I am soon to be a Vette owner(C3 1976 T Top)and i am wanting to spice it up with some bolt on goodies, this way should i ever sell it (no chance) at least i can bolt the original parts back on.

I am looking for some suggestion, yes a holley(maybe) but which one and what else, i also may have to put some new rubber on it, does anyone know what is the widest i can fit on this car, i wish to avoid low profile tires as they don't look right on a standard Vette.

Any help wpould be gratefully recieved

Thanks

Gary

Chevrolet didn't start putting 60 series tires on the Corvette until the '78 model year. The same width rims were used (15"x8"), but there were some modifications to the fender wells for clearance. On a '76 you may well be able to use a 60 series, but that would be on a car by car basis...some will work fine, some will have clearance problems. 70 series is what's appropriate for the '76. The size that a '76 was equipped with was a GR70-15, which would roughly equate to a P215/70R15 or a P225/70R15 today...again that could depend on the individual car.

In '78 P255/60R15 tires were made optional, with P225/70R15 being standard.

If you want to put a Holley carb on the car, fine, but don't overlook the Q-Jet on it (if it still has the original carb). The Q-Jet is an excellent carburetor, but needs to set up by someone who understands them. After all these years, if it hasn't been, it likely needs a quality rebuild. Whatever you decide, best of luck.

Welcome to the fraternity!

I run 60's on the rear on 8-inch Rallys and 70's on the front on 7-inch Rallys. They are a PERFECT fit! Nothing sticking out at or near the top of the wheel well. From the side, you can't tell. But from the rear is a whole 'nother animal.

Hope this helps.

John

As for the bolt-ons, not much to say there. Except for the Stealth intake and the Edelbrock Performer carb and a soon-to-be-replaced cam, she's stock.

John

|UPDATED|4/26/2004 6:23:46 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

1. I replaced my 225 70R-15s with 235 60R-15s on the front and 255 60R-15s on the back. The 255 60R-15s will fit on the front, but rub from time to time. I wanted to go with 245 60R-15s on the front, but I would have had to order them and they were priced higher than the 255s.
2. I replaced the stock Q-Jet and intake with a Holley 750 vac. secondary and Edelbrock Performer intake. You can use a 650 or 750 CFM. Doubt you will be able to tell the difference. The jetting is what needs to be taken into consideration. I have no experience with the Edelbrock carb. Some people on this site like them, and as you can tell some like the original Q-Jet. Growing up we always trashed the Q-Jet and put on a Holley. Old habits are hard to break.
3. I also installed long tube Hooker headers with dual exhaust. I will be replacing the current duals with 2 1/2 inch exhaust pipe with turbo mufflers. This helps the engine to breath and increases torque.
4. Install a shift kit in the transmission. It provides firmer shifts and a little second gear chirp.

These modifications are reversable and make your car more fun to drive. These are some of the first modifications I make to every old Chevy I buy.

Steve, is installing a shifter kit something the person with better than average mechanical skills should tackle or do you recomend a transmission shop?
Phil

I just wanted to say thank you to all who replied to my question and i shall certainly be taking up some of the options suggested.

Also thanks for making me welcome on the list.


Gary

Snoopy said: Steve, is installing a shifter kit something the person with better than average mechanical skills should tackle or do you recomend a transmission shop? Phil

Hey, Phil. I'm not Steve, but this thread will answer your question.
https://www.c3vr.com/vrforums/message_go.asp?MID=37848

John

I RUN THE STOCK RALLY WHEELS ON MY 72 WITH 265/50/15 ON THE FRONT AND 275/50/15 ON THE REAR. LOOKS LIKE SOLID TIRE FROM THE REAR. HANDLES GREAT TOO! BEEN THIS WAY SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 1986
REID '72 T-TOP

Phil,
Sorry for the delay. I don't think that installing a shift kit is that difficult. B&M and TCI provide detailed instructions with their shift kits. They walk you through it step by step. I have installed both and both have worked well. I enjoy shifting through the gears some/well most of the time and it provides quicker firmer shifts.

John,
Thanks for providing the link to Ken's comments on installing shift kits.