 4 continuous), custom carpeted rear speaker box with Polk Audio 6x9 3-way speakers, power radio antenna
· Upgrades and modifications reduced the weight a couple hundred pounds.
· The Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM), dealer shop manual, Hayes, and Chilton manuals, instructions for all major upgrades, and numerous parts are included.
· It also comes with hundreds of pictures of projects, etc.
· Clean title
Things that need some attention:
· Door locks
· Adjust power windows
· Reconnect Killer Lights electric headlight actuators (with Firebird Trans Am motors, C4 Corvette control module)
· Heat and blower controls need to be connected
· Body mounts are cracked but not really a problem. I have new ones, but this project never made it to the top of the list.
· Corners of the adjustable aluminum front valance/splitter need to be trimmed if you need to comply with SCCA Classic American Muscle (CAM) class rule, “Front splitter, air dam, and/or spoiler may be added below the bumper, but must not extend past the perimeter of the original body…”
· Transmission is leaking a little fluid, most likely from the press-fit cap on the yoke. It’s an easy fix (apply silicone sealer). I may have it fixed at a local shop.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...k-keisler.html
Last edited by MN80Vette; 11-08-2018 at 10:33 PM.
#3
Racer
Member Since: Jul 2018
Location: central Florida
Posts: 365
Received 200 Likes
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102 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
If this car had chrome bumpers, I'd be begging you to take my money!! Nice looking and I like the mod list
Jim
Jim
#4
Drifting
Thread Starter
#5
Instructor
#7
Drifting
Thread Starter
#8
Drifting
Thread Starter
The following users liked this post:
MN80Vette (09-13-2018)
#10
pm sent
#11
If it had chrome bumpers it would be double the price......Some are just overpriced if you ask me....I think this car is a great buy....Seems like a knowledgeable owner...
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MN80Vette (09-13-2018)
#12
Drifting
Thread Starter
A few C3 Forum members asked to see pictures of various parts of the build, so here are a few of the highlights:
It was originally red when I bought, several shades of red. I had it media blasted at a local shop and spent MANY hours filling and sanding.
It was originally red when I bought, several shades of red. I had it media blasted at a local shop and spent MANY hours filling and sanding.
#14
Drifting
Thread Starter
New diff, 360# composite rear spring, half shafts, VB&P HD rear camber strut rods, 5/8" rear sway bar, Centerforce DF735552 Dual Friction street/strip clutch with hydraulic actuator. (Bilstein shocks were added later.)
Last edited by MN80Vette; 09-17-2018 at 10:19 PM.
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
Engine with Holley carb (pre-FAST EZ EFI), drop base, K&N filter and lid.
Ported, ceramic coated Edelbrock RPM Air Gap, copper-nickel hard fuel lines, C5-like cold air intake
Ported, ceramic coated Edelbrock RPM Air Gap, copper-nickel hard fuel lines, C5-like cold air intake
#17
Drifting
Thread Starter
AC would be a nice upgrade for much of the country, but you'd have to move the hard fuel lines to make room for the compressor. I don't know if Vintage Air or Classic Auto Air make a kit that would fit a 1980.
#18
For me T-Tops are AC......Considering its going to be used as a second or third car, AC is not a big deal....This car seems to be really set up well......Best 80 I have seen..
The following users liked this post:
MN80Vette (09-23-2018)
The following users liked this post:
MN80Vette (09-23-2018)
#20
Race Director
Always liked this car. I have followed the build on this for a long time. Really nice ride. I have also not used my car much. As a matter of fact it has not really been used for 6 years. Even built the Cobra and have not driven it much. Good luck with the sale. Life moves on to other things.