C3 Makeover: Modernizing a Classic Corvette

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

In this video I walk through how I modernized my 1977 C3 Corvette through a number of modifications with a primary goal of improving the overall driving experience.
To help judge the final product, I then score it against a modern sports car, my 2023 C8 Corvette in (4) key categories: Comfort, Road trip-ability, performance and maintenance.
Check it out and let me know what you think!

Пікірлер: 895

  • @JJJCHEVY
    @JJJCHEVY4 ай бұрын

    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

    @BuckingHorse-Bull

    4 ай бұрын

    old cars have character

  • @gordocarbo

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @oadka
    @oadka4 ай бұрын

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

  • @gordocarbo

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

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

  • @sporty05

    @sporty05

    11 күн бұрын

    Agree 100%

  • @-007-2

    @-007-2

    9 күн бұрын

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

  • @geoffrey6000
    @geoffrey60004 ай бұрын

    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

    @Kunfucious577

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @thatslegit

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @HydetheRapper

    3 ай бұрын

    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

    @FRITZI999

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @manzelli1981

    @manzelli1981

    3 ай бұрын

    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
    @dos07114 ай бұрын

    The C3 was imho the best looking Corvette made.

  • @michaelabrams1244

    @michaelabrams1244

    2 ай бұрын

    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

    @Win7ermu7e

    2 ай бұрын

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

  • @sporty05

    @sporty05

    11 күн бұрын

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

  • @-007-2

    @-007-2

    9 күн бұрын

    @@Win7ermu7e- except for that trash custom dash.

  • @relaxgaming8872
    @relaxgaming88724 ай бұрын

    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

    @Anon-dx1rl

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @relaxgaming8872

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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

    @GuileQwerty

    2 ай бұрын

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

  • @gordocarbo

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @tombrennan3458
    @tombrennan34583 күн бұрын

    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!!

  • @wautvroman123
    @wautvroman1234 ай бұрын

    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

  • @AaronHendu
    @AaronHendu2 ай бұрын

    C3 is one of the most beautiful car designs ever.

  • @bitemedude
    @bitemedude4 ай бұрын

    Really glad you used a post-smog C3 for your build. The iconic style is there, but the performance and driving experience suffered critically from shoehorning all the necessary emissions equipment into the late 70s models. While it might bother some enthusiasts that it's not stock, personally I don't see any value whatsoever in preserving the lesser driving experience of a gas-guzzling, less comfortable, lower performing car when bolt-on upgrades are so readily available and make such a huge difference.

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    @bitemedude - totally agree - and - its easy to upgrade C3 / other classic cars too / thanks for the comment!

  • @gordocarbo

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

    Exactly, screw the purist crowd. Stock they were pig slow, boring etc . Stock doesnt equal more value (which I could care less about) either theres a butt for every seat My #s L82 buyers could give a chit if the #s matched or not ...purists just wanted to nit pick it and tell stories while chiseling $$. Never again

  • @JacopoSkydweller
    @JacopoSkydweller27 күн бұрын

    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!"

  • @genzdriven
    @genzdriven3 ай бұрын

    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

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

    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

  • @skaughtmc6591
    @skaughtmc65912 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    2 ай бұрын

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

  • @gordocarbo

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

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

  • @deanwilliams433

    @deanwilliams433

    15 күн бұрын

    I know the 80-82 had smaller thicker wheel

  • @kilio1948
    @kilio19484 ай бұрын

    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 😂

  • @0xymfzzty0
    @0xymfzzty011 күн бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    10 күн бұрын

    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

    @0xymfzzty0

    9 күн бұрын

    @@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

  • @jinsane731
    @jinsane73123 күн бұрын

    The C3 is still my favorite Corvette of all time and for me personally because it's a build somewhat more like a resto mod I give it a 37 that's just my opinion though and a 33 for the C8 it just fits me like a glove at 5:5 but definitely this C3 is done better than well and it's modded to your comfort

  • @bluescatreimer
    @bluescatreimer4 ай бұрын

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

  • @henrywal

    @henrywal

    3 күн бұрын

    Circular brake lights are legendary. T Tops for the win

  • @fericyde
    @fericyde4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    @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

    @fericyde

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @VinceCannavaII

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @jasonwishart6800
    @jasonwishart68009 күн бұрын

    lovely C3. Modern shocks and tyres will do a lot for the ride and handling

  • @josephackeret7911
    @josephackeret791114 күн бұрын

    I really like what you’re doing. Very well done 👍

  • @edgarsdzerins
    @edgarsdzerins24 күн бұрын

    C3 is one of the most beautiful car designs ever!

