Topic: 81 C3 auto to 5 speed conversion
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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If you lower your gear ratio at the rear end your gonna lose bottom end acceleration. The car will become a real dog off the line in other words. If you still have the stock 2.72 gear in the rear end, a gear change isn't really going to help you out. I'm not even sure you can get a lower ratio for that Dana 44 IRS unit. There was a 2.72 and 2.87 gear offered in '81 and '82. '80 vettes all had 3.07's. 
So the only way your going to get the results you want is to bite the bullet and spring for a overdrive kit. Expensive yes, but the final result will be worth it especially if you are going to drive the car a lot like I do with mine.
Speaking of your license plate, good old "dads2vette" from Hamburg, NY has a similar plate. He stopped by the shop for new u joints in the halfshafts. Here's a pic of his car w/ plate "GRTWHT81" Dave is the one on the right. The other guy is the riff raft that stops by every so often. lol.
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
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Love the plate----Great minds think alike!
I have decided to swap auto to Tremec TKO 5 spd with od.
Should be a good weekend project.
I think it will give the blast of the line and a low RPM cruise.
Plus it should be fun!!
What do you think?
Here is a pic of my GR8WHT looks familiar right!!
Guys,
Any advice on weather striping?
I need to do my window pillars, glass t-tops and doors. I have heard that the aftermarket stuff isn't that great.
What so the experts think??
Thanks again
Good choice. Just get ready to cuss a lot and throw some wrenches on occasion. Lol.
It'll probably be a couple "weekends" project. Just take your time and follow the instructions to a "T." Keep us posted on your project. Great looking car!
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
yup i am getting my family ready for the event!! I already have new Spackle for the upcoming 
holes in the garage walls
holes in the garage wallsThanks she is a looker now. Kind of looks familiar right!
Lifetime MemberEast Bridgewater, MA - USA
Joined: 8/11/2014
Posts: 11
Vette(s): 1978 Red Corvette Coupe T-Tops
KOOL
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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