C3 Makeover: Modernizing a Classic Corvette

[@JJJCHEVY]

Can't argue with your scores man! Old cars have a totally different appeal and it's nice to see you appreciate all of what's great about these two very different sports cars. I think a lot of people struggle to understand how someone could rate a nearly 50 year old car so highly, but gearheads get it. Great video!

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

old cars have character

[@gordocarbo]

@@BuckingHorse-Bull Yep and Id never make a change to neuter that aspect A proper adjusted carb/choke will start immediately hot or cold. Never sit for hours in 110 deg heat so not worried about vapor lock. To me adding EFI just adds more to go wrong/fail.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

These cars were plenty modern when new other than engines needed to be taken back to 1960's spec.s... The stock L82 cam was 224/224 durations... of course, this was an L48 with 196/202 cam...

[@JamesScare]

@@BuckingHorse-Bull Always something you can do to them that makes it yours. Cars Franchise, says it all when I was a kid. Not about the horsepower more about what you to it to make it your character. "Maybe imperfection is perfection." - Westen Champlin 2024

[@oadka]

I will never get tired of the side profile of the C3. So beautiful.

[@gordocarbo]

Nice lookers but after owning, the ride and suspension components made me not want another . Not for tall people

[@sporty05]

Agree 100%

[@-007-2]

yeah that C8 looks terrible sitting next to that sexy coke bottle C3

[@kg0173]

The best looking C3 is 80-82. I mean its the best looking corvette of all. I also like C5 and somewhat C4.

[@gordocarbo]

@@kg0173 Agree....love all C3 bodys but as you said...those are super classy looking. Wish they did hatchbacks earlier or Id buy one instead of another C4. DIg the 88-90 C4s and the 96 CE Roofline of the C5Z looks great but in general I dont care for the overeggagerated lines of them esp the giant rear bumper and tailights. Parked one next to my 90 Z...then my 89 coiupel and the C 5 dwarfed them C6 GS vert was sharp looking

[@geoffrey6000]

I've never seen a car youtuber go in this direction with a build. Some may find it less exciting than MORE HORSEPOWER BABYYY, but this is the real car stuff I appreciate. Completely agree with your scoring, awesome to see someone modernize an old car and make it comfortable to drive.

[@Kunfucious577]

Same. I get the die hards but I’m in my 40s now. Comfort is and ease of use is what I’m starting to value. Otherwise, I find myself just looking at it in the garage.

[@thatslegit]

a lot of people dont know how to appreciate a car for what it was. this is also why i heavily dislike LS swap anything, bet those projects have more time under a tarp than miles

[@HydetheRapper]

I really want a totally modernized ‘68 Corvette. I want it to feel modern inside, while being classic everywhere else. So, I, for one, was stoked to see this video.

[@FRITZI999]

I did it 10 Years ago with my car but I prefer to leave it in secret, as I´m not a KZbinr anyways....

[@manzelli1981]

Love this. You are respecting the car and giving it a usability that fits the times, technology and personal taste. Not everything needs an LS swap, or a Concourse rotisserie resto

[@dos0711]

The C3 was imho the best looking Corvette made.

[@michaelabrams1244]

Agreed. I remember the first time I saw a C4 on the road... I was shocked... so disappointed. It felt like the Corvette lost its identity. I was really happy when the style started to come back with the C5.

[@Win7ermu7e]

I'm a C5Z guy but man this build is beautiful.

[@sporty05]

Yep for sure! I think that's why it lasted so long. 68-82

[@-007-2]

@@Win7ermu7e- except for that trash custom dash.

[@andrij1848]

it may be the best looking CAR ever made

[@AaronHendu]

C3 is one of the most beautiful car designs ever.

[@kg0173]

especially years 1980-1982.

[@wautvroman123]

I rarely comment on videos. What you did here is amazing. So down to earth while talking about these incredibly thought out upgrades. Good job dude. Looking at you drive that C3 in the sunlight put a smile on my face. Respect

[@Blafard666]

A bit out of topic but I just like your style dude : you don't try to be a comedian, you don't try to sell me anything in the middle of the video, you don't scream you talk, this is all so refreshing !

[@KC-pf4tj]

I upgraded my 74 C3 similar but automatic. Coil over front shocks, fiberglass mono leaf rear. Punched out the engine to 355 cid, aluminum heads, mild cam 460 lift 272 duration, compression 10.75 to 1. Running a Holley sniper fuel injection system. I modified a standard GM HEI distributor so I could control the timing with the holley sniper system. The last thing I’m planning on doing is to install a rack and pinion system for the steering. I’ll be doing that sometime next summer. I’ve had this car since 1985 and loved driving it back then and even more so now with the mods. Enjoy your C3 and drive it, it was made to be driven and not sit inside a garage!