  • @LucklessGun
    @LucklessGun23 күн бұрын

    beautiful and thoughtful work. i’d take it over the C8 or damn near any modern car, any day of the week.

  • @allanjohnsen1034
    @allanjohnsen103426 күн бұрын

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

  • @sporty05
    @sporty0511 күн бұрын

    Awesome C3! That's always been my favorite generation vette. My dream car is an ordinary, common C3 ('79?) with a sleeper engine swap that is reliable enough to take road trips with. Thanks for the video and information.

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    10 күн бұрын

    Sounds like an LS might be a good restomod engine for you (big power / high reliability) - stop dreaming and find a decent used one and make your dreams come true!

  • @carminep.5960
    @carminep.59602 ай бұрын

    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

  • @cajunroadwarrior
    @cajunroadwarrior4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @adamarndt7617

    2 ай бұрын

    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

    @cajunroadwarrior

    2 ай бұрын

    @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.

  • @KC-pf4tj
    @KC-pf4tj4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @KC-pf4tj

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @KC-pf4tj

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @adamarndt7617

    2 ай бұрын

    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

  • @projectkr71
    @projectkr714 ай бұрын

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

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    glad you like it / thanks for the comment!

  • @stevelee2833

    @stevelee2833

    4 ай бұрын

    Love it . BUT! Black wheels are terrible.

  • @InsomniaReal

    @InsomniaReal

    2 ай бұрын

    @@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

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

    They never came painted black

  • @CX0909
    @CX09094 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @TraydonDunkheel
    @TraydonDunkheel4 ай бұрын

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

  • @johnnyfinance
    @johnnyfinance4 ай бұрын

    Outstanding. Had a 1981 way back when. If I could have afforded to have this done at the time, I'd still have it today.

  • @danielnewton2390
    @danielnewton23904 ай бұрын

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

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @ktr831
    @ktr8315 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    5 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    5 ай бұрын

    @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

    @ktr831

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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

    @roryblake7311

    4 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @lewisclinton8080
    @lewisclinton80804 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @russianchoc
    @russianchoc2 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    2 ай бұрын

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

  • @wildernessfieldjournal8211
    @wildernessfieldjournal82112 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @SilkiTre
    @SilkiTre14 күн бұрын

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

  • @Brapbatt-YO
    @Brapbatt-YOАй бұрын

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

  • @twomustangs
    @twomustangs4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @cdubb6128
    @cdubb61283 ай бұрын

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

  • @scalecustomworkz7837
    @scalecustomworkz78374 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @hughmarloweverest1684
    @hughmarloweverest16844 ай бұрын

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

  • @randyrainier9670
    @randyrainier96702 ай бұрын

    100% agree with the overdrive transmission being the number one mod needed. I had a '78 that I loved but the entire time I owned it I wished it had an overdrive when I road tripped it.

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    2 ай бұрын

    its like a new car first time you drive it / best mod you can make (in my opinion) - thanks for the comment!

  • @sultankuto8724
    @sultankuto87244 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @klonidier
    @klonidier5 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks, will do!

  • @guiart4728
    @guiart47282 ай бұрын

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

  • @mnistor1
    @mnistor14 ай бұрын

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

  • @skeleton1765
    @skeleton17652 ай бұрын

    One thing I would have recommended was adding sound absorption panels absolutely everywhere you could find space. It really makes a big difference in the quietness and enjoyment of a long drive. It also makes it easier to talk to people in the car with you, and your speakers will sound much better too.

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    2 ай бұрын

    great advice and you are 100% correct. I put on new door seals (but not sound insulation) and that alone made a tremendous difference with wind noise / reduced interior noise - well said!

  • @chucksgarage7165
    @chucksgarage71653 ай бұрын

    I put the edelbrock system on my 65 t-bird and it made it SOO much nicer to drive. (Also added cruise control.) Drove it from Memphis area down to Biloxi for cruising the coast. What a blast.

  • @M--76
    @M--764 ай бұрын

    I absolutely LOVE your C3! Extremely well done build.

  • @tomshepard9050
    @tomshepard90502 ай бұрын

    Thank you sir, I wish you were my mentor at tech - imagine the work I could be doing now.

  • @LordHolley
    @LordHolley4 ай бұрын

    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....

  • @h5mind373
    @h5mind3734 ай бұрын

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

  • @davidwilcox5916
    @davidwilcox59164 ай бұрын

    Very well done video! I am a gear head as well, but noticed more than anything the quality of the video...mostly the editing. Nice work!

  • @pauljanssen7594
    @pauljanssen75944 ай бұрын

    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.😊

  • @mattphillips5713
    @mattphillips571326 күн бұрын

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

  • @ronsmith7739
    @ronsmith77393 ай бұрын

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

  • @mwms9872
    @mwms98725 ай бұрын

    Wow. GREAT VIDEO! Thanks for taking the time to give the details. Well done.

  • @RichInMN
    @RichInMN4 ай бұрын

    I'll keep my eye out for you and that gorgeous C3 on the road once the snow melts up here!

  • @johnzilla3155
    @johnzilla31553 ай бұрын

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

  • @douglaswestbrook1683
    @douglaswestbrook16832 ай бұрын

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

  • @MAWUSIFITNESSTRAININGINC
    @MAWUSIFITNESSTRAININGINCАй бұрын

    Love the C3 and I can appreciate your modernization. The only difference I'd prefer is sticking to a curvier dashboard. But I understand. Awesome Job👍

  • @bodieb.1239
    @bodieb.1239Ай бұрын

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

  • @ChapsUnlimited
    @ChapsUnlimited4 ай бұрын

    Great video; it felt like a big production! Good content, time management, and flow. Very informative.

  • @KS-sy9gr
    @KS-sy9gr2 ай бұрын

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

  • @manavchauhan2783
    @manavchauhan27834 ай бұрын

    The "hey siri" triggered my phone. Lol!

  • @michaelb.42112
    @michaelb.421122 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    2 ай бұрын

    great analogy & agree / thanks for the comment!

  • @gasmonkey3706
    @gasmonkey37064 ай бұрын

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

  • @centralsteve
    @centralsteveАй бұрын

    I can dig it. Both are fun cats that will last as icons. You mentioned that there wasn't much you could do for the handling on the C3. I'll offer an argument. 3 things that I did that completely changed the handling; steeriods rack and pinion, Van Steel coil overs on all 4 corners, and a camber brace. My '76 handles as good as my cousin's C6.

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    Ай бұрын

    Hey thanks for the comment Steve- I've had a few people tell me now to replace the hydraulic with rack/pinion and that's on my short to-do list. I'm not a fan of the dead spot with the PS valve - not a big deal at low speeds but on the highway the car can get drifty. Will check out steroids for sure and thank you!

  • @SpencerMusic880
    @SpencerMusic8803 ай бұрын

    good content! you explain things in a way that is easy to understand. Great breakdown of normal person usage and recommendations.

  • @johnbarker5009
    @johnbarker50094 ай бұрын

    Great upgrade plan, excellent video. Thanks!

  • @BridgeGuitar
    @BridgeGuitar4 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

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

  • @2wheelcobra
    @2wheelcobra5 ай бұрын

    I just rematched your old cobra videos yesterday. Great channel. Love your content

  • @djdresden242
    @djdresden242Ай бұрын

    I almost bought a C8 this year, but I fell in love with a 1980.

  • @jamesengland7461
    @jamesengland74614 ай бұрын

    Great build! I like the dash as well. And that paint color is amazing!

  • @mcoffroadinaz4075
    @mcoffroadinaz4075Ай бұрын

    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.

