1975 Corvette - bit of an anti-climax
Discussion
Drove a mates Corvette recently, what an anticlimax, really wanted one as a kid but the driving experience, yuk. More here - http://www.teamchernobylracing.com/page20.htm
A good mod for the steering is the Steeroids rack & pinion kit. Transforms the steering to point and go, to my mind Smart Struts on the rear suspension are a must also. Being an Auto isn't that big a problem per se with that model, its more all the emissions crap that they came with that really strangled the engine power.
G
G
Er, in your report you say it is running on 7 cylinders. Plus a '75, the engines were losing power to emissions, so 0-60 in 7.7 is what you'll get on stock engine and auto, but I suspect this one is down on that.
If someone had driven your (sounds slightly shagged too) MX5, I'm sure the same conclusions could be unfairly drawn about the marque.
I had my first Vette ride in a 1969 big block, the kind gentleman who took me out said the steering was a touch vage, and the car would kill you in the wet (it was on cross-plies) - but you couldn't get over the excitement of sitting in a cramped gauge filled cockpit behind a large mill with a small sticker on the air cleaner reading 390hp. When power was well rumoured to be underquoted too.
Lastly, I used to think C3's probably didn't have all that much go or handling prowess, but having ben in a friend's 1980, which only has a few minor tuning goodies on it, I can safely say that is not the case, his posts about 6 secs 0-60 (not that far behind my C4) and is pretty tidy in terms of handling (rear wheel steering out of T junctions available on request too).
So, thanks for your observation, it is entirely valid. The rest of us will continue to enjoy our cars.
If someone had driven your (sounds slightly shagged too) MX5, I'm sure the same conclusions could be unfairly drawn about the marque.
I had my first Vette ride in a 1969 big block, the kind gentleman who took me out said the steering was a touch vage, and the car would kill you in the wet (it was on cross-plies) - but you couldn't get over the excitement of sitting in a cramped gauge filled cockpit behind a large mill with a small sticker on the air cleaner reading 390hp. When power was well rumoured to be underquoted too.
Lastly, I used to think C3's probably didn't have all that much go or handling prowess, but having ben in a friend's 1980, which only has a few minor tuning goodies on it, I can safely say that is not the case, his posts about 6 secs 0-60 (not that far behind my C4) and is pretty tidy in terms of handling (rear wheel steering out of T junctions available on request too).
So, thanks for your observation, it is entirely valid. The rest of us will continue to enjoy our cars.
I have a 76 stingray. Love her to bits and at the moment I'm detailing the bay. She is standard apart from ss exhausts. I know the cars of the 70's were choked with emmissions. Is there any way I can safely get rid of the emmission gubbins without affecting the engine. I have the original air cleaner on
Jamie
Jamie
franv8 said:
So, thanks for your observation, it is entirely valid. The rest of us will continue to enjoy our cars.
I am sure it would have been more fun had the engine and steering been sorted, but to be honest, I doubt anyone would buy one for the pure driving experience. It did look the part though. My review(s) are always tongue firmly in cheek, no offence intended (unless you are Chris Bangle).PS - My MX5 is not lightly shagged, it is heavily shagged... ;-)
Will try and contact paul 81 to get the gen on de-smogging the old gal. CCUk site is down at the moment. I don't think there are many c3 owners who blast there cars, much nicer to cruise and relax. If I want a good blast I jump in my gtr r33 vspec.I think the c2 and c3 stingrays were way ahead of the time and puts the majority of cars body shapes to shame even today. Used to go to meets with the ccuk and there was always a few 454 c3's but you don't see many of them for sale today.
Will try and contact paul 81 to get the gen on de-smogging the old gal. CCUk site is down at the moment. I don't think there are many c3 owners who blast there cars, much nicer to cruise and relax. If I want a good blast I jump in my gtr r33 vspec.I think the c2 and c3 stingrays were way ahead of the time and puts the majority of cars body shapes to shame even today. Used to go to meets with the ccuk and there was always a few 454 c3's but you don't see many of them for sale today.
'Most C3 owners only cruise in the car'
I don't think so!
Can't speak for everyone but when driving my BB C3 car my right foot is pressed as often as possible firmly to the floor and beyond!
C3's don't handle!
Again don't think so somehow. Bearing in mind the age of the design, treated with respect and with perhaps the right modern or even period suspension options and low profile tyres they will handle far better than many cars from this period.
Its like saying a Ford Focus dosen't handle when all you have driven is a 1.4 base model ex rental hack with 100000+ miles and really wanted a ST180 (or whatever the latest super wizbang 5 cylinder Volvo powered thing is called)
I don't think so!
Can't speak for everyone but when driving my BB C3 car my right foot is pressed as often as possible firmly to the floor and beyond!
C3's don't handle!
Again don't think so somehow. Bearing in mind the age of the design, treated with respect and with perhaps the right modern or even period suspension options and low profile tyres they will handle far better than many cars from this period.
Its like saying a Ford Focus dosen't handle when all you have driven is a 1.4 base model ex rental hack with 100000+ miles and really wanted a ST180 (or whatever the latest super wizbang 5 cylinder Volvo powered thing is called)
You don't buy an unmodified '75 Vette for the handling or performance, given that a 32 year old car can easily have knackered suspension bushes, brakes, springs, etc., and that the emission controls had effectively castrated the engine power by that time. I know, I had one... 
However, what you do get is a street presence second to virtually none, an absolute classic in car design; but nonetheless a sheep in wolf's clothing. It looks the part and sounds the part, but unfortunately does not really deliver. This is true of many iconic cars (especially performance cars) which became virtually outlawed in the 70s due to the oil crisis.
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The fact is that these days many of the mid-70's Vettes around have now had their emission control gear junked, had their suspension and/or steering upgraded, and perform way better than they were supposed to. Also, even though they look similar all C3 Corvettes are very definitely NOT the same. Many of the earlier (and later) C3s are like chalk and cheese with the mid-70's ones, which is why they are generally more "affordable" than other years.
So don't judge all C3s by one relatively poor/standard '75, there are some very well sorted monsters out there
.
However, what you do get is a street presence second to virtually none, an absolute classic in car design; but nonetheless a sheep in wolf's clothing. It looks the part and sounds the part, but unfortunately does not really deliver. This is true of many iconic cars (especially performance cars) which became virtually outlawed in the 70s due to the oil crisis.
.The fact is that these days many of the mid-70's Vettes around have now had their emission control gear junked, had their suspension and/or steering upgraded, and perform way better than they were supposed to. Also, even though they look similar all C3 Corvettes are very definitely NOT the same. Many of the earlier (and later) C3s are like chalk and cheese with the mid-70's ones, which is why they are generally more "affordable" than other years.
So don't judge all C3s by one relatively poor/standard '75, there are some very well sorted monsters out there
.
I have always tried to keep my vette original as I have had her for 25 years now. She is in immaculate condition and never wanted for nothing, every bush on the car replaced. I use her mainly for local shows now. I know that their are some ferocious vettes as I used to go to track day events way back in mid 80's. Always fancied the 454 engined vette. As I say if I want a blast i take my 550bhp skyline out, that frees the cobwebs
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