okay. so I just posted a thread about the C3/C5 dilemma. it's in general C3 discussion. this is to help inform me, to help me decide what to do. my original plan was to make my 77 a drag car, convert it to EFI and run 800 horsepower with a twin turbo system, and a boost control that I could use to bring it down to 500 for daily driving. I'm EXTREMELY nervous about making such a beautiful classic into a drag beast, because of the risks involved, so this thread is for people who have experience with high power output and drag racing to inform me of the damages my C3 would be subjected to. other than the risks for crashes....I've heard about tremendous engine wear, frame wear, stress cracks in the body...but I want to hear it all so I'll know what I'd be risking, and that will ultimately help me decide if I could get that C5 and use it to race. so start tellin me, please.

CorvetteRacer1977 said: okay. so I just posted a thread about the C3/C5 dilemma. it's in general C3 discussion. this is to help inform me, to help me decide what to do. my original plan was to make my 77 a drag car, convert it to EFI and run 800 horsepower with a twin turbo system, and a boost control that I could use to bring it down to 500 for daily driving. I'm EXTREMELY nervous about making such a beautiful classic into a drag beast, because of the risks involved, so this thread is for people who have experience with high power output and drag racing to inform me of the damages my C3 would be subjected to. other than the risks for crashes....I've heard about tremendous engine wear, frame wear, stress cracks in the body...but I want to hear it all so I'll know what I'd be risking, and that will ultimately help me decide if I could get that C5 and use it to race. so start tellin me, please.

well a c5 is structurally stonger than a c3 but drag racing and the massive power required are going to tear up any vehicle... without extensive mods..

I would think a 77 would be cheaper to do this to than a c5

body panels are much much cheaper..

it's actually a matter of how much I treasure my C3. it's the first vette I've ever owned and I don't want to tear it up racing it. I'd rather give it like 500 horsepower, new steering and such, and just have a nice daily driver, and let some OTHER car that I'm not as attached to take the punishment. unless you think that the overall wear on the C3 won't be as bad as I'm thinking.

And the insurance on the C-3 would be much cheaper,what the he-- is a C-5 anyway

if the C3 wouldn't take too much wear and tear, I would just continue with my plan. convert the car to EFI, put in a custom-built engine with a banks twin turbo setup, and an electronic boost control so i can keep it down to 500 horsepower on the street and 800 horsepower on the track...repaint and sidepipes.

only problem is stress on the frame and body. I don't want the car to end up looking like a piece of crap because I drag it. I'd like it to still look good. if I keep its good looks with my original plan, forget the second corvette. if not, well...let's just figure out if I can, or not?

all I can figure is this guy has a money tree in his back yard,Can I come to your house and trim your tree for you ?

1 of my biggest issues was that when I did the narrowed rear end, I want to keep the centerline of the tires in the same spot as stock. I also wanted to have a full length 4 link. In order to get this done I had to move the crossmember into the cab by about 4". when I put the roll cage in, I have now lost about 6" of cab space, and anyone that drives these knows that aren't spacious to start with. I'm about 5' 10" tall and with the seat all the way back It's a little tight. Anyone taller than me would have difficulties fitting in this car.

Also I lost alot of width with the roll cage. I am now looking for extremely narrow seats.
Ever seen the bumper sticker "no fat chicks" I mean it litterally.