1981 Corvette Restoration Dream Ride

Description for Chevrolet Corvette 1981

This unique 1981 C3 Corvette is, in my opinion, a one-of-a-kind. I do not know of any other C3 with this amount of detail in looks, sound, and performance. There was meticulous attention to detail during the entire build with photo documentation. The outstanding paint and fiberglass work are flawless. It was the feature Corvette in Vette Magazine with complete layout.

My first goal for the build was to have a beautiful, high performance C3, the last of the true Corvette body styles, that looked "stock" in every way. Second, was to have a power train with the horsepower and performance of the latest Corvettes in the 600 HP range. This led to the custom Big Block built by Barrett performance, mission accomplished. What came next was the real attention getter. The sound I wanted was the big block cam lope of the 60's muscle cars and the rumble of a 67 big block Corvette with side pipes. This was achieved with straight exhaust into Magnaflow mufflers and incorporating Pipes electric cutouts into Hooker 4" side pipes, it is easy to switch the exhaust with the touch of a button. The sound is awesome and a real head turner everywhere I go. To handle the 600 HP I decided on the Monster Transmissions 700R Corvette conversion with Hurst shifter.

All C3 fans know the late 80's Vettes factory horse power was only 195 HP and rear suspension was a aluminum "Bat Wing" configuration with independent rear suspension. This setup would never handle the increased HP. So next on the list was to remove the old suspension, replace it with a complete new updated heavy duty 4 link with QA1 coil over adjustable shocks. The rear end is a 12-bolt heavy duty with Richmond gears and Auburn Posi traction. The axels are 1 ½ Moser heavy duty with C-clip eliminators. The rear end and axels were custom cut and built to allow for 10" Mickey Thompson street slicks mounted on Centerline custom wheels, with the proper back spacing, to fit under the stock wheel wells without modification.

There is really too much to list in this format so I will accept calls from interested buyers.

A brief overview of the rest of the build is:

Be Cool aluminum radiator with twin high volume fans

Swoops front drive system

MSD Electronic ignition and MSD Billit Aluminum Distributor

Phantom gauges with custom angled bezels

Rocker switch component controls

Sony sound system with amp

Complete new interior, dash, door panels, carpet, glass, consoles, steering wheel, T-tops, more.

Custom seats designed and build by Corvette America

Kevlar wrapped exhaust systems

Rack and Pinion steering with HV pump

Complete Excel Spreadsheet parts list available, over $40,000 invested just in parts.

I look forward to more in-depth discussions with prospective buyers and C3 enthusiast.

Frank 205-821-4954