I'm planning on buying a 1970-1977 C3 and I'm wondering what things I should watch out for and what should I expect to pay for a car like this. Also, I saw that they only have 180-220HP what can be done to increase this to say 300+HP? I've actually considered buy a replacement engine but then the car would no longer be original. But, that’s all way down the line, I’m not to the point to were I can buy one yet but I should be ready in May or so. Also, what are the riding conditions like? What are some Do's and Don’ts? Really any information you can give me concerning these cars would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the forum! 70's vettes are a great car to buy. The price is low enough, but on the way up, not down. The prices vary, you should look at a couple of price guides, such as vettefinders.com. Chrome bumper cars (70-72) get the most money. Expect to pay between $10K and $20K, depending on year and options. Add a few thousand for a convertible. The usual problems are rusty frame and windshield supports. Don't let the advertized hp numbers stop you, a little tuning and you can get them to nearly equal the early 70's motors. Afterall, they are still chevy 350's, the most popularly hot rodded motor in the world. The biggest bit of advice I can give you is buy the best example you can afford. It will cost you twice as much in the long run to buy a fixer-upper and repair it. THe other advice is not buy the first on you see, like we all did! LOL Have fun, Joe

Thanks for all the great info and tips! My plan is to sell my current car (2002 Nissan Altima and willing to trade if anyone insterested ) which is an awesome car! But, I have always loved the C3 and I think I'm almost ready to take the plunge! If you don't mind I have a few more questions, how do you see the C3 as a daily driver (short distances usually no more than 10 miles a day) and how big are the driver and passenger seating areas? (I have looked all over and never could get some good dimensions. I am a pretty big guy about 6' 230lbs, do you think I would be comfortable in a C3?
Thanks again for all the help!

Im 6ft 215 and sit pretty comfy they ride like a truck but who cares they look great and they dont make them any more so you know what that means try to buy the best you can afford and you can enjoy it longer without working on it for years Ted

When does the emission standards start? I wanna get one before that so i can upgrade the engine as i wish

If you really need 300+ hp, various stock engines in 1970 and 1971 will get you there. My own experience is that it is more worhwhile to fix up (keep original) a C3 than to soup it up. But to each, his own.

They have plenty of leg room so don't let your height or weight be a factor. I have a numbers matching car but have no plans to have it judged to NCRS standards so I am going to put the original engine on a stand and run an engine that I am building. The 'pan to carb' crate engines are so low in price now that you can get one and have someone install it for under $5000.00 depending on the size engine ( horse power ) you want.

The first year (as is my understanding) for emissions is 1975. The disadvantage is the emissions, the advantage of a 75-77 car is that they run on low octane pump gas(so i've heard and at last check mine was getting 20-30?mpg on 87 octane). Some states, I don't know how LA is, will let you slide with non-emissions legal vehicles. I've got true duals with no mufflers and Hooker Headers. Never had to inspect the car for emissions in MD so I don't think that its a problem there(Other users from MD might have more experience with this).

Scot

What Altima do you have? (e-mail me)

I'm 6'3" and find there's plenty of leg room in my '78, but admittedly it can be a pain getting in or out of the car with the T-top panels on. It doesn't stop me from enjoying the car.

There is a number of things to keep in mind on C3's, depending on what you want to do with the car. As one already said, a small block Chevy engine can have wonderful things worked on it for power. What I did for mine was not for max power (my '69 roadster 427/435 takes care of that), but since here in Maryland my '78 L82 has "Historic" status and is exempt from emissions testing. I removed the catalytic converter and installed a true dual exhaust with low restriction mufflers. A mechanic who drove it before and after said that change alone must have freed up at least 20 horsepower. I also had the stock Quadrajet professionally rebuilt and replaced the stock intake with an Edelbrock Performer, removed the EGR and related equipment and the car goes like crazy, all on low octane gas. I understand the stock Chevy intake is pretty good as is, but am very happy with the Edelbrock. While not putting out the power the 350 is certainly capable of, what I did do very made increased driveability and responsiveness to a substantial degree.

Essentially, all I'm saying is that you don't have to change engines to get a more powerful car, but it's your car and your dollar, so feel free to do as you desire. Everything I've done can readily be put back to stock with little effort.

Any C3 from the '70s is a very worthwhile car. There are lots of them out there, go find yours.

Well gents, I'm in the same boat. I'm looking for a 70's C3 that performs well but most importantly has little rust and front window problems. I realize that crate engines represent good value/hp but I'm torn between keeping a car orginal or making it damn fast. I live in NJ and register the car as historic so inspection is no problem. I too as the other gent would like to get around 300-350 hp out of an engine. I think 400-450 is a stretch only for the dollars it takes to get there but who knows. Keep your comments and advice coming.