C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

[Ty T.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Haha, memories. I did this conversion in 1969. I was living in St Louis at the time attending school at Bailey Tech. I had a 1959 Corvette and put a big block in it. A few of the things I remember are buying a set of conversion motor mounts at a local parts store (possibly one of the earlier speed shops), moving the battery to the trunk and modifying the hood to accommodate the 850 Holley, and of course headers. With some engine modifications (thanks to my teachers at school) we put this thing on the dyno and it was pushing 550 hp. First time I cut it loose on the street I broke most of the leaf springs and the body dropped down on the slicks. I rebuilt the springs and added 2 extra on each side. Rode like a truck but had traction like you wouldn't believe. I ran it one time at Mid America Raceway in St Louis and turned a 10.88 and just a bit over 131 mph. Sadly, the car was stolen from me before I moved back to Minnesota. I found the car in 2010 (it's in Tennessee) but was not able to recover it (but that's another story).

[Philip P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

I do not have much information on how to put a big block in a C1 but in my younger life I bought a 58 with a 396. I drove it home and pulled the motor to replace it with a 327. I was amazed that nothing was destroyed i.e. all the glass under the hood was intact and the hood was not modified in anyway nothing with the frame.
Transmission was a Muncie as I recall. As the say Those were the days
Phil

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Phil--You're killing me...Rob

[Tom P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Ya know, this orgainzation has come a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way since I joined over 34yrs ago.
I clearly remember when you were absolutely forbidden within NCRS to even THINK about any kind of modification to a Corvette--------------------much less perform one!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

But Tom, we are merely discussing restoring these great old cars like they were in the day--you know, old school... :-) Rob

[Tom P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Hey, you're preaching to the choir.
In past years, I've been snubbed too many times by toooooooo many members because my 56 wasn't as it was out St. Louis back door.

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Tom--I like the sound of your choir!!! :-) From the responses in the post, it appears that there were quite a few individuals that had modified 'Vettes in the day; and some even today. While the cars were great stock, and still remain so, the modified cars also served to promote the interest and image of the 'Vettes. Hope to meet many of you guys in the future! Rob

[Philip P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

This has been a very interesting post. Some reading it would say "Bubba at Work" ( a term I take exception with) anyway my 58 was my first Corvette and was the start of a long journey. What I am taking away is that what ever you decide you are going to enjoy the car and that is was counts.
Phil

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Hi Phil--

I agree that I have enjoyed this post immensely; and especially hearing about the cars earlier in their lives, when they were modified "muscle cars". As Tom Parsons pointed out, things obviously have changed with the NCRS, where modifications such as the big block conversions to C-1 can be discussed and helpful tips provided. Now I do not believe that anyone would take a correct and/or pristine car and modify it today as is being discussed herein; however, when one has a C-1 such as mine, why not enjoy it. I read this forum to learn; and the 'Vettes that I have owned I drive. I have truly appreciated all of the inputs I have received from the members! Thanks, Rob

[Philip P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Now I do not believe that anyone would take a correct and/or pristine car and modify it today as is being discussed herein; however, when one has a C-1 such as mine, why not enjoy it.

I wish that was the case I ran into a complete 61 chassis that was in excellent condition (numbers correct) for sale, the body was going to be used on newer chassis. I did ask why and was told so it could be license as a 61. I was not sure as the VIN is not on the body but the steering column and frame no one seemed to be able to answer the question.
Anyway have fun with your project.
Phil

[Paul J.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Hi Phil--

I agree that I have enjoyed this post immensely; and especially hearing about the cars earlier in their lives, when they were modified "muscle cars". As Tom Parsons pointed out, things obviously have changed with the NCRS, where modifications such as the big block conversions to C-1 can be discussed and helpful tips provided. Now I do not believe that anyone would take a correct and/or pristine car and modify it today as is being discussed herein; however, when one has a C-1 such as mine, why not enjoy it. I read this forum to learn; and the 'Vettes that I have owned I drive. I have truly appreciated all of the inputs I have received from the members! Thanks, Rob

Rob, 40 years ago I belonged to a local Corvette club and there were a couple of heavily customized Vettes in the club. One time I asked one of the guys why he had modified his car so radically (it was a split window 63 with a BB and blower through the hood, heavy metalflake paint job, custom interior, etc.) He then showed me pictures of the car when he bought it. It was a pretzel. It was a 10 year old used car and it would have been parted out in the junkyard, but instead it was a big attraction at local shows. I realized right then that it's OK to modify certain cars.

Paul

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Another excellent point Phil! However, I bet the car in question was not owned by an NCRS member; or at least I hope it wasn't. Anyway, thanks for the positive comments! I will say, trying to find the required Bill Thomas conversion kit is almost as hard as trying to trace a car's history. Hope you have a great rest of your week! Best Regards, Rob

[Steven B.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Years ago there was a fellow stationed at the same AF base as me who had a highly modified Corvette. The Corvette was a '68 and "customized" with only a couple of miles on the odometer. It was a Motion Corvette. Last year ('13) while attending the Good Guys show I spoke with a fellow who had a '62 with C4 running gear and suspension. He said when he bought the car it had "Top Flighted" with a previous owner but he wanted something different and more driveable. Like Paul back in the day when I was in the Fort Wayne Corvette Club ('75 national champs) we had a few modified cars including a station wagon and a C3 fastback. Most of us raced so many of the cars were mechanically modified. Common in the day. The modified new cars today seem to be mostly mild appearance and exhaust, no wild paint or body mods. Interesting, many (but not all ) of the same guys who had the modified cars in the 60's and 70's have stock/near stock today. Steve

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Paul and Steve--

Some more excellent examples of how and why some of the Corvettes were modified "back in the day." I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and there were many modified 'Vettes in that area; and those are not only the cars with which I identify, but the ones that I would have loved to have owned. Additionally, the SCCA "A" and "B" Production cars that raced at Laguna Seca and Sears Point at that time, (late '60's early 70's), with their flared fenders and sidepipes are images that are indelibly ingrained in my memory. While I have endeavored to return the majority of my "driver quality cars" back to a more "original/correct" condition, (many times with help from this forum), I have to admit my modified '63 roadster, and this current '61 have been the most fun/enjoyable to drive. Perhaps it is the fact that I do not have to worry about breaking some original/correct component if I drive the car too hard; nor do I constantly watch the rear view mirror, (especially when in traffic), concerned that someone is going to rear end me, and damage or destroy an original (collectible) car. Anyway, just for the record, while I appreciate the many modified Corvettes that I have seen over the years; by the same token, I also appreciate the restored Corvettes and the extensive amount of time, effort, and resources that are involved with that undertaking. Guess I just love Corvettes, no matter what the type and/or condition. Thanks for the great "blasts from the past." Best Regards, Rob

[Tom B.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

An aluminum 409 would be very cool in that '61. Steve had already moved out of Butler when this happened but my friend Larry, who's dad owned the shell station a half block from where Steve Brohard grew up, found a virgin original '55 Corvette for a project car. You know the type: white pearl with purple candy flames and a severely blown up '63 409/425. This was 1975 and I can't recall what was used for mounts when we disassembled it. It had iron exhaust manifolds and a stock uncut hood so fit was not a problem.

Tom