This deep blue 1977 Chevrolet Corvette came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for a new driveline including an LS3 