[@TacoJoe]

Hey I like the HEI mod so sniper can adjust timing! - is it a just replacement metal pickup/contact -reluctor setup that the sniper can control over a larger degree range after you set timing at a specific "set" cal value? I know my edelbrock setup was calibrated to 12 deg then once set, the ECU takes over / thanks for the comment!

[@KC-pf4tj]

No, you first have to prevent the mechanical advance and vacuum advance from changing. Then you need to modify an old HEI cap so you can see where the rotor is pointing to get a good approximation. Holley in their setup wants a fixed 16 degree setting when using timing control and you should see that 16 degrees with your timing light. Once that’s set you put the Holley system in control. You can purchase a cable to bring out the reluctor signal. The module inside is discarded. Hope this helps!@@TacoJoe

[@TacoJoe]

I sure does / thanks for the details! I have a have a small block ford build in the works and may add EFI to the mix - and with the build - take on more mods like this (vs a prescribed Edelbrock kit setup) - I love the HEI design and appreciate the help!

[@KC-pf4tj]

Sorry for such a late reply, all I did was remove the stock Gm module and I purchased a cable from Holley to connect to the two reluctor wires that originally plugged into the module. I also had to lock the mechanical advance. I had an old HEI cap that I cut up so I could see where the rotor was pointing. From what I understand is that the Holley distributor comes with a clear cap to show you where the rotor it pointing. Now I setup my sniper first to get that going and once I was happy with it running,I then tackled the timing my way. Hopes this helps you and again, sorry for the late response!@@TacoJoe

[@adamarndt7617]

If you do the rack and pinion (Steeroids, I'm assuming) conversion just make sure you get all their new reinforcement brackets. I have the v1.0 installed in my 79 and the original brackets flex too much and do not inspire confidence. Also know that your turning radius will slightly increase if you do the Steeroids conversion as you can't turn the wheel quite as far lock-to-lock. The Steeroids rack is very picky with your power steering pump specs, too and it wants a narrow range for pressure AND flow from the pump. If it flows too much and you don't install a power steering cooler, it can actually damage the rack and lead to premature failure... (Steeroids says 1000-1200 PSI for the pump; 1000 makes it less darty at high speed, but harder to move at idle / low speed; they also want a pump with

[@genzdriven]

No joke... this video made me fall in love with my '81 all over again. It was my first car I bought at 17, and i've seriously been considering selling it in the spring because it's "hard to live with", and i'm heading to college in the fall. But now, i'm understanding it just needs more love. Going to look at fuel injection kits right now! Lol

[@gordocarbo]

Why? Qjet and an HEI, proper choke is as reliable as it gets. I think many aftermarket efi purchasers assume they will have oem reliability and that doesnt happen

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Correct, these cars were plenty modern when new other than engines needed to be taken back to 1960's spec.s...

[@kilio1948]

I dont think anyone now-a-days are buying c3s for their performance. For a long time i think its just purely because of their unique style. So seeing someome upgrade one to modern comfort standards is so satisfying! I get to live vicariously through your amazing beauty shots of the car 😂

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Yes, these cars were plenty modern when new other than engines needed to be taken back to 1960's spec.s...

[@0xymfzzty0]

when i was 22 i bought corvette of the same model with the same color and leather combo, used to daily it for a couple of years, i swear one day i will buy anoter and rebuild it from scratch, this video makes me so happy

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you like it / you should go surf craigslist man! There are still plenty of C3s out there that can be had for low $$$ / thanks for the comment!

[@0xymfzzty0]

@@TacoJoe Im not from the us actually, these are kinds expensive where im from as the only ones are imports, but i work hard and plan that in the next two years ill have the money to buy one and put a full Detroit street suspension with a 427 on it, kind of pricey but you know, a man can dream

[@exinfernnus]

The new models are fast and all, but man the old ones look so much better.

[@klonidier]

This is a textbook instruction on what “doing it right” means. Great work sir. Top out, stereo up, pipes rumbling. Keep Corvetting and Save the Wave.

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks, will do!

[@Nikua13]

that C3 is magnificent. really enjoyed the video. As a non-mech person, your descriptions of what/where/why allowed me to follow along and understand the changes you made to this awesome machine. Thank you!

[@fericyde]

Not a corvette guy at all here, just a gear head. I love the practical approach to your video and the way you broke down each of your mods, not just how you did it but WHY you did it and what the benefits were. I have a 2000 Mustang GT that I've updated over the years and I was nowhere near as coherent when I did my videos -- plus I can tell I'm not as rounded of a mechanic -- your work speaks for itself. Very clean and concise work here and I can tell you clearly have a passion for your cars. I have a bone stock 2011 GT500 and love driving it but have to say with some of my upgrades to the 2000 I enjoy the car so much more. There is no doubt though, it's nowhere near as safe as the newer car. I augmented my fuse boxes in almost identical fashion BTW -- the fuse box for a stock 2000 mustang is under the drivers dash -- you have to be a monkey to change the fuses and I curse when I have to get down there and change a fuse. So I added an augmented circuit setup very similar to yours. Made a world of difference. Plus it helps that the new fuse boxes have leds to show you what fuse is out. Loved your video and approach.

