I could use some help deciding what to buy..

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I could use some help deciding what to buy..

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Corvette Forum >> Corvette Models >> Corvette C3 Forum >> I could use some help deciding what to buy..

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I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/10/2007 10:25:45 PM

Rickcusaf

Posts: 172
Joined: 8/26/2007
Status: offline

I pulled some cash from one of my accounts to upgrade stuff in the vette. I've got 3k to play with and I'm trying to decide what's the best route to go.

So far I've decided on a 2500 rpm stall converter from TCI.(450)

So I'm left with 2550 and not a clue what to spend it on.

My ideas so far are upgrading to a serpentine belt system
Fixing the A/C (needs new brackets)
Redoing the brakes (pads/rotors)
Rack and pinion steering
Coil over springs or an air ride suspension.

Or possibly a small blower and a 3000 rpm stall converter.

What other things can you all think of?

So far my vette is pushing 400hp under the hood and 300 to the rear wheels.
Has a B&M shift kit
Interior is in near mint condition/ with new Leather seats.
MSD Ignition (Except for the box, I saw no need for it)
Exterior is good and has only minor minor surface rust in some spots which I'm in the process of taking care of.
Hooker competition headers with borla true dual exhaust.
Edelbrock 830 cfm carb (I know normally this is way too big, but the car has been tuned around it)

Post #: 1

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/11/2007 5:36:57 AM

C3 Starship

Posts: 4761
Joined: 7/25/2006
Status: online

I'm a real proponant of upgraded suspension.

The system I have will run ya about $2300 and some change.
Brakes and rack and pinion are good choices too.

_____________________________

1980 L-82 Fastback (forward too)
Mono composite front and rear.
Full adjust ride height and
response.
400+ hp, 454, M-22, 3.07

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o225/C3Starship/Patch.jpg

2007 H. D. Sportster, XL 883 EFI

(in reply to Rickcusaf)

Post #: 2

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/11/2007 10:41:19 PM

73shark

Posts: 1097
Joined: 4/18/2006
Status: offline

What about the Honest Charly decals?

Seriously tho, don't know how many miles you got on it but other things to consider are U-joints and rebuilt trailing arms with new bearings, etc.

_____________________________

So many toys, so little time

(in reply to C3 Starship)

Post #: 3

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/12/2007 5:06:46 AM

C3 Starship

Posts: 4761
Joined: 7/25/2006
Status: online

I'd hold off on the Honest Charlie decals, you wanna make sure everything is in tip top shape, before you add that kind of horse power.

Ya, drive train, bushings, and trailling arms, but ya might as well get the brakes done. Safety first, and go from there.

(in reply to 73shark)

Post #: 4

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/12/2007 1:03:40 PM

ChuckNeste

Posts: 1
Joined: 10/12/2007
Status: offline

I am looking to buy a corvette and wanted to know what were the best years between 1980 and 1982. ?

Chuck

(in reply to Rickcusaf)

Post #: 5

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/12/2007 5:01:59 PM

C3 Starship

Posts: 4761
Joined: 7/25/2006
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: ChuckNeste

I am looking to buy a corvette and wanted to know what were the best years between 1980 and 1982. ?

Chuck

Welcome to CF, Chuck!

Best year between '80 and '82, uh.....'81.?

(sorry, I couldn't help it

)
I have an '80 L-82, and love it!

'82 is the last C3.

_____________________________

1980 L-82 Fastback (forward too)
Mono composite front and rear.
Full adjust ride height and
response.
400+ hp, 454, M-22, 3.07

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o225/C3Starship/Patch.jpg

2007 H. D. Sportster, XL 883 EFI

(in reply to ChuckNeste)

Post #: 6

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/12/2007 6:10:15 PM

73shark

Posts: 1097
Joined: 4/18/2006
Status: offline

82s also had the infamous Crossfire FI but it may not have been as bad as the "electronically controlled" Qjets. Also 82 was the year of the Collector Edition model. Very nice IMO.

Good luck in your search.

Starship, loved your joke.

_____________________________

So many toys, so little time

(in reply to ChuckNeste)

Post #: 7

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/12/2007 10:15:24 PM

Rickcusaf

Posts: 172
Joined: 8/26/2007
Status: offline

So far I've decided on:

Torque Converter (B&M 2400 RPM)
Transmission Cooling system (No point putting the tc on if the trans is going to blow from the heat)
Rotors/Pads
New passenger side door lock mechanism
New corvette style radio.

Debating on:
New shocks (I'm not too familiar with good brands or if I should just put in replacement stock shocks.)
Monospring vice the leaf spring

Not sure what to spend the rest on.

(in reply to 73shark)

Post #: 8

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/13/2007 10:03:24 AM

73shark

Posts: 1097
Joined: 4/18/2006
Status: offline

While you are doing the brakes, might want to check your calipers if they haven't been replaced with ones with stainless steel liners in the bores. Original calipers were a serious weak point as they would pit severely and then start leaking.

_____________________________

So many toys, so little time

(in reply to Rickcusaf)

Post #: 9

RE: I could use some help deciding what to buy.. - 10/13/2007 10:15:45 AM

C3 Starship

Posts: 4761
Joined: 7/25/2006
Status: online

I like the mono springs. Less weight, and no corrosion probs.

Leaf springs can squeek, due to corrosion build up between the leafs. The leafs actually slide on one another. ( sliding, [ friction ], also causes wear ) Not so with the monos, I feel that they are a lot smoother as far as ride and responce.

_____________________________

1980 L-82 Fastback (forward too)
Mono composite front and rear.
Full adjust ride height and
response.
400+ hp, 454, M-22, 3.07

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o225/C3Starship/Patch.jpg

2007 H. D. Sportster, XL 883 EFI

(in reply to 73shark)

Post #: 10