Corvettes

[Speedbag]

Hell yes. Exactly what I meant.

So...  if you're after a C3 Vette, why not get a smogged out '75-'80?!?  The lower power output has likely been more friendly to the drive-line throughout the years and it's going to cost less.  Spend the difference on some 'fun' parts for the SBC motor and just put smiles on your face...

Thinkin' out loud...

+1

Or buy the nastiest crate small block that GM Performance sells, spend a weekend swilling beer with a couple buddies and performing the swap, and presto.....

[Bun-bun]

IIRC, the differences between the non smog and early smog motors was mainly smog pumps, carbs, exhaust, and cams. It wasn't until the late '70s that they started dropping compression. It would seem to me that it would be fairly easy to get some HP out of an early smog motor by dumping the smog pump, and putting a 4bbl carb/ intake on it, no?

[Howie]

The big drop in HP in 1972 was the change in HP rating.  In 1971 we rated engines in gross HP.  1972 was the switch to net HP. 

[Duck-Stew]

IIRC, the differences between the non smog and early smog motors was mainly smog pumps, carbs, exhaust, and cams. It wasn't until the late '70s that they started dropping compression. It would seem to me that it would be fairly easy to get some HP out of an early smog motor by dumping the smog pump, and putting a 4bbl carb/ intake on it, no?

In the mid 70's, cylinder head technology sucked.  Providing the pistons in the short-block are worth any-damned-thing...  Cheapest alternative for power is a set of heads, cam (& lifters), intake, headers and a carb.  Yes, complete cylinder heads as bolt-ons.

Modifying existing heads is an effort in futility....

[Kopfjager]

Black on Black C6. 

Cammed 415whp C6 idling, revving and launch!

[Bun-bun]

In the mid 70's, cylinder head technology sucked.  Providing the pistons in the short-block are worth any-damned-thing...  Cheapest alternative for power is a set of heads, cam (& lifters), intake, headers and a carb.  Yes, complete cylinder heads as bolt-ons.

Modifying existing heads is an effort in futility....

If that's the case, I have a set of heads off a '94 Chevy 350 sitting in my garage. If the OP gets his 'vette, I'll happily donate them to the cause.

They need a good cleanup, and new valves and springs, but it's still a bargain.

[Travman]

To me the earliest C3 vettes are the best.  As long as they had chrome bumpers they looked pretty good. 

[Duck-Stew]

To me the earliest C3 vettes are the best.  As long as they had chrome bumpers they looked pretty good. 

oh yeah...  Forgot about those.  If possible, buy the chrome bumpered 'Vette, if not convert a later one...

Oh yeah, and try to get a 4-speed car.  Automatics belong in grocery getters!

[the_Journeyman]

Oh yeah, and try to get a 4-speed car.  Automatics belong in grocery getters!

No kidding.  I makes me sad when I see a high performance car with an auto ~

JM

[TJR178]

My uncle has a gold 69 Stingray with a big block and side pipes. I am not a Vette fan by any means but that car just gets my blood flowing when I drive it.
Similar to this except in gold...

That is the most badest ass vette I've ever seen