[@TacoJoe]

@fericyde - thanks for the nice comment - 2000 GT had the 4.6 I believe correct? Nice motor/nice car and tons of cool mods are out there for this gen of mustang. 2011 GT500 too!?! Nice garage myman!

[@fericyde]

LOL, yeah, the 4.6 I have to say was the best part of the car that I had to remove to swap in the Coyote (this is what I said in 2012, I've driven it over 10 years swapped now). The 4.6 was reliable, didn't use oil at 160k or so miles and still ran great -- sold it to a ford mechanic and his son who were rescuing another GT that had been blown up (after some mods I understood -- they were going a more stock route). I also put in a T56, major suspension upgrades, an android head unit (I use Torque from time to time but just android auto alone is an improvement) UPR k-member up front and a griggs racing setup in the rear with a torque arm (very similar to the one that is on a 3rd gen Camaro BTW). I'm shooting for 51/49 weight distribution some day :) at the moment I'm at 52.5/47.5 -- close but that 40-50 lbs of weight are rather hard to move without something drastic happening. @@TacoJoe

[@VinceCannavaII]

100% I subscribed. Just found the channel. All hail the algorithm?

[@relaxgaming8872]

C3 all day. Those curves wins over everything. Back in the days it was all about design. Something we lack today because of safety rules and regulations.

[@Anon-dx1rl]

I do miss the days of cars being beautiful, but it’s more to do with cost effectiveness and the emphasis on maximising company profits more than safety regulations, I’m sure many companies especially the smaller ones would love to make more interesting designs but it would simply cost too much for too little return

[@relaxgaming8872]

@@Anon-dx1rl yea it’s all about money and how cheap they can make it add to rules and regulations safety factors and it takes away great designs. If I had the money I would so get a c2 resto mod. My dream car. Maybe one of these days. 🙏

[@GuileQwerty]

Yes and probably aero more than anything else. They're grinding all the corners off.

[@gordocarbo]

@@relaxgaming8872 Yup....if mfrs were that worried about safety they would take most the gadgets excessive buttons out of them. Nobody needs all that garbage and a screen to drive.

[@HenryEwald-c5g]

C3s are so sexy. I just always had to increase the motor for hp.

[@lewisclinton8080]

Hey man, you are awesome at explaining everything, simply. I am not car savvy so it was a great experience listening to you narrate your video. Cheers!

[@skaughtmc6591]

I have a 72 and an 02 Z06. The one small change I did that made a huge difference was swapping out the steering wheel. The stock wheel in 72 at least (maybe not by 77) was pencil thin and so large that you only have a couple inches between it and the door panel. At 6’2”, it also sat on my thighs. Ecklers makes a reproduction that looks identical, but is a few inches smaller in diameter and leather wrapped, so it’s thicker and more comfortable to grip. It made a world of difference in leg room.

[@TacoJoe]

Hey well said & totally agree. My steering wheel needs an upgrade too and thanks for the tip!

[@gordocarbo]

Makes anight and day difference!! 6ft3 that stock wheel was a joke and made driving feel way more cramped than it was

[@deanwilliams433]

I know the 80-82 had smaller thicker wheel

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Of course these cars were plenty modern when new other than engines needed to be taken back to 1960's spec.s...

[@popeye089]

Get a Ridetech coilover suspension. My 1979 Malibu handles as good as my 2013 M3 did. Game changer for the fun factor

[@TacoJoe]

Hey thanks for the tip @popeye089 - does the ridetech setup have a threaded shock sleeve to adjust ride height too? Might need to look into this - thanks for the comment!

[@popeye089]

It does. And they have single and dual Coil options.

[@newbuttahman5793]

I just watched what you did to that c3 Corvette. Man you are a man after my own heart. Everything you did to that car I want.....but in a 68,69 vw beetle. You made an awesome classic hotrod sooooo much better. Great job my guy. Damn I wish I had become a mechanic

[@CX0909]

Maybe with a little clay you could have build out the old dash to accept the new dash components and update its styling and then rendered it in fiberglass. Just a thought. That said C3’s are, for me, close to the Jaguar E Type in beauty and being a national icon. I like the C3 better than the original E Type but not quite as much as the restomoded Eagle Speedster. It would be wonderful for a company to do for the C3 what Eagle does for the E Type.

[@TacoJoe]

well said @CX0909 - I like the fiberglass idea / longer term I'm still thinking for ways I can make the new dash look more natural (and not like a Greenwood Vette, racecar or something similar) - Totally agree that E-types are works of art too - Thanks for the comment!

[@russianchoc]

Great video! As a kid I used to wake up early every morning to see a red C3 Corvette that passed by on their way to work. I was enamored with the car. I still love it.

