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

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

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

Illustrations: 362 photos and diagrams

Acknowledgments 

Introduction 

Chapter 1:

Engine Modifications 
Inspection and Testing 
Intake Manifolds 
Cylinder Heads 
Camshaft Selection and Installation 

Chapter 2:

Crate Engine or LS Engine? 
Crate Engines 
Crate Sources 
LS Engines 
LS1 Install 
Engine Setup and Tuning 

Chapter 3:

Power Adders 
Nitrous Oxide 
Nitrous Flow Control 
Supercharging and Turbocharging 
Superchargers 
Turbochargers 
Intercoolers 

Chapter 4:

Performance Fuel Systems 
Carburetors 
Carb Sources
Fuel Injection
EFI Manufacturer Options 
Wiring
Fuel System 
Aftermarket Fuel Tanks
Fuel Lines 

Chapter 5:

Exhaust Systems 
Headers 
Exhaust System Obstacles 
Catalytic Converters
Mufflers 
Kit Options 

Chapter 6:

Performance Cooling System 
Cooling System Design 
Radiator Choice 
Tube Requirements 
Coolant Flow Rate 
Cooling Fans 
Ancillary Cooling Systems 
Cooling System Tips 
Accessory Drive Systems 
Aftermarket Kits 
Chapter 7: Transmissions and Drivelines 
Manual Transmission Technology 
Transmission Gearing 
Transmission Options 
Clutches 
Automatic Transmissions 
Modify or Swap? 
The Ultimate Swap: A 4L60E 
Transmission Installation 

Chapter 8:

Driveline 
Differential 
Axle and Driveshaft 
Universal Joints 
Chapter 9: Aftermarket Chassis Installation 
Do You Need One? 
Three Project Examples 
Prep for Body Removal 
Body Cushion Removal 
Lifting the Body 
Suspension and Drivetrain Installation 

Chapter 10:

Chassis Modifications 
Damage Inspection 
Front Suspension and Steering 
Rear Suspension 
Springs 
Shocks 
Coil-Over Kits 
Anti-Roll Bars 
Chassis Stiffening and Bracing 
Alignment 

Chapter 11:

Brake Upgrades 
Calipers 
Disc Pads 
Disc Brake Rotors 
Brake Bias 
Brake Boosters 
Brake Fluid 
Brake Bleeding 
Performance Brake Kits 

Chapter 12:

Wheels and Tires 
Wheels 
Wheel Fitment 
Wheel Upkeep 
Tires 
Tire Balancing 
Tire Wear 

Chapter 13:

Interior Upgrades 
Seat Belts 
Rollbars 
Roll Cages 
Seating 
Gauges 
Steering Wheels 
Pedal Pads 
Safety Equipment 

Source Guide