  • @TJonMaxx1
    @TJonMaxx13 ай бұрын

    Wow Excellent Job! love the look of this unit!

  • @robdedgar
    @robdedgar4 ай бұрын

    OMG, I love this video! Thank you for giving me some ideas for my c3 restomod!

  • @blackbuttecruizr
    @blackbuttecruizr4 ай бұрын

    Excellent editing on the video, impeccable build.

  • @rlstrad2059
    @rlstrad20595 ай бұрын

    Great build, great video, great story. Thanks

  • @jeffb2456
    @jeffb24564 ай бұрын

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

  • @gordocarbo

    @gordocarbo

    2 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @user-qi9hy3zf9m
    @user-qi9hy3zf9m4 ай бұрын

    really amazing video, love the animations and attention to detail in all the information

  • @planbenterprise
    @planbenterprise4 ай бұрын

    Exelent production quality. You gunna hit a million subs this year.

  • @venomada1
    @venomada13 ай бұрын

    Awesome video. A while back, I was thinking about buying a classic Corvette (Maybe same year and body style) and doing some modifications. I got a lot of great ideas from watching you.

  • @zman204
    @zman2044 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @aspiceronni4462
    @aspiceronni44624 ай бұрын

    I haven't seen a more beautiful c3.

  • @rodmeisterful
    @rodmeisterful4 ай бұрын

    Really great comparison, inspiring, thanks!

  • @terrancedawson7030
    @terrancedawson70304 ай бұрын

    This is such a great & informative video! Than you for creating and posting this!

  • @markbrown9765
    @markbrown97654 ай бұрын

    I have a '72 I've had since I was 26 (over 30 years). When I was younger I was stationed near Seattle and decided to drive it back to north central Idaho to visit family. It had/has side pipes on it. Love that angry growl cruising down the road. But, I'm right there with you. Six hours of listening to that at higher highway RPM's got old, and then irritating, very fast. An overdrive would have been very nice.

  • @TacoJoe

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    Never too late to add that overdrive to your 72 @markbrown9765 :) Check out SST / Summit - etc (SST has sales from time to time too). Side pipes have a coolness factor for sure and totally agree on the noise. I have Cobra replica with side pipes and on longer drives I actually wear earplugs! Another drawback to the side pipes: Another shiny part to keep clean! Thanks for the comment!

  • @maverick1685
    @maverick16854 ай бұрын

    I like what you did with your C3. Looks like it sits up a bit higher than stock. For a few months in 1995, I was driving a friend's 1977 C3 Jet Black, 350ci, four speed with side pipes. Lots of fun!

  • @carlosgarza1962
    @carlosgarza19623 ай бұрын

    I'm glad i found your channel. Great video

  • @MrClassicmetal
    @MrClassicmetal3 ай бұрын

    Man, this was unexpected. You focused on building a _practical_ car. Love this video, A+ !!! 😎

  • @frankarrieta9211
    @frankarrieta92114 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the video. Enjoyed the whole content and presentation, it was very well done.

  • @hpmotorcars
    @hpmotorcars5 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @timgreen7608
    @timgreen76084 ай бұрын

    This is the Video I've been looking for. Performance is great, but I'm looking for reliability and comfort.

  • @jswap1
    @jswap13 ай бұрын

    Probably should have a safety category too, but great vid. I love my C3.

  • @SuperNicktendo
    @SuperNicktendoАй бұрын

    This is pretty awesome. I'd totally do this with a c4. I'd go all in on the digital dash and make it the ultimate 80s car.

  • @xtnuser5338
    @xtnuser53384 ай бұрын

    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

    @TacoJoe

    4 ай бұрын

    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

    @xtnuser5338

    4 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @monalizaf
    @monalizaf4 ай бұрын

    great video. Thanks for the great commentary and ideas. I have a 69 that I want to modernize and this helps me out.

  • @franciscojosepellegrino2553
    @franciscojosepellegrino25532 ай бұрын

    Great swap, great job, congrats.

  • @chrisyeahbuuwassrileegowyn9279
    @chrisyeahbuuwassrileegowyn92792 ай бұрын

    Great video in all regards, Excellent job!!

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