[@TacoJoe]

Sounds like you should find a red C3 for your garage / thanks for the comment!

[@BridgeGuitar]

I love your take in simply making the C3 a joy to own and drive. It all seems very reasonable. There are so many channels promoting projects that are unrealistic for many car owners, and C3’s don’t cost an arm and a leg.

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you enjoyed in @BridgeGuitar - C3s are great cars with tons of potential - thanks for the comment!

[@christopheraakre8369]

The C3 was originally designed to thrill. Its an impractical car. Daily driver? I'd love it. Just looking over that hood gives es me goose bumps. Its everything I love about the 70's. Its extremely nimble and basically a coffin if your in an accident. The motor vibrates you into humility being behind such awesome power. There is no easy access. Every time you enter you have to adjust the wheel. It everything I imagine racing was about in the 70's. For me the best part is sharing. I love giving my friends and trusted people in my life the opportunity to drive it. There is nothing else like it. For many once is enough.

[@TacoJoe]

Totally agree - it's a thrill ride every time!

[@danielnewton2390]

I love that you have the same stereo that I put in my 2000 Honda Accord back in high school.

[@TacoJoe]

Haha - ok so maybe I could upgrade to a more current stereo too (lol)

[@jhuntosgarage]

I just got a 1981 Vette, first one for me. I absolutely love it and all the quirks. Thanks for sharing!

[@TraydonDunkheel]

I love the stance and those chunky BFG's! Perfect.

[@sultankuto8724]

Amazing good sir,you made this beautiful classic your own,and you're happy with it,that there is a success,love it and goodwill.

[@allanjohnsen1034]

C3 .... Oh my god I love it and allways have. Thank you for keeping it alive :)

[@mnistor1]

Your videos are very educational and well edited, thanks for sharing your work in a clear cohesive way!

[@vernrosquites5998]

C8 has the comfort and modern convenient amenities, but the C3 edition is also adaptable to a modified upgraded version. Although I have a basic knowledge of auto engine, yet, your video presentation is quite informative and exciting.

[@projectkr71]

C3 wheels look fantastic. The entire build is really well done, but I especially love that you kept the wheels that way. beautiful.

[@TacoJoe]

glad you like it / thanks for the comment!

[@stevelee2833]

Love it . BUT! Black wheels are terrible.

[@InsomniaReal]

@@stevelee2833 I love using rims to contrast I have a white car so black rims, i woulda went for silver with the color of this c3 but looks amazing regardless its all preference i love every car and every build, its amazing to see how engineering can tailor the same rough idea to so many different visions. love c3, c4, c5s I'm hoping to buy a base c5 next year and enjoy it for a while before i start modding. I wish i could have a c3 exterior on a c5 thatd be the ultimate car imo.

[@gordocarbo]

They never came painted black

[@JacopoSkydweller]

Really enjoyed this. It's a nice balance between the hour long videos about specific tasks on car builds, and the 2 minute "here's what I did, it's sick!"

[@scalecustomworkz7837]

One of the BEST video's I have seen in a LONG time! The video itself is super well put together. I honestly think with your knowledge and a bit of thought applied a BIG channel could arise from it. WELL DONE!

[@gasmonkey3706]

This is one of the best videos, auto comparison, that I have ever seen on you tube

[@cajunroadwarrior]

Making my 82 streetable has been challenging due to the 550 hp Dart 427. It has a big cam so I had to use a hydroboost brake booster. I went with a Steeroids rack and pinion for a more refined steering. I went with a 4L80E with US-Shift 4 TCU. It's a beast. It has a FAST Street XFI Multiport EFI system. For comfort it has a new interior leather seats, AC, 7 inch touch screen, Dakota Digital system with retained accessories, cruise control, keyless entry and start.

[@TacoJoe]

Oh man that sounds like a handful - and - a totally sweet ride!!! They don't get much stronger than a 427 dart block. I've watched the dart blocks on summit-jags and the only bummer is the long 3-6 month lead time (seems prior to COVID these were much easier to order and see in a few weeks). Did you use an OEM hydroboost unit or aftermarket? Thanks for the comment - any links/pics to your 82? Sounds awesome!

[@adamarndt7617]

Very nice! I've got a many year project 79. Did Steeroid Rack conversion, rebuilt the 14.4k mile 350, Profiler heads, aggressive Mike Jones roller cam, aftermarket TPI intake, Holley HP fuel injection, 4L60e conversion (with the TCI EZ TCU), LS ignition coils, 58x crank trigger setup. QA1 single adjustable semi-coilovers, some other suspension bits, sound deadening and new carpeting, a Shark Bar 5 point seatbelt harness bar, new stereo system, LED and HID light conversion (Dapper Lighting 575s), electric headlight motors, Willwood Big Brake conversion. I need to get the EFI harness installed and a 100 tiny mini-projects completed so that I can start it up. Then it'll be stereo and gadget time. (I already replaced all the speakers, anticipating a touch-screen stereo.) The 100 tiny projects after getting the engine reinstalled are slowly killing me and sapping my motivation....

