Corvette C3 1968-1982: HT Build & Modify: How to Build and Modify

Corvette C3 1968-1982: HT Build & Modify: How to Build and Modify

by Chris Petris
Corvette C3 1968-1982: HT Build & Modify: How to Build and Modify

Corvette C3 1968-1982: HT Build & Modify: How to Build and Modify

by Chris Petris

Paperback

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Overview

About a half-million Corvettes were sold between 1968 and 1982, and the distinctive Shark body style with the combination of V-8 power has gained legendary status. Some Corvettes are too rare and valuable to be modified. These include the big-block cars built between 1968 and 1974, which command big dollars at auctions. However, the vast majority of Corvettes, built between 1975 and 1982, are affordable and plentiful, and these are ideal for high-performance builds.

Many Corvettes from this era are often considered weekend cruisers because they carry antiquated brakes, steering, and suspension, and also anemic V-8 engines with 165-220 horsepower. Lacking modern technology, these 31-year-old or older cars are ripe for a high-performance transformation. And with the right build-up plan, products, and services, they can become high-performance sports cars that rival current sports cars on the road today. Corvette expert and builder Chris Petris shows how to transform a mundane C3 into a standout, high-performance car. The most popular upgrades to every component group are covered including engine, transmission, differential, front suspension, rear suspension, steering, chassis, electrics, interior, tires and wheels, and more. With this information, you will confidently know all the products and procedures that make the car as a whole a far better performer than stock.

Corvette C3: How to Build and Modify is the ideal book for the at-home mechanic as well as the adept enthusiast supervising the build-up of a Corvette. Whether it's mildly modifying your Corvette for greater comfort and drivability or substantially modifying it for vastly improved acceleration, braking, and handling, this book has a massive amount of information to help accomplish the reader's goals.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781613250334
Publisher: CarTech
Publication date: 02/14/2014
Series: Performance Projects
Pages: 176
Product dimensions: 8.30(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Chris Petris, President of Petris Enterprises, restores and modifies Corvettes on a daily basis at his specialty business. He is an ASE Master Certified Technician and has performed many C3 high-performance build-ups at his own shop. He managed the Corvette service center for Eckler’s and has worked behind the scenes at Greenwood Automotive. Currently, Petris is a contributing technical editor for Auto Enthusiast magazine. He has also been a Bloomington Gold School technical instructor for 11 years.

Table of Contents

Table Of Contents:
Acknowledgments 4
Introduction 5
Chapter 1: Engine Modifications 6
Inspection and Testing 7
Intake Manifolds 10
Cylinder Heads 12
Camshaft Selection and Installation 16
Chapter 2: Crate Engine or LS Engine? 19
Crate Engines 19
Crate Sources 20
LS Engines 21
LS1 Install 25
Engine Setup and Tuning 33
Chapter 3: Power Adders 34
Nitrous Oxide 34
Nitrous Flow Control 38
Supercharging and Turbocharging 40
Superchargers 40
Turbochargers 42
Intercoolers 43
Chapter 4: Performance Fuel Systems 44
Carburetors 44
Carb Sources 45
Fuel Injection 49
EFI Manufacturer Options 50
Wiring 51
Fuel System 53
Aftermarket Fuel Tanks 56
Fuel Lines 60
Chapter 5: Exhaust Systems 62
Headers 63
Exhaust System Obstacles 69
Catalytic Converters 70
Mufflers 70
Kit Options 71
Chapter 6: Performance Cooling System 73
Cooling System Design 73
Radiator Choice 75
Tube Requirements 75
Coolant Flow Rate 77
Cooling Fans 77
Ancillary Cooling Systems 81
Cooling System Tips 83
Accessory Drive Systems 83
Aftermarket Kits 86
Chapter 7: Transmissions and Drivelines 88
Manual Transmission Technology 88
Transmission Gearing 89
Transmission Options 90
Clutches 94
Automatic Transmissions 97
Modify or Swap? 98
The Ultimate Swap: A 4L60E 101
Transmission Installation 102
Chapter 8: Driveline 105
Differential 106
Axle and Driveshaft 115
Universal Joints 115
Chapter 9: Aftermarket Chassis Installation 117
Do You Need One? 117
Three Project Examples 118
Prep for Body Removal 120
Body Cushion Removal 122
Lifting the Body 123
Suspension and Drivetrain Installation 126
Chapter 10: Chassis Modifications 129
Damage Inspection 130
Front Suspension and Steering 130
Rear Suspension 139
Springs 143
Shocks 143
Coil-Over Kits 144
Anti-Roll Bars 145
Chassis Stiffening and Bracing 146
Alignment 146
Chapter 11: Brake Upgrades 148
Calipers 149
Disc Pads 151
Disc Brake Rotors 151
Brake Bias 155
Brake Boosters 155
Brake Fluid 158
Brake Bleeding 158
Performance Brake Kits 158
Chapter 12: Wheels and Tires 161
Wheels 161
Wheel Fitment 164
Wheel Upkeep 164
Tires 166
Tire Balancing 167
Tire Wear 168
Chapter 13: Interior Upgrades 169
Seat Belts 169
Rollbars 170
Roll Cages 172
Seating 172
Gauges 173
Steering Wheels 174
Pedal Pads 175
Safety Equipment 175
Source Guide 176
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