Another C3 Newb with Q's

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Another C3 Newb with Q's

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Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 4:38:48 AM

DoubleWasp

Posts: 13
Joined: 10/20/2007
Status: offline

Hi, I just picked up a green 73 Vette with the 454 and 4-speed. It's in great shape, but has manual steering and brakes. Is there any aftermarket solution for dropping in a power brake master cylinder? I have other musclecars that this is offered for, but dunno about C3 Vettes.

I think I am OK with the manual steering, but just in case, could that be converted over to power steering without too much drama? I doubt I will go down that road, since I like the precision of a good manual steering system over a power steering system, but just keeping my options open.

Also, how much horsepower does this engine realistically make?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Post #: 1

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 6:00:05 AM

C3 Starship

Posts: 4761
Joined: 7/25/2006
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Welcome to CF!

You can get an aftermarket rack and pinion steering.

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Mono composite front and rear.
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Post #: 2

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 6:07:47 AM

DoubleWasp

Posts: 13
Joined: 10/20/2007
Status: offline

Sweet. That way I could get a double upgrade. :D But I'll stick with the stock steering for now until I am sure I want to do that. :)

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Post #: 3

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 9:37:26 AM

73shark

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

Here's one: http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=853
Here's stock: http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=989

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Post #: 4

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 8:39:48 PM

ksvette

Posts: 38
Joined: 10/13/2007
Status: offline

I beleive power brakes were on option, on the small blocks at least. If you have room you should be able to switch it over, but don't know how much room you will have.

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Post #: 5

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 9:40:52 PM

blueshark

Posts: 2170
Joined: 7/20/2006
From: Dickson, TN.
Status: offline

Welcome to the site. Any pictures? We love pictures. Don't forget the wave.

My '73 Factory Big Block came with power steering and brakes. The only clearance problems I know of might be the oil pan on the power steering and the drivers side valve cover. The valve cover needs to be concaved on the back outboard side to clear the power booster. I believe the booster is just a stock GM part. But you may need parts at the wheels. Cheers

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Post #: 6

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 10:14:49 PM

Wedge

Posts: 227
Joined: 11/3/2005
Status: offline

Wow... a LS4 with manual steering and manual brakes. Did it come with a radio? Sounds to me like a car that was destined for the track. Do me a favor if you get the chance. If this is the original block for the car, a 3999289 block casting LS4, look above the oil filter on the drivers side of the motor. There you will find 3 capped off holes. I have been looking for other 4 bolt main 73 vettes with original LS4 motors. If it is a 4 bolt, there will be 2 large (1/2") plugs and 1 small (3/8) plug. If it is a 2 bolt all 3 will be the same size (3/8). Or... if you pull the pan... let me know what you see. I have an original 4 bolt in mine and allegedly only a few exist. Post your vin if you can... that would be great.
Thanks in advance for your time, and welcome to the forum. These guys are great and really know alot.
Later,
Wedge

(in reply to DoubleWasp)

Post #: 7

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/20/2007 10:28:53 PM

Wedge

Posts: 227
Joined: 11/3/2005
Status: offline

Oh, and in response to the HP question, Chevy posted 275hp for the LS4 powered vettes. In 72 they changed the way they rated hp, from gross at the crank to rear wheel to get by the insurance industry and the EPA. It's compression was dropped slightly to 8.25 to run on unleaded fuel, and it lost a few ponies, but was still in the neighborhood of 360hp at the crank with 395 ft lbs of torque. Mine was crank dyno'd at 425, but with the taller hood to clear the intake, I don't see my right fender at all. A trade off I can live with! The sky is the limit... it is a great motor!
Wedge

(in reply to DoubleWasp)

Post #: 8

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/21/2007 4:28:06 PM

DoubleWasp

Posts: 13
Joined: 10/20/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: blueshark

Welcome to the site. Any pictures? We love pictures. Don't forget the wave.

My '73 Factory Big Block came with power steering and brakes. The only clearance problems I know of might be the oil pan on the power steering and the drivers side valve cover. The valve cover needs to be concaved on the back outboard side to clear the power booster. I believe the booster is just a stock GM part. But you may need parts at the wheels. Cheers

Need to get some pics soon as I get a new digital camera this week. Mine won't charge any longer. :( Next one is going to be the kind that runs off of double-A batteries.

I see. I have made sheet metal aluminum valve covers before, so I might just do the same for this so I will have the proper clearance. I was considering just doing the PS conversion, and just running an aftermarket hydroboost, which would definitely spare a lot of room for the valve covers. I had such a system on my Satellite, so I guess I will see if the same is offered for the C3.

Thanks. :)

(in reply to blueshark)

Post #: 9

RE: Another C3 Newb with Q's - 10/21/2007 4:32:55 PM

DoubleWasp

Posts: 13
Joined: 10/20/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wedge

Wow... a LS4 with manual steering and manual brakes. Did it come with a radio? Sounds to me like a car that was destined for the track. Do me a favor if you get the chance. If this is the original block for the car, a 3999289 block casting LS4, look above the oil filter on the drivers side of the motor. There you will find 3 capped off holes. I have been looking for other 4 bolt main 73 vettes with original LS4 motors. If it is a 4 bolt, there will be 2 large (1/2") plugs and 1 small (3/8) plug. If it is a 2 bolt all 3 will be the same size (3/8). Or... if you pull the pan... let me know what you see. I have an original 4 bolt in mine and allegedly only a few exist. Post your vin if you can... that would be great.
Thanks in advance for your time, and welcome to the forum. These guys are great and really know alot.
Later,
Wedge

I don't think it came with a radio, but there is an aftermarket one in there now lol. The funny thing is, I got a KILLER deal on it because nobody wanted it because it has no PS or PB. I figured, if I really wanted it, I could just get it.

I just checked, and mine has the 2 large plugs and the smaller one. What are those plugs for anyway? Some kind of provision for a dry sump system? I guess I will yank the pan sometime to be sure, but the 2 larger plugs are definitely half inchers. I know from having installed electric thermostats in my GTX. After doing that, I know how to tell the sizes. ;)

I thought my motor felt pretty powerful for a 70s big block, but I guess it just is powerful. :)

Thanks

(in reply to Wedge)

Post #: 10