[@cajunroadwarrior]

@adamarndt7617 Mine has been a 10-year project. It's always evolving. I was having transmission overheating problems so now I'm installing a large fan cooler oil cooler. I'm adding an engine oil cooler too. I'm also installing a crankcase evac system. I had to replace my MSD distributor due to corrosion making it misfire. I have 1700 miles on this setup and I just had a hydraulic lifter failure. I called Howard's about it and they sent me a new set. Luckily the cam wasn't damaged.

[@user-qf6wy3uz3q]

Best edited car video I've ever seen on youtube. Nice work.

[@tag_76]

I absolutely LOVE your C3! Extremely well done build.

[@guiart4728]

Probably my all time favorite body style! This is a car to modify the way you did it! Congratulations!!!

[@edgarsdzerins]

C3 is one of the most beautiful car designs ever!

[@ronsmith7739]

You took a lot of work on this. Most people would not be able to do this. Thank you, thank you, thank you !!!!!

[@ktr831]

In S. Ga., AC was the best upgrade I did then the 5 Speed. Both were a must to enjoy it though. A carb will perform just as good as FI but you must know how to set it up correctly. Adding upper arms to get more caster will up the handling and crushing a lot in c3’s as well. A few minor but very easy things I did was the borgenson power steering with the brace, the Holly serpentine belt kit (uses the ls water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and Sanden ac compressor), electric headlights, and led bulbs (especially on the gauges) I chose my 73 over a 80 because of the sunken speed/tach and love the 60’s fighter plane inspired gauges. Although I love seeing all the cool custom interiors (yours is nice and clean) that add cup holders, I just can’t bring myself to removing what I think is one of the coolest aspects of C3’s. Overall I’m glad to finally see these cars getting the love they deserve the last few years. Great job on your car!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the comment @ktr831 - well said. The serpentine setup definitely is a worthy mod- where does the belt tensioner go? I can totally see the benefit of upgrading the pulleys and steering upgrades are great to consider too - my OEM steering setup works OK but it wanders with the valve slop. I kept all my interior pieces too so I can revert back someday if I want (or if values of the C3s continues to climb and collectors are interested in the OEM interior / etc) - thanks for the comment!

[@TacoJoe]

@ktr830 - one more thing / the quadrajet carburetor that came on the C3 (when tuned correctly as you say) - is a GREAT setup. A lot of people hate these carbs because of the small primaries but when tuned correctly you get the best of both worlds - great cruise fuel economy - throttle response and large secondaries to dump the gas when needed!

[@ktr831]

@@TacoJoe look up Holley part # 20-240BK. Thats what I went with because it’s one piece instead of a Lego set of brackets. Also allowed me to change heads without pulling the belt off.

[@roryblake7311]

Love your ideas. My first new car was an early 1977 Corvette, kinda nostalgic for that reason. Somebody must make suspension mods ...as that was my only gripe. I'd get another is so!

[@CrabSaladPTCGP]

The quality and information in this video are insane. I know nothing about cars mechanically, but the video was just way too entertaining. Love it!!

[@pauljanssen7594]

Great build I think I like about this video is you basically covered a lot of the points that need to be it was right to the point of how to build a badass machine.😊

[@Hibernicus1968]

I have a 1963 Studebaker Avanti that I have restomodded to make it more user friendly as well. I laughed when you said the single biggest thing to improve a vintage car like this is to install an overdrive transmission, because one of the first things I did was to install a five-speed transmission in it. I agree, it makes a world of difference. The second modification was fuel injection. For safety, I put Recaro seats from a parted out 1980s Avanti II (they bolted right onto the same tracks as the original), and 3 point retractable seat belts, so now I have better seat belts and a headrests to give some whiplash protection if, God forbid, I ever get rear-ended. The Recaros are a lot more comfortable for long trips too. I've now got the car to where I honestly could use it as a daily driver if I wanted (though I never will), and I enjoy taking it out on the road at least once or twice a week, and all the modifications are completely reversible if some future owner ever wants to turn it into a show car.

[@TomCrockett-bl1gp]

Great professional video. Thanks

[@prblackhawk]

This is what I want to do when buying an older car. Just modernization to make it easier to drive more. I appreciate that you did this and it gives me more motivation to start on my own project.

[@Lucas_Fidalgo]

What you did to the old Vette should be done in many classics and I absolutely love the way this was build!

[@carminep.5960]

c3's are easily my favorite cars ever made, from any time period and any manufacturer the c3 takes the cake its got a special place in my heart

[@jeffkarr9580]

Just wanted to say Thanks TacoJoe for sharing all of your insights into the modifications to your C3 vette ! I'm also a C3 owner and all of your mods make perfect sense to me. I especially liked the great info about SST and adding fuel injection ! Best regards JK

[@KS-sy9gr]

Professionally done all around! Clean ride…totally well planned and explained…great post brother!!!

