And we'll attest to the fact that after 20 years, the Corvette is more than going strong. This page was last edited on 26 July 2022, at 02:50. All moldings and trims are proudly manufactured in the United States Fender Flares by Anderson Composites. 1978 was the Corvette's 25th anniversary, and all 78s featured silver anniversary nose and fuel door emblems. The new $7 FE7 suspension option was included with the Z07 package The $400 package (also included H.D. The Corvette America was a rare version of the C3 distinguished by its four doors. 1976 models featured steel floor panels shielding the catalytic converter exhaust. The optional cast aluminum wheels were finally made available, which reduced the unsprung weight of the car by 32pounds. [15] This year SAE net measurement for horsepower was now utilized (away from the previous SAE gross standard), and was largely responsible for the much lower engine output figures such as the 200hp (149kW) rating on the standard 350cuin (5.7L) motor. 188 cars in the 1971 model included the LS-6 engine, with only 12 with the ZR-2 package, including only 2 convertibles. Carried over from the previous year were seven available rear axle ratios ranging from 2.73 to 4.56. That may be fine for a race car but definitely not OK for a driver, show car, or investment. The urethane nose was chosen over Chevy's other alternative, a more protruding version of the previous metal bumper. This was the final year for the fiber optics light monitoring system, the headlight washer system, and the M22 heavy duty 4-speed manual gearbox. We wouldnt just change it for the sake of change. All three units sported a gold and black paint scheme chosen by Bean and were leased to them for US$1.00 a year.[40][41][42]. Although the M22 HD 4-speed was no longer a Regular Production Option, it continued to be fitted to cars outfitted with the ZR1 package. This is exactly what these babies do. The chassis was carried over from the second generation models, retaining the fully independent suspension (with minor revisions) and the four-wheel disc brake system. A new fastback rear window was the most dramatic and noticeable styling change, giving the ten-year-old C3 Corvette body style a fresh lease on life. And, we think better[21]. It included the solid-lifter small-block engine, heavy-duty four-speed transmission, power brakes, aluminum radiator, and a revised suspension with special springs, shocks, stabilizer bar, and spindle-strut shafts. The 454cuin (7.4L) LS-4 big-block V8 engine was introduced in 1973 to replace the LS-5. 1972 (Aug. 1971 prod) was the last model year for chrome bumpers at both front and rear, the vacuum actuated pop-up windshield wiper door, as well as the removable rear window common to all 1968-72 coupes. 1982: To commemorate the last year of C3 production, Chevy built 6759 CollectorsEdition Corvettes, all with bespoke silver and beige paint and an opening rear hatch.Total production for the year was 25,407 units. Chrome air cleaner lids and cast magnesium valve covers dressed up all engines. If you find the same item, brand and MFG part number from any current website, advertisement, catalog or flyer, we offer here at Ecklers. Save your vehicles, create project lists, and track your orders. Front fenders had functional engine cooling vents. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Various sources stated that either General Motors built it or that it was custom built by California Coach Motors. 1978: The 25th year of Corvette production is marked by a new fastback body style,and the traditional crossed-flag emblem is replaced with a special anniversary emblem.60 series tiresreferred to as low-profile, laughable by todays standardsare offered for the first time. Production hit its peak in 1979 at 53,807, a record that stands to this day. Copyright 2003-2022 CARiD.com. [36] In line with further weight savings, the aluminum intake manifold associated with L-82 engines since 1978 was now installed in all cars, as well as an aluminum lower alternator mounting bracket replacing the cast iron piece used since 1972. For the first time, air conditioning was installed on most of the cars, with nearly 53 percent so ordered. Eckler's Corvette overbuilds every fiberglass mold with heavy reinforcements to ensure consistent quality and a superior fit. Eckler's Corvette has invested heavily in research and development, manufacturing processes, and quality control techniques. 1971: All Corvette engines were designed to run on the new unleaded fuel, and theLS6 big-block 454 V-8 engine option is introduced. P.O. Your #1 Source of Restoration and Restomod Parts! Letter to the Editor 1982 saw the debut of the "Cross-Fire Injection" fuel delivery system. Because they contribute so much to the overall shape and look of your vehicle, it's easy to Have you ever seen another truck like yours and thought, "It looks the same as mine, but morerugged"? The Corvette C3 was chosen as the pace car for the 1978 Indianapolis 500. [6] An aluminum wheel option was seen on 1973 and 1974 pilot cars, and a few 1973s were so equipped, but withheld for quality issues, and wouldn't be available until 1976. The custom interior with leather seat trim was now standard, with cloth and leather a no-cost option. New were eggcrate grills with matching front fender side vents and larger squared front directional lamps. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. However, many short cuts were taken to save costs. [8] All small block cars had low-profile hoods. This was the last year for 8-track tape availability and new "cross-fire injection" emblems appeared on front fenders. NOTE: Fiberglass Panels Require Fitting, Trimming, Shimming, And Special Finishing. Chevrolet commented on the new tailpiece in the '74 Corvette sales brochure: Take the styling. All big block cars had domed hoods for additional engine clearance with twin simulated vents and 427 emblems on either side of the dome. The "Shark" has the distinction of being introduced to the motoring public in an unorthodoxand unintendedfashion. 1-Pc Chambered Gothic Style Mesh Main Grille, Posted by Christopher (El Prado, NM) / March 21, 2019, Chevy Corvette Passenger Side Rear View Mirror, Chevy Corvette High Performance Suspension, Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition Pace Car. The new lightweight high back seats were made standard equipment. This item has additional shipping charges due to heavy weight or oversize dimensions. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Eckler's Offer The Most Complete Line Of. For 1968, both the Corvette body and interior were completely redesigned. [6] This year reached an all-time high in Corvette popularity. Reviewers praised the car's classic strengths including its impressive straight-line numbers, especially an L48/automatic's 7.8second 0-60mph time and top speed of 123mph (198km/h), and noted its more refined, less rattling ride. New options included a rear window defroster, anti-theft alarm system, bright metal wheel covers, and an AM-FM Stereo radio. The result is the finest quality fiberglass body panels that fit right the first time and with minimal prep work required. Punta Gorda, FL 33951 Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, 1973-1979 Corvette Fender Flares ZL1 Front, Eckler's Automotive strives to bring you the, Available - Allow additional time for delivery, NOTE: Fiberglass Panels Require Fitting, Trimming, Shimming, And Special Finishing. Car and Driver recorded 6.8second 0-60mph times in both L-48 and L-82 4-speed equipped 1976 Corvettes. It included the special equipment in the ZR1 package, but for the 454 LS-6 engine. Even worse, these fiberglass body panels didn't have reinforcements so long term durability was compromised. February Classic Corvette Corner | Photos and Stories, Vette Vues Readers And Followers Classic Corvette Photos And Stories, Readers Comments & Testimonials on Vette Vues 50th Anniversary, Vette Vues Corvette Gift Ideas Your Search for the Best Corvette Gifts Ends Here, Get 6-Months of Vette Vues Magazine Subscription $2.66 Per Issue. Were so confident in our services and our pricing, we will match any currently advertised retail price (excluding sales pricing) for identical parts and products. By 1982 the base price had increased to $18,290. In 1982 Chevrolet knew this would be the last year of an entire generation of Corvettes and so commemorated the occasion by offering a Collector Edition with separate serial number sequencing, silver-beige paint, unique wheels patterned after the 1967 model's bolt-on alloys, and an operable rear hatch window. Take your vehicle to the next level in style with these fender flares. Lightened materials, new hood, front end with molded spoilers, rear bumper cover with molded spoiler and new tail lamps, Federal government required 85mph (137km/h) speedometer; California cars powered by 305 V8 and automatic transmission for this year only, last year for L-82 engine - (n/a with manual transmission). Place your classified ads online, Advertiser Information However, the chrome blade front bumper was dropped for the federally required 5mph (8.0km/h) standard for a light-weight front bumper system with an inner transverse tube attached to the frame with two Omark-bolts-(special steel fasteners which absorbed energy when a forming die, pushed back by the bumper, was forced down their length), and an injection-molded urethane bumper cover. Functionally, the spoilers decreased drag by about 15% and increased fuel economy by about a half-mile per gallon. It was a solid lifter motor featuring a forged steel crankshaft, 4-bolt main block, 11:1 compression ratio, impact extruded pistons, high-lift camshaft, low-restriction exhaust, aluminum intake manifold, 4-barrel carburetor, and finned aluminum rocker covers. The smaller displacement engine was not available in any other state. The new tire size was GR70-15 with white stripes or raised white letters optional. A special color scheme was used inside and out and Collector Edition badges were featured. [15] A wide-ratio 4-speed was available for all cars. Unless You Are Experienced In Working With Fiberglass, Ecklers Recommends Using A Qualified Body Shop. Also, if you have equipped your Vette with extra-size tires , protruding over the fenders, flares are likely to be compulsory, at least in some states. The fixed-glass fastback benefited both aerodynamics and increased the usable luggage space behind the seats while improving rearward visibility in the bargain. Address Changes Your #1 Source For Corvette Restoration and Restomod Parts! Even worse, these fiberglass body panels didn't have reinforcements so long term durability was compromised. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. New interior console and gauges, universal GM radios. All moldings and trims are proudly manufactured in the United States Universal ProtektoTrim T Style Black Fender Trim by Cowles. The result is the finest quality fiberglass body panels that fit right the first time and with minimal prep work required. Eckler's Offer The Most Complete Line Of. Renew your subscription Fusing high-end sleekness with aggressiveness, this Front and Rear Fender Flares by Nowicki Autosport Design. APR Carbon Fiber Wheel Arch Modings are the perfectanswerto aerodynamically tune the handling for the front of a car. The stock 350-cubic-inch V-8 producesa depressing 165 horsepower, the L82 performance engine managing 205. All moldings and trims are proudly manufactured in the United States using the Universal ProtektoTrim Half Round Black Fender Trim by Cowles. Eckler's Corvette has invested heavily in research and development, manufacturing processes, and quality control techniques. [39], In 1969, General Motors leased three special edition Corvette Stingrays for astronauts Pete Conrad, Richard F. Gordon, Jr., and Alan Bean of the Apollo 12 mission. On the downside, the new transmission was not considered a strong unit and proved problematic. The hood was also restyled as well. The dual-snorkel air intake introduced on L-82 cars the previous year was now fitted to all cars and the base engine now generated 195hp (145kW). [14] The key activated anti-theft alarm system became standard. The base L-48 engine produced 190hp (142kW). Interiors were tweaked with redesigned seats and a new deluxe interior option combined wood-grain wood accents and higher-spec carpeting with leather seat surfaces. Dual exhaust pipes were routed to a single converter, then split again leading to dual mufflers and tailpipes. All rights reserved. They are manufactured from high quality 6 oz.