Taking a few steps back to look at the big picture

[KANE]

I have found that in the eleven years of owning my '78 Vette, every few years I do the major "mods" and then I need some time away. This is to not only survey the total package, but also to review what my goals are.

The first big mods were actually getting the car to run. It sat for nearly three years before I bought it.

Next it was the body - repainting with a different color and a new rear bumper.

Then came an big block hood and the TPI.

Side pipes three years ago and 16" wheels two years ago.

Last year was the big mod with a new overdrive tranny, new head lamps, seats, stereo and interior. Gotta love a big tax return coupled with savings.

Now I have my mother's 1993 Z28 that is being resurected. New paint, new carpet, new headliner are all in the works for the next few weeks. I know- its blasphemy to speak the name of a non-Corvette in this forum... but this time away from the project will help me decide where it is that I want to go with the '78 in the future. Besides, what amounted to be $800 dollars for a 120K mile LT1 Camaro was too good to pass up. I have always loved those carss- F4 (4th gen Camaros and Firebirds). This marks the second one that I have owned since 1994.

I really like the idea of an "electric" Vette. No, not an electric motor for some wierd fuel efficiency experiment - but rather getting away from the vacuum systems that seem to haunt C3s. I really like the electronic HVAC idea that some other members have discussed. I also like the electric headlights that Chris McSpeed has come up with. I also like the 3.73 rear end that most owners have gone to.

Any other mid project ideas??

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

I have found that in the eleven years of owning my '78 Vette, every few years I do the major "mods" and then I need some time away. This is to not only survey the total package, but also to review what my goals are.

The first big mods were actually getting the car to run. It sat for nearly three years before I bought it.

Next it was the body - repainting with a different color and a new rear bumper.

Then came an big block hood and the TPI.

Side pipes three years ago and 16" wheels two years ago.

Last year was the big mod with a new overdrive tranny, new head lamps, seats, stereo and interior. Gotta love a big tax return coupled with savings.

Now I have my mother's 1993 Z28 that is being resurected. New paint, new carpet, new headliner are all in the works for the next few weeks. I know- its blasphemy to speak the name of a non-Corvette in this forum... but this time away from the project will help me decide where it is that I want to go with the '78 in the future. Besides, what amounted to be $800 dollars for a 120K mile LT1 Camaro was too good to pass up. I have always loved those carss- F4 (4th gen Camaros and Firebirds). This marks the second one that I have owned since 1994.

I really like the idea of an "electric" Vette. No, not an electric motor for some wierd fuel efficiency experiment - but rather getting away from the vacuum systems that seem to haunt C3s. I really like the electronic HVAC idea that some other members have discussed. I also like the electric headlights that Chris McSpeed has come up with. I also like the 3.73 rear end that most owners have gone to.

Any other mid project ideas??

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AIR RIDE???????????????

 

[69MyWay]

I think you are eventually headed for a "frame off" project on the car. That will consume a ton of time, and allow you to clean, detail, paint, and rework many needed minor things that time tends to destroy.

Suspension sounds like it will come next on the list when the body is off. Vette Brakes has you covered there unless you want to get wild and look for grafting a C4 or C5 under your body.

The sky is really the limit.

You will enjoy the speed, power, and street smarts of that LT1 camaro, and no doubt be distracted from the Vette for a bit. The LT1 responds sooooooo well, to headers, mufflers, bigger tb, fresh air intake, chip, gears, etc. etc. With about $3K in mods, that Camaro will run with the best of the best all day long, and you can take three friends along to see the action.

I would bet your attention will come back to the TPI in the Shark at some point, and you will start to picture a LT1 or LT4 in there.

I like the look of your Shark, and it sounds like it will just get better and better over time.