[@jewelsrebel9744]

Why did I click on this video when I know nothing about car mechanics and feel like I'm listening to another language? Because corvette = cool car

[@h5mind373]

Extremely well done, both the build and the video! Pro-level work all around.

[@hpmotorcars]

Thank you TJ - this video is outstanding! You have provided useful information and advice that can benefit so many people to have more enjoyment with their later model C3s. You have communicated your points with clarity and honesty. Super impressive!

[@johnzilla3155]

Wow. Incredible story-incredibly told with the video setup of all the parts and everything.

[@michaeljulian4997]

What a spectacular build! When you clean and update things that can't be seen, it makes it clear that great care was taken to do things right. I even like the dash. I get what you are saying about being difficult to match the curves of the interior, but it is 100X better than anything I could do. Having owned C3s and driven a C8, I agree on the comfort scores as well. The driving position of the C3 is better than most cars built today, despite the 50+ years since it was designed.

[@TacoJoe]

@michaeljulian4997 Thanks for the nice comment and glad you like it! Sounds like you are familiar with the C3s too / tough to beat a morning drive on a nice summer day with the T-tops off :)

[@ProtoType99468]

great video! i owned a 70 BB, and a 72 350 , and always wanted a 78 anniversary

[@LordHolley]

I absolutely love what you've done. I have been wanting to resto mod as C3 corvette for a long time. Clearly, i'm not the only one....

[@xtnuser5338]

A big factor I consider to be important if you want an older car to approach new car levels of daily comfort and usability is the weather seals around the doors, windows, T-tops, and also the alignment of doors, windows, T-tops, etc. Whistling wind noise and/or dripping rain inside both contribute towards older cars feeling their age and being annoying to drive often.

[@TacoJoe]

Excellent excellent comment and I completely agree. I actually replaced the door seals and T-top seals too but didn't capture that in the video. The door seals made a HUGE difference with road noise and totally eliminated some of the door rattles with the latch linkage too. Thanks for sharing @xtnuser5338 and well said!

[@xtnuser5338]

@@TacoJoe Rattles, squeaks and resonant vibrations are another checkbox that should be addressed by anyone seeking to refresh an older car. Spend the time to track them down and eliminate them. Sometimes it's just a loose fastener. Sometimes you just need a bit of foam rubber tape between two parts. Sometimes more effort is required, but eliminating such noises goes a long way towards making your pride and joy livable on the regular. It can be the difference in a passenger walking away thinking you have a shitbox versus thinking you have a well built, tight, quality machine.

[@cdubb6128]

C8 & C3 totally different beasts, a great pair to drive. Props to diy skills.

[@Mr42960]

Great job, the c3 looks fantastic and great job with the video production. I have a c6 with minor mods so far. While I might not mind a c7 I just can't accept the c8 yet.

[@wildernessfieldjournal8211]

Great C3 build! I love that green color and simple style. Good choices of mods too. Thanks for going into such detail and comparing it to the new C8.

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

If I were rich I would ask if you would build me a car. Genius, man.

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

Excellent vid. I had a 79 coupe, red on red L48 gutless 350cid SB. The one thing I did to the handling to absolutely change it to something modern, was to replace the rear buckboard spring with a fiberglass rear spring. Now they have CF rear spring as well and you may be able to find different spring rates. This ONE change was enough to make me go further. It eliminated the rear end harshness without inducing sway. The IRS really did what it was designed to do at that point! Next i squared the stance with some much wider wheels and tires tucked into the wells. You couldn't even tell without getting out a tape measure. This took a TON of work on caster and toe-in to get just the right mix of quick response with ultra stable straight line speed. Big tires up front was tough to get just right. These are very work your time and relatively cheap. I wish I'd had fuel injection and overdrive transmissions when I owned mine. Thanks for sharing. Consider smoothing your interior with some 70's carpet on the tunnel.

[@brianhoefer7148]

0:30 The most modern equivalent is the front engine C7.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Really these cars were plenty modern when new other than engines needed to be taken back to 1960's spec.s...

[@twomustangs]

One of the best automotive videos I've seen. Production values are through the roof - and that's outside of the mechanical work and analysis. Interior is where I'd go a different direction. The brown seats and carpet would be where I'd do the replacing/upgrading and I'd leave the dash & console. Keeping the exterior stock look is a rare and admirable choice. Wide body kit and 22" wheels are for different applications/not at all in my book. Nice car and great work on your video!

[@TacoJoe]

Hey thanks @twomustangs - longer term I have more work on the horizon for the interior (including dash improvements) - totally agree with you on the 22" wheels & wide body too (not the right fit on a C3) - thanks for the comment!

