surfolly

I'm looking for information from C3 owners who have had Nine inch/Dana 60 or even 12 bolt rears (non-IRS) installed. Who did it, how much did it cost, and finally how is it working out? I live in Charleston, SC and I got a price from a local builder to have a nine inch put in without shortening it for about $6000. Shortened rears, mini tubs, tubs are extra. It looks like a 4-link set up is most appropriate, but I don't know if the rear crossmember has to be replaced or altered. Does anyone out there have any C3 experience in this area? Thanks in advance for any input.

GrandSportC3

I don't have it in yet.. but I'm getting a Ford 9 inch installed.. I was quoted $5k installed (including parts and labor)


[Modified by GrandSportC3, 9:49 PM 5/9/2004]

CrossedFlags77

GrandSportC3 I thought you had purchased another race car that had a 9 inch already installed or am I thinking about someone else? :confused:

surfolly

Sounds great. If you have a minute...what type of set -up are you getting? Are they installing tubs, rear frame assembly, ladder bar or 4-link, altering the frame or rear crossmember ? I would more or less looking to back-half the car, and keep it streetable. Right now I'm an inch away from buying a Pro Street Camaro(w/o engine) to race and abuse, but I just started thinking that I might do something similar to my 'Vette (not the abuse though). Besides, my wife is really growling at me about getting another project. I really appreciate any information.

surfolly

Oops! I meant to address my last post to Grandsport3.

GrandSportC3

nope.. gonna have mine converted... At one point (about a year ago) I was thinking in buying a race car (not a Vette)... and later - I thought in selling my C3 and buying a C3 with a Ford 9 inch.. However - I couldn't get enough money for my '68.. so I'm keeping it and I'll add a Ford 9 inch...

GrandSportC3

I would love to get tubs.. but I wouldn't be able to keep the convertible top if I'd go with full tubs.. I might get mini tubs - so that I can fit 28 x 13.5 -15 ET Streets under there without sticking out..... The setup will be a 4-link setup. Don't know what kind of modificaitons the shop will do to install the Ford 9 inch.. I won't do the work myself.. so I don't know...

surfolly

Grandsport3, Thanks for the info and good luck! Keep us posted on how the project goes.

Corey_68

Oliver, I take it you're installing a cage as well?

big632

Here you go. http://www.http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/hotrod12 I did all the work,but have previous experience.


[Modified by big632, 2:19 AM 5/10/2004]


[Modified by big632, 2:20 AM 5/10/2004]


[Modified by big632, 2:22 AM 5/10/2004]

GrandSportC3

I will... The shop that is going to do the conversion is booked until the end of June.. so it'll take a while until he can do my car...

GrandSportC3

I'm going to have a 6-point rollbar installed.. I'm not going with a full cage because it looks ugly in a convertible... That means that I'll be good to 10.0 with the 6-point setup...

I don't expect the car to be finished before fall..

surfolly

BIG632, awesome 'Vette! Mine would be a few notches down in intensity, but I love yours. It looks like you may have put in a tube chassis or something similar. My stepfather built his '82 Corvette drag car with a tube chassis, but for a back-half type application he isn't sure what folks are doing for pro-street type 'Vettes. We looked at a Super Stock C3 when we were at Rockingham Dragway a couple of weekends ago, and it had a modified non-IRS rear that still utilized the rear spring - kind of a hybrid. That set-up didn't help me much for the nine inch application I was looking for. I guess the main thing I'm wondering is if the rear crossmember can be used for the 4-link without cutting it out and replacing it for a back-half project? Thanks very much for the responses.

big632

No .You have to cut it right where the control arms fit in. put in a new back clip with frame rails and suspension locations.Mine is a back half with full cage. Basically you jig weld a clip with frame rails at the width you want.Then you square it in your cut out factory frame.When you square it you measure diagonally to each front spindle,and set it in. You do not use the body,which could be way off. You also have to have the car level at the time you remove your factory frame so you can set your ride height at that time too.Email me if you need more info.

surfolly

big632, thanks for the information. We have two reputable shops here in town that build hot rods and race cars, even Pro-Modifieds, yet neither has done a back-half street Corvette. I'm driving my mom's '80 (mine has the engine/trans out) to one shop this week for them to look under it so they can give me an estimate. If I go through with this, I may take you up on e-mailing you with more questions. Thank you again for your help.

8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE

[QUOTE]Here you go. http://www.http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/hotrod12

This Vette makes me :smiliedrool:

GrandSportC3

:withstupid:

8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE

Wish I could get a video of this Vette making a 7.50 run........ :steering: