I bought a Corvette.

[82355]

I did finish installing the brakes today. It now has functioning brakes, wheels, and tires. Small start, but better than nothing.



Martin

 

[max 02]

It has no drivetrain in it currently, but I did fire the engine while it was hanging from a chain, just to see if it would.

In 1979, GM put deeper gears in Corvettes for some reason. My guess is because of the Little Red Express. So this car should have 3.50:1 gears.

Martin

So a Big block and a standard will go in it!??

 

[82355]

Is Photobucket not working for anyone else?

Martin

 

[82355]

So a Big block and a standard will go in it!??

It was an automatic from the factory. Sadly, by the mid 70's, the 4 speed was almost a rarity. I am trying to find the four speed parts though.

As for a big block, I am not sure.

Went back and double checked, because I couldn't remember the years for sure, but 1968 was the last year that the majority of Corvettes were convertibles (that was a good trend to end as far as I am concerned), and 1971 was the last year that the majority of Corvettes had manual transmissions (it was just over half that had automatics in '72 at 54%).

Martin

 

[82355]

I got bored.

Year - Total Production - Slushbox - Percentage Of Lame

Under a quarter of production, not bad.

1968 - 28,566 - 5,063 - 18%
1969 - 38762 - 8,162 - 21%

Under half, better than over.

1970 - 17,316 - 5,102 - 29%
1971 - 21,801 - 10,060 - 46%

Over half, how sad.

1972 -27,004 - 14,543 - 54%
1973 - 30,464 - 17,927 - 59%
1974 - 37,502 - 25,146 - 67%
1975 - 38,465 - 28,473 - 74%

Over three quarters, how pathetic.

1976 - 46,558 - 36,625 - 79%
1977 - 49,213 - 41,231 - 84%
1978 - 46,776 - 38,614 - 83%
1979 - 53,807 - 41,454 - 77%
1980 - 40,614 - 34,838 - 86%
1981 - 40,606 - 34,849 - 86%

Wasn't even available.

1982 - 25,407 - 25,407 - 100%

Martin

 

[beags86]

I am sure thats not just Corvettes, I bet you would notice a similar trend in all cars and trucks. Over the years people just bought more autos.

 

[82355]

I am sure thats not just Corvettes, I bet you would notice a similar trend in all cars and trucks. Over the years people just bought more autos.

Oh I know that.

These are Corvettes though, not just some lame ass commuter car.

Martin

 

[Mark1968]

Is it done yet?

 

[76zimmer]

My 74 L-82 was a 4 speed car, funnernhell!
75 last year for converts until 86.
74 last year for BBC.
mid-late 70's cars pretty much sucked across the board.

 

[82355]

Not done.

I don't care for convertibles. Big blocks are cool though.

Martin

 

[82355]

Tried to put the 327 in it just to get it running. Found out I am missing way more parts than I thought. I am trying to figure out if I can use truck accessories. Corvette people are not a lot of help.

Martin

 

[82355]

Also not sure how the hell I am suppose to put the engine in there??? Might have to use a tractor and loader, my cherry picker has no where near enough reach.

Martin

 

[Phil513]

I guess those long pointy noses don't remove very easily.

 

[82355]

I guess those long pointy noses don't remove very easily.

I honestly don't know.

Martin

 

[skunked]

Can't you drop the engine in with the cherry picker reaching over a fender?

 

[76zimmer]

What question do you have about accessories?
Maybe this will help:
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/49718-small-block-pumps-pulleys-brackets/
The body panels are bonded on
Bumpers hood doors and rear exhaust panel are bolted on

 

[82355]

Can't you drop the engine in with the cherry picker reaching over a fender?

I've thought about that. The thing is, it is the engine and transmission. I would have to get someone to help me do it that way.

Martin

 

[82355]

What question do you have about accessories?[\QUOTE]

I was trying to figure out how the brackets that came with the car worked.

Found out the one bracket bolted to the front of the engine was actually a Ford bracket.......

I think I am going to use a serpentine set up.

Martin

 

[BadDog]

I've never done engine+trans, but over the fender for a bare engine using shop engine crane works, but it's a real pain. Mine was a 72 L-82 and very low to the ground (2" clearance to frame), so it was done on jack stands with the tire off. Obviously it could be done with an a-frame gantry too, which likely works better and safer with a combo, pushing those cranes sideways loaded is risky. I also had a 76, but that was just a powder puff driver (and weekend show), so I never did much mechanical work on it.

As for removing the nose, that aint happening unless you're already neck deep in body work. The body panels are all "bonded", so it's pretty comparable to saying "just pull off the tail clip to change the rear axle.

I don't know, never tried, but I doubt truck accy brackets will work. I'm going from 30 year old memories, but the way everything is packed in so low and tight to fit, I just don't think you'll have much luck on that path.

 

[superbuickguy]

love it. I laugh at people who get snooty about C3s, sure the rubber-bumper cars were dogs - but the absolute easiest thing to fix is the hp problem; not just that but GM put 700 hp motors in that chassis and successfully raced them. Keep up the good work, I'm afflicted by C3s too....
my last one

my current one


it'll be nicer then the first.

and here's why I love them: 1) outside smog regs except in Kalifornia - and who care what those communists think? 2) will take any motor, 3) will flat out stomp on an autocross course for 50% of Miata money, and 4) it irritates the snot out of the tea and biscuit Corvette guys who spend their lives finding the right date stamped hose.....