[@RobertNolanvaragon]

I thought for sure you would have discussed driveability- lights, visibility, weather, suspension, etc since you're upgrading it to be more modern. I'd love to see a second video where you add more to the car.

[@lordhellfire153]

God it's a dream to do exactly what you did with that drivetrain. Fuel injection and a better trans are beyond the best options ever.

[@johnbutera5805]

I love the C3 paint color!! 😮

[@Honky_time]

lol...I saw the title and thought, cool....watched it....wtf, that's not just a few mods! Very cool, nice talent

[@TacoJoe]

glad you liked it & thanks for the comment!

[@tetototupuna]

Sure..BUT the old school styling and appeal is just unbeatable.. IMHO

[@WilliamKiene]

The C-3 Corvettes are a great choice for a frame-off rebuild. This one looks way better now. I would love to own it. I subscribed because this is a very good KZbin car channel.

[@mdavis472000]

Another OUTSTANDING video TJ!! You're content and quality are top notch!! I have always LOVED the C3. And those wheels are PERFECT on the car. Thanks for another great video!!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the nice comment Mr. Davis / hope you are well my friend :)

[@CharlesLambert-h5s]

I have a 76 with a solid roller 388 stroker making around 550HP and I love it. I Drive it all the time on the street with a 254/260 cam and AFR heads and ran a 10.86@122 on drag radials definitely love the C3’s sweet video

[@TacoJoe]

Great year / great car - thanks for sharing Myman :)

[@srhatfield]

It's a 16 minute video and we never got to hear it run.

[@TacoJoe]

I'll see I can create a short to capture this - the SBC in it sounds EXCELLENT - thanks for the comment!

[@jasondoyle355]

I wish we could have got at least one clip rowing the gears lol

[@bodieb.1239]

Love the C3's Nice job abd awesome overview. Really enjoyed the video along with the choices and explanations. Thanks

[@bluescatreimer]

I'll take the 77 over the new one any day of the week.

[@henrywal]

Circular brake lights are legendary. T Tops for the win

[@georgt555]

you make this look like it was nothing. lots of respect, great work!

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

I think there is another, albeit subjective, measure you might consider - Smiles/mile. The C8 is a fantastic car, and if you could chose just one to live with, it likely would be a reasonable choice, given modern convenience and reliability/performance. For me, as I have an affinity for older cars, I look for character. Very few new cars have it, but I think that's very much in the eyes of the beholder. I was really hoping that GM would allow the C8 to be a 3-pedal car. Alas, it's cheaper to make with only one transmission, and the focus on performance figures took that away. Great video, and spot-on editing! What's next??

[@TacoJoe]

completely agree - if the C8 had a 3 pedal option, I definitely would have gone that route / thanks for the comment!

[@cheesenoodles8316]

I really like the C3 series. This was from my brother, a Corvette lover and I got to drive his.

[@fuzter2007]

C3 is a great car, fun and historic. . C8 is only a.nice new car...

[@derekkbiggs]

good job. lot of knowledge to achieve that. congratulations. the C3 is my favourite sports car ever.

[@byronholt4912]

I’m one minute and 40 seconds into this video and if you believe AFM belongs in a “sports car” we cannot be friends.

[@يوسفعلي-ق8م8ص]

Same here, absolutely agree, gen 5 is just a waste of money, absolutely stupid technologies added to this gen unlike gen 4 that has the Variable valve timing (vvt) which does actually improve performance and feul efficiency without having to deactivate any cylinders

[@beaches2mountains230]

EXACTLY. ITS TURNED THE RELIABLE HEMI AND LS/LT ENGINES MODERN LEGACY OF DURABLE, HIGH MILEAGE POTENTIAL MOTORS TO FAILED LOW MILEAGE EXAMPLES BC OF CHEWED UP CAMS/LIFTERS AND METAL PARTICULATES RUINING THE BLOCK.

[@TacoJoe]

hey Guys - yeah cylinder deactivation has its risks too (totally agree) - one thing I discovered is when I drive the C8 in sport mode, the throttle position sensor threshold for deactivation is considerably lower -ie- it only ever seems to activate on the highway. In track mode i don't think it even engages, but then your shift points start to get ridiculous. In terms of MPG savings - minuscule between touring/sport mode and I usually leave it in sport to keep all 8 firing most of the time. I think Silverados-SUVs likely benefit more from an EPA standpoint. thanks for the comments!

[@يوسفعلي-ق8م8ص]

If that's the case, then i think that's ok, you can just keep the car on sport or track and no cylinders will be deactivated, thanks man@@TacoJoe

[@davejalenderki]

I absolutely hate AFM as well. I disabled it on my wife’s truck. Too many issues with the 5.3 with no benefits whatsoever.

