Why shouldn't I get a C3?

[irocfan]

well really the title says it all. Currently driving an 05 GT Mustang which I love but it doesn't get used as often as it used to so I'm having a periodic "have a look at something else" moment. In all honesty the sale proceeds from the Mustang would finance the C3 (no interest in a 4 or 5 even though they are better cars) so that pretty much limits me to a non-chrome bumper version and more likely specifically late '70's to '82. I know that the Mustang would leave the majority of C3's scrabbling for dust - but to be honest it's not about ultimate performance, more of a fun-days and holidays car. Having just said that I have seen a couple of 383 engined ones in the US which does seem to be quite interesting from a performance PoV should I wish to take a chance.... not overly concerned about the mpgs (though a 700R4 fitted would likely give the best of both worlds).

Any thoughts?

[roscobbc]

The 'trick' (if finances allow) is to buy as good a late model C3 as you can - skip the 383 stroker build (as good as they are) and go with a new crate GM 454 LSX. Same basic dimensions as an earlier small block although not fully interchangeable)and get a 600+ HP 'fix'
http://www.partsworldperformance.com/chevrolet-lsx...

[irocfan]

lol... I wish! If I go down this route I'll be on a tight budget anyway so realistically any spare funds would go into 'fettling' said vehicle rather than outright modding sooooo if I find one that meets all my criteria and has been stroked then fine and dandy otherwise it'll be a standard 190/210 bhp

[roscobbc]

Someone on Eurodragster has just put up a 427 small block rotating assy at bargain money - only problem is that it needs a 400 cu in block to get that capacity!

[PHCorvette]

Worth having a chat with Merlin from Duke of London (do a google), he's had a raft of c3's through in good nick recently.

Make sure the frame is checked whatever you buy, in fact, worth watching Car SoS for their strip down rebuild to see what to look for. CCCUK is also probably going to get you quicker answers.

[roscobbc]

PHCorvette said:

Worth having a chat with Merlin from Duke of London (do a google), he's had a raft of c3's through in good nick recently.

Make sure the frame is checked whatever you buy, in fact, worth watching Car SoS for their strip down rebuild to see what to look for. CCCUK is also probably going to get you quicker answers.

Sorry fella's taking Car SOS's lead on restoring a Vette is bad, bad news - owner of car is buddy of mine and that was most certainly NOT the way to 'restore' a Vette.

[irocfan]

roscobbc said:

Sorry fella's taking Car SOS's lead on restoring a Vette is bad, bad news - owner of car is buddy of mine and that was most certainly NOT the way to 'restore' a Vette.

I had heard that there was/had been legal action regarding that. All in all not a happy outcome

[PHCorvette]

whats happened then?

I wasnt saying about how to restore it but an insight as to what could be lurking.

[roscobbc]

Without approval of car owner I'm not commenting further - except to say that 'birdcage' repair is generally accepted by most people to be a 'body-off' job - rather than partially cutting front fenders away for access to 'birdcage' for welding etc.