C3 to C5/C6 conversion?

SpartanSith · 10-05-07, 11:12 AM

Im thinking of starting up a small business that produces brackets/adapters that make it easy to drop in new technology into our old vettes... i know alot of people would like to drop in new engines/brakes/ect. but dont wont to have to fabricate everything as they go... anyone think this might be viable, or is it just me...

also, what would be the most sought after upgrades? (ls1, tranny, brakes, and suspention is what ive come up with so far...)

bmotojoe · 10-05-07, 03:16 PM

I think front brake adapter kits are available already for C/2 and C/3 to C/5 generation upgrades. From what I understand you must use a 17” rim for clearance. They also require the use of 13” rotors.
Brian

GreatWhiteNorth · 10-05-07, 06:42 PM

Sign me up for a LS1 swap kit...that would be great.

ed1655 · 10-05-07, 07:09 PM

you're not the first one who's pondered this..... basically like making a kit car, when you think about it.

there are companies out there that'll do it for you. (for about 70 grand), but haven't heard of anyone packaging it like you suggested. the demand is DEFINATELY there but i think the real question is, would it be lucrative>>>>>????

too bad the c6's dimensions are so different. it's be sweet to have a c3 interior and exterior but everything else, every nut, bolt, gear, gasket, etc was brand spanking new c6!

SpartanSith · 10-05-07, 07:39 PM

ya, i plan on makin it public, instead of having individual company's modify ur vette... i hope to bring it to the end user for less than it would take to send it to a garage to put in what u want...

DarkShark · 10-05-07, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmotojoe

I think front brake adapter kits are available already for C/2 and C/3 to C/5 generation upgrades. From what I understand you must use a 17” rim for clearance. They also require the use of 13” rotors.
Brian

Really???

Hmmmmm.... I have the wheels already!

SpartanSith · 10-06-07, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpartanSith

Im thinking of starting up a small business that produces brackets/adapters that make it easy to drop in new technology into our old vettes... i know alot of people would like to drop in new engines/brakes/ect. but dont wont to have to fabricate everything as they go... anyone think this might be viable, or is it just me...

also, what would be the most sought after upgrades? (ls1, tranny, brakes, and suspention is what ive come up with so far...)

so anythin that anyone else might want for their vette? im tryin to cover all the bases...

bmotojoe · 10-06-07, 07:30 AM

here is the post from VBP dated 6/25/07

Quote:

NEW VBP C-5/C-3 BRAKE UPGRADE PACKAGE
We are now introducing our latest brake upgrade package. If you have 17" wheels on your Corvette, you can now have C-5 Calipers and 13" VBP Sport Rotors on the front.

This is my first attempt at the photobucket so here goes. The link below has three pics. One is of the front and rear package, the other is debuting our latest powder coating color, pewter so there is a pic of a C-5 front caliper in pewter and also our latest Corvette Fever Ad featuring the package.

The package as standard will be powder coated in the pewter. If you would like red, yellow or black, there will not be any additional charge for the powder coating. The price for the front and rear package is $1,599.95 and for the front portion only, $1,099.95.

If you have any questions about the new package, please email me directly to pattie@VBandP.com or call me toll free at 1-800-237-9991. You can use your 10% Corvette Action Center discount too

http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb283/pattievbp/

lone73 · 10-06-07, 10:38 AM

One of the big reasons I would want a C5 brake upgrade is to improve on the ancient technology and barely usable emergency brake. I haven't heard if the VB kit addresses that aspect of it. I am pretty sure they expect you to keep using your old e-brake. Anybody know for sure?

If you could design the kit to use the C5 style e-brake that would be a HUGE plus. Imagine being able to set your e-brake and walk away from the car and not worry about it rolling away... even if you forgot to put it in gear.
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DarkShark · 10-06-07, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lone73

One of the big reasons I would want a C5 brake upgrade is to improve on the ancient technology and barely usable emergency brake. I haven't heard if the VB kit addresses that aspect of it. I am pretty sure they expect you to keep using your old e-brake. Anybody know for sure?

If you could design the kit to use the C5 style e-brake that would be a HUGE plus. Imagine being able to set your e-brake and walk away from the car and not worry about it rolling away... even if you forgot to put it in gear.
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You are absolutely right- the rear parking brake needs to be addressed. Very few C3s have one that works or even one that works well. From what I see, the "kit" comes with a C5 front set up and new rotors and C3 rear calipers. Not the "improvement" I'd expect for $1,500. Then again.. I'm cheap.

Besides- I think $1K is a LOT to drop on two sets of pads, two calipers, some adapter brackets, and lines. I don't doubt the cost is "on the money", I'd rather have the caliper adapters and rotors so I can piece my system together on my own terms.

SpartanSith · 10-15-07, 07:25 PM

ya, i plan on doing something with the hand break cause i know from experience that c3 ones barely work for parking...

Blakey · 10-18-07, 12:27 PM

I'm sure there is a big market out their for a hand brake conversion. I know i find hill starts a pain in the back side in traffic so this would be much appreciated.

73shark · 10-19-07, 12:37 AM

If your parking brake doesn't work very well, then either the cable is rusted inside the housing or the shoes inside the rotor hat are. There are stainless kits available for these parts and will restore the parking brake function. It's not an emergency brake.

Altered · 10-19-07, 01:36 AM

Me E-brake was set way loose when I got my car. I used the adjuster on the cable and its like brand new. Holds great on slopes and all even out of gear.

1996Z15 · 10-21-07, 08:45 PM

I am not familiar with what is involved with installing a LS motor into a C3 so my question may be a bit off but, would your kit enable someone to install an LS motor and a 6 speed without making any permanent modifications?
I would be interested in installing modern running gear but, since my car is all original I would want to be able to return it back to stock if I ever decided.