The vast majority of Corvettes built between 1975 and 1982 are affordable and plentiful, and are ideal for high-performance builds. Learn how to transform a mundane C3 into a standout, high-performance car.

The C3 Corvette’s swooping fenders and unmistakable body style capture the imagination and make it an enduring classic. About a half-million Corvettes were sold between 1968 and 1982, and the unique combination of Shark style, handling, and V-8 performance is revered. Some early C3s, built between 1968 and 1974, are simply too rare and valuable to be modified, particularly the big-block cars. The later Corvettes, built from 1975 to 1982, came with low-compression engines that produced anemic performance. The vast majority of these Corvettes are affordable, plentiful, and the ideal platform for a high-performance build. Corvette expert, high-performance shop owner, and builder Chris Petris shows how to transform a mundane C3 into an outstanding high-performance car. Stock Corvettes of this generation carry antiquated brakes, steering, suspension, and anemic V-8 engines with 165 to 220 hp. He covers the installation of top-quality aftermarket suspension components, LS crate engines, big brakes, frame upgrades, and improved driveline parts. The book also includes popular upgrades to every component group, including engine, transmission, differential, suspension, steering, chassis, electrical system, interior, tires, wheels, and more. Whether you are mildly modifying your Corvette for greater comfort and driveability or substantially modifying it for vastly improved acceleration, braking, and handling, this book has insightful instruction to help you reach your goals. No other book provides as many popular how-to projects to comprehensively transform the C3 Corvette into a 21st-century sports car.