1972 C3 Budget Racer Holds Its Own On the Track
Even a vintage Corvette racer can be built with a budget in mind, it seems.
Budget Build
The words "budget" and "racing" don't often go together too well, but it is possible to go racing on a relatively modest budget, even in something like a Corvette. Case in point - this 1972 Corvette, owned by Casey Cronin, which participates in all sorts of events including Super Chevy's Muscle Car Challenge. As Cronin explained to Hot Rod, the cost of such an endeavor was always at the front of his mind.
Photos: Hot Rod
Broader Rules
Cronin started out racing a Camaro in the American Autocross Series (AAS), which was originally designed to favor Corvettes. At the same time, it allows broader engine modifications than similar SCCA events, though it requires stock control arms, any kind of springs, shock and sway bars, and large slicks for both the front and rear.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this C3 on a budget right here in Corvette Forum.
Right Choice
Those sorts of limitations make this class rather budget-friendly as well. Cronin got the itch and soon began looking for a car that was 1972 model year or older. "I considered the typical first- and early second-gen Camaros, Novas, and even Mustangs," he said. "But after watching Craigslist for a few weeks I learned how much people valued these cars. I also noticed recent Goodguys winners, Danny Popp and Brain Hobaugh, were getting it done in early Corvettes. Craigslist didn't fail me, and for less than a rotted-out first-gen Camaro, I could buy a C3 Corvette."
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this C3 on a budget right here in Corvette Forum.
Keep It Simple
Cronin purchased his C3 in a rather rough shape with rust on every piece of metal, though the fiberglass was in good condition. He found a good rolling chassis for sale, however, and began to rebuild his Corvette from the ground up. He planned on keeping things simple, starting with new suspension bushings to tighten things up a bit.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this C3 on a budget right here in Corvette Forum.
New Powerplant
The next step was removing anything from the car that wasn't needed to make it as light as possible. The 350 that came with the Corvette didn't last very long, however, which necessitated a change. Cronin managed to score a built 362 cubic-inch small block from a friend that had 13:1 compression, a roller cam, and all forged internals to fill that void.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this C3 on a budget right here in Corvette Forum.
Handling Upgrades
Next, Cronin attacked the Corvette's handling by adding massively wide 18x12" wheels with 315s up front and 335s in the rear, which required fender flares to fit. He then added SPC adjustable control arms, double-adjustable JRi shocks, Wilwood brakes, and a Borgeson steering box.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this C3 on a budget right here in Corvette Forum.
Bargain Hunting
The result of all that bargain hunting is a reasonably priced build that's more than capable of hanging with more expensive, LS-powered cars. For now, Cronin is focused on honing his driving skills, as well as fixing up the C3 cosmetically. But we imagine that he isn't done making the car itself more capable, either.
Photos: Hot Rod
>>Join the conversation about this C3 on a budget right here in Corvette Forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to page in the forum.