I am not sure there is any way to modify a C3 to overcome 32+ years of technology.
S.

 

Have to put my .02 cents worth thoughts here.....although I would love to purchase a C7, I can't at this time, as I have 2 C3's and 1 C4 (ZR-1) that I bought 3 weeks ago. My 82 CFI C3 is by no means a slouch by any stretch of the imagination. It is my "dd" and has been for the past 25 months. It runs great, gets good mileage for what the technology was at the time. Yes the large bumps are no fun, but the smoother roads and the curves are a blast. I can keep up with just about anything out there if need be, the top end is nothing short of amazing, they can look like specs in the rearview if needed. I just can't understand why so many people put down the earlier generations. It just boggles my mind......
I feel a "true" Corvette enthusiast will enjoy any generation Corvette for what it is, and not what it isn't. Yes every new generation is the "best" yet and I agree with that completely. But that doesn't mean that you just throw the older ones off to the side. Anyone can enjoy any year Corvette to drive on a regular basis, it just depends on your frame of mind....Let the flames begin.............Tom

 

Doesn't have to be that way. There are a number of vendors that make suspension kits for the C3 that will transform both the ride and handling. Suspension technology has come a long way since the '70s and much can be retrofitted (my '75 has a composite rear spring, for instance, rather than the multileaf steel spring it came from the factory with).

 

IMO the C3 is one of the most beautiful cars still on the road. It was the Vette that hooked me and it has not lost it's appeal. Now keep in mind, I liked Vettes more for the looks than the HP (HP is a bonus). The subsequent generations C4, C5 and C6 just did not grab me the same way. I was waiting for GM to find the Vette spirit again but in a new version (I also like newer tech). When I saw the C7, it had the dramatic fenders and pronounced features that I saw in the C3. If the C7 had not been conceived, I would be restoring a C3 right now. I'm going with the C7.

I do own a C6 and love it but I did modify the looks more than I would a C3 or C7. It's really nice but a base has never stopped me in my tracks like the stock C3 and now C7.

 

Thanks, I was hoping someone would respond like this. I will look into it

 

I have several Corvettes and love them all

1:1 scale 2014 C7

1:24 scale 1968 C3 Coupe
1:18 scale 1957 C1 Convertible
1:18 scale 1966 C2 Coupe
1:24 scale 1957 Convertible
1:24 scale 2007 Coupe

 

So what's your point? I recently heard that a C2 sold at one of the big auto auction places for nearly $3.5 million. Can you believe it?...a C2? - old technology, it looks so dated etc, etc. When I see posts on this forum about how "dated" a generation previous to the C7 is, or how it represents old technology, it is totally irrelevant.

 

It wasn't Cheryl Tiegs, it was Farrah for me.

 

Currently own two Corvettes, my 14 Stingray Z51, 3LT coupe and the 1980 C3 I bought in 85.

There is no comparison. The C7 is faster, quicker, handles better, more comfortable, rides better and gets better mpg and many other things better.

My C3 has been updated several times. Much better coil springs and leaf spring, much better shocks and bushings, three years ago. ZZ4 high out put motor now. Art Car built 200R4 trans, custom stall converter, rear diff changed to 3:73 rear gear. So the car has way more HP and Torque than stock, and overdrive stock did not have, and a much better acceleration gear. The car now also gets better mpg than it did stock. I love the looks of C3 cars, especially with chrome front and rear bumpers.

The reason I never had a C4, or C5 was they never looked enough like a corvette to me, which to me was a C3.

The reason I have a C7 is it has lots of similarity to the C3, looks more like a corvette.

 

It didn't. I have a C7 TR Z51 vert. Didn't stop me from buying the C6 either (VR Z51 coupe). Or the NBM C5 Z51 vert sitting next to the C7 in the garage right now.

 

As far as rare C3's go, you will have to find an original numbers matching L88, ZL1, LS6, ZR1, LT1, #500K, a low mileage original garage queen, a Bloomington Gold certified survivor or a Baldwin and basically not be able to drive it let alone modify it the way you are looking to unless you want to completely devalue the car. Plus most of these will cost MUCH MORE than $60K just to purchase. Comparing 15 years of gen 3 to barely 1 year of gen 7, I would hardly call the C7 common.

A C3 is basically very similar to a C2 in terms of technology which dates back to the late 1950's. The Mitchell Corvette Stingray Concept car of 1959 was the basis for the C2 and was based on the 1957 SS. Duntov started designing the chassis structure before 1959. So you are basically comparing a C7 to 55-57 year old technology. (To me, the front opening, grill and chrome strip of the C7 reminds me of the '57 SS grill and opening.)

The newest C3's are already nearly 33 years old. If you want a very reliable car to drive all year round that even in stock form will run/out-run the very best of the latest, greatest performance cars built today then the choice is simple, choose the C7. If you are just looking for a nostalgic weekend toy just to go to the local parking lot gatherings, car shows or short sunny day trips then go for a C3. Either way you can't lose, it's a Corvette.

 

Check out this thread in the C3 forum.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-of-my-c3.html

Good discussion about options and realistic expectations.

 

okay i will pretty much be straight forward.

Im not a crazy driver, not into much tracks and stuff
ocasioanlly go out and drive have some not too dangerous fun.
willnig to spend some time to work on the car but not crazy (also dont have MUCH knowlege of cars)]
just know how to change brake, oil fluids, simple diagnostic not in car business.
but also willing to learn and have many ppl around me involved in car business, Bodyshop, mechanic


I just turn 30s. sounds dorky but i want
not only impress myself sitting in the car driving around, i like driving around. randomly going to somewhere with no destination
for 2 hours, and want to have some proud of what i have
Also, i want other ppl to think that car is SICKKKK ..honestly.

However, my concern is i've never driven old cars, i may flight to Ohio later
to see pretty much built C3 and test drive or see but just wnatto know before that

1. how the cornering of c3 after some upgrade on suspensions and tire etc.. im drinving g37s now.
2. my g37s traction controll saves me more 2~3 times on high way,
3. restoring of A/c isnt hard work?
4. hows fiber maintanance. i live in NJ some bumps are here.
5. appriximated price on c3 upgrading.
pretty good restored c3 + LS7 or any good engine above 400hp+, rims, tire, side exahust, body work, Ac/ Tranny etc.

 

IMHO C3 is for looks and nostalgia, don't see many around, so there is a "cool factor". C3 is not a reliable DD.
Don't see many C7's either, but that will change with time.

I love my C3, plan on keeping it and getting a C7 soon!

 

Bought each new....C7 is more joy!

 

And i bought one of them!

sorry for the OT

 

I just sold my 72 chrome bumper numbers matching LT-1 coupe after purchasing a 2014 Stingray. The LT-1 was in great shape and ran great. I've always thought the big curvy C3 fenders were pure sex on wheels. They were the new Vettes when I was growing up.
But if you really want to drive it, no question.....get a C7 Stingray.

 

and who in their right mind would buy a tv from costco?

 

Surely you know about the pro-touring scene? SRIII chassis and enough money and you can build a modern C3 w/o issue.

 

Isn't deciding between a C3 or C7 sort of like deciding between Bo Derek or Brooklyn Decker?