[@SilkiTre]

This is one of the best car vids I have ever seen

[@geraldscott4302]

So you basically destroyed a 1977 Corvette. I have a 1976 Corvette. It is my third one. I finally found the one I wanted. It looks 100% stock. The interior is 100% stock, except for a hidden MP3 player. NO touchscreens. The suspension is stock except for polyurethane bushings and body mounts. Brakes are 100% stock with sleeved calipers. Exhaust is a true dual system with no cats, but looks stock from the rear. The engine was not original when I bought the car. I built a 360 rwhp 383ci old school small block for it, that both makes more power and is more reliable than stock. But on the outside it looks completely stock, even the color. It is carbureted. I did switch from an automatic choke to a manual choke. I had a TH400 transmission built for more reliability. It has 225/70-15 BFG RWL Radial T/As on silver steel rally wheels with trim rings and stock center caps. It was repainted in the stock white color, and the Buckskin tan leather interior was restored/replaced. It is 100% reliable and can be driven anywhere, but it still has all its original charm and character.

[@TacoJoe]

destroyed my 1977 Corvette? Ouch! I still love my car and glad you like your 76 too / sounds like a nice setup

[@colinwalker436]

​@@TacoJoeclassiest of replies there, man. Well done.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Excellent editing on the video, impeccable build.

[@MyEyesBled]

The C3 = The worst handling car I ever owned

[@TacoJoe]

there's definitely room to improve - a number of comments mention a fiber leaf in the rear along with some suspensions mods up front go a long way towards improving overall handling- going to look into this further / thanks for the comment!

[@MyEyesBled]

@@TacoJoe No need, I did them all while spending big money and plenty of wasted weekends… the front to rear weight ratio along with oddball front end geometry would cause horrible plowing understeer, along with sway-bar bushing squeaks, and not to mention GM’s complete disregard for sporty feedback feel & control … bought it new, sold it for pennies on the dollar to some poor kid 5 years later … he tracked it and eventually totaled it…what a death trap IMO… he was unhurt but fully agreed, the C3 was not a Corvette… is was a Mako Shark wannabe. That’s all the Chevy bosses at GM were concerned about… looks not handling.

[@TacoJoe]

Haha - thanks for sharing - believe it of not I talked to a bunch of drivers at Laguna Seca raceway that were racing Greenwood wide body C3 Corvettes at a reunion race and they ALL said something similar. One of my favorite quotes from one of the drivers was "the C3 handles like a station wagon with a load of plywood strapped to the top" - lol

[@MyEyesBled]

@@TacoJoe lololol…hahaa! …Thanks for the chat!

[@drewski23_7]

Well done video, like good editing too! Pretty impressive work & nice upgrades!

[@douglaswestbrook1683]

I appreciated the keep it simple approach. On point on the issues you addressed.

[@jeffb2456]

Never had much interest in a C3 until now. Enjoyed the video. Beautiful corvettes.

[@gordocarbo]

Problem is many parts are pure ripoff prices "vette tax". Youre kinda stuck with aftermarket stuff A and F bodies are more affordable to keep on the road.

[@MetikalMan]

This editing is unreal brother. Very impressed.

[@thh1967]

Cars aside…first time to see your video; respect to your calmness in your work and the way you are chillin in both sports cars…respect for your setup at your home I presume…us men and our gadgets and tools…respect for your knowledge about reducing this and increasing that (fuel consumption, comfort sitting, since its open let’s do it all properly)… Personally American cars don’t enthuse me…but your approach is cool… Keep it up…👌🏻👍🏻

[@TacoJoe]

I'm still adding to my stable so stay tuned and thanks for the comment!

[@Brapbatt-YO]

That’s a rad C3 build. Really classy and great enhancements.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Great video. You are so blessed to own 2 wonderful Corvettes. Your choice of mods is very understandable. I 'get' your concern about your dash choice, but I think you made the right drive train choice. You went for enjoyable drivability over eye-popping performance. I see too many people turning good automobiles into track day monsters that can barely/rarely be street driven. We need to remember that Enzo Ferrari drove a chunky little Fiat as his daily driver.

[@haroldmagnotta2743]

Dude, awesome video! I am just about to buy an ‘82 C3 and this has really given me some insight and inspiration.

[@TacoJoe]

Go for it & glad you liked it!

[@zman204]

Found this video completely by mistake. When you talked about the dash that you custom built, I felt the same, a bit out of place being all squared off, but still looks FANTASTIC! I think the car looks perfect!

[@michaelb.42112]

Best of both worlds. The older cars are nostalgic, beautiful, probably easy to work on for a mechanic (which I'm not), and the new Corvette looks like a private jet inside, (not that I would know, either !)

[@TacoJoe]

great analogy & agree / thanks for the comment!

[@ParvizMalakouti]

both absolutely beautiful, especially the C3. Props, and thanks for the great video.

[@mattphillips5713]

Quality video. I love my C3 and I appreciate your hard work on yours.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Beautiful build.