Bangland

Greetings, my name is Bangland DiamondHammer. I am the proud owner of a 1979 Corvette. Now check it, I understand that the 79 is not as big a deal as the earlier metal bumper Vettes but, I love this body style. I am not sure how I will approach this project. My C3 is a numbers matching vehicle. Unfortunately, its an L48. After previously owning a 74 C3 with a 409 I just cant continue with an L48. On the one hand I can restore a numbers matching machine but, on the other I can create a monster. I am struggling between installing another 400 or an LQ9. What are the advantages between the original L48, 400, and the LQ9? Also, Just wondering about the Sharkbite suspension. Good move or bad?

76strokervette

The rubber bumper c3 corvette is the best choice for modifying due to the large number of cars produced.The early and more rare cars are worth more restored than modified.I say go for it due to the fact it won't hurt the value of the car.

ratflinger

Numbers matching 79 - it's worth less because of that

Easy Mike

If you're the proud owner of an original 79, why not leave it that way? Otherwise, sell this one as is. Buy a NOM car and go to town on it.

JagNorb

I recently bought a documented 22,000 mile '79 in pristine shape for a car that had never been messed with. It has the same sucky engine and 350 trans as yours. I know it's not a collectible, so I am replacing the L48 and turbo 350 with a 355 /350 HP roller motor and 700R4. At least it will rock and roll like Vette is supposed to!

74modified

It's your car - do what you want with it. Leave it as is or change it.
Whatever YOU enjoy more.
OR maybe some of the number match guys want to pay you a premium??? Then you can buy another one. Are you working on it for you to enjoy, or to sell to someone else?
What ever you decide, if it is executed well, someone will want to buy it.

The late 70's and up cars are dogs (performance wise) when stock. I could see why most would want to boost performance to enjoy driving it.
The LQ9 would be more work, and could cost more - depending on a lot of factors. The modern power plant (left injected) is more complicated, but also more reliable and civilized.