I'm a new member with questions

[AcadiaS]

Hi guys,

I'm new and have had a 76 Stingray stripped to the frame. I have a chance to purchase a complete 98 Corvette stripped to the frame, but has drivetrain, suspension, wheels, brakes dash and computer. How difficult would it be to mod my 76 to have all the mechanical and electronics put on it. I know the c5 is wider than the 76. Would it be easy just to mod the 76 body and place it on the 98 or reverse?

 

[Toms007]

First off Welcome to CAC. You'll find lots of people here to help you with your car(s).

However I am going to defer any comment about your particular situation, because I can't answer any of them with much accuracy... Just off the top of my head I'd say neither situation will work though and here's the reason why I say that. The 76, which is a third generation car has a 98" wheelbase (if memory serves me correctly) and the 98, which is a fifth generation car, has a 102" wheelbase. So it won't be a straight swap. I'm pretty sure that the C5 parts could be modded to make them fit on C3 chassis, but it won't be an easy swap.

Again Welcome, and hopefully someone with more knowledge of you swap will come along soon.

 

[AcadiaS]

Thanks, I really appreciate the reply, looking through the forums and elsewhere I have seen several conversions that have take place, most state that some of the engine accessories have to be move around, which isn't to hard to do. I will keep up the research and keep my options open.

 

[XLR8]

Congratulations! You've found a great Corvette community to join AND you've got me puzzling over the best place to set this thread. I'm afraid you'll never get the responses you need in this forum, which is strictly for the "hi there-hello" type stuff.

Tell you what: I'm going to move it into the C3 General Forum and we'll cross our fingers it will better catch the eye of folks most likely familiar with your topic.

Good luck!
Jane Ann

 

[bill81vette]

Welcome to CAC!!!
I've seen some C-1's converted into mods and a few with C-5 bodies
so I suppose its possible but I personally haven't seen a C3 turned into a C5....
good luck with your conversion!!!!

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

'Easy' to do? Nope, not without major surgery- there's a ~6 inch difference in wheelbase to start with.

 

[JohnZ]

Hi guys,

I'm new and have had a 76 Stingray stripped to the frame. I have a chance to purchase a complete 98 Corvette stripped to the frame, but has drivetrain, suspension, wheels, brakes dash and computer. How difficult would it be to mod my 76 to have all the mechanical and electronics put on it. I know the c5 is wider than the 76. Would it be easy just to mod the 76 body and place it on the 98 or reverse?

Neither option is practical, and either one would be prohibitively expensive, or it would have been done before (the '98 doesn't have a "frame" - it's a unitized body). About all you can use from a '98 is the LS engine, unless you have $100K or so you don't mind spending.

 

[AcadiaS]

Neither option is practical, and either one would be prohibitively expensive, or it would have been done before (the '98 doesn't have a "frame" - it's a unitized body). About all you can use from a '98 is the LS engine, unless you have $100K or so you don't mind spending.

I thought about just using the LS1 and the drive train..and thought about adding a 4 speed, the original tranny was a typical TH350. I still have it but was hoping to to either convert to a manual or slap another automatic.

If I were to go with zz4 and L60E transmission how difficult would it be to install that instead of LS1?

 

[6880 Mike]

...If I were to go with zz4 and L60E transmission how difficult would it be to install that instead of LS1?...

Essentially bolt up compared to the LS. Why not stick with the original engine and trans? They fit; nothing to convert; and they're free.

 

[AcadiaS]

Essentially bolt up compared to the LS. Why not stick with the original engine and trans? They fit; nothing to convert; and they're free.

When I got the vette, the 350 in it was a autozone rebuilt, had a Carter AF8 carb on it, had a crack in the block and fuel pump powered with a speaker wire, tie wrapped to the AC bracket. Neitherless to say got rid of the engine for $500. The original tranny needs to be rebuilt and polished up a little bit, but is still usable. I wouldn't mind having a 4 speed, but if need be I will use the 3 speed.

 

[4544speed]

What did you decide to do? I have a modified 1966. There are options, some more expensive than others.

 

[AcadiaS]

What did you decide to do? I have a modified 1966. There are options, some more expensive than others.

66 nice year... Would love to see what mods you did to it. Well I went out and purchased another 76 with matching numbers for $7K. The guy who had it was 6'8" and was selling it for $10.5K It is in pretty good shape, no rust and someone had repainted it (originally silver). And added a aftermarket hood (now for sale). I plan on pulling the engine and redoing the electrical and vacuum system. Other than that it needs a little TLC. I am still on the fence about the yellow Stingray and am seriously considering parting it out now.
I still had the original Rims from my old Stingray so I had a local shop rework the rims and polished them up. Took them 2 days to add material, machine, powered coat and polish. No clear coat needed. Now If I could get the wife to overlook all the boxes in the dinning room I might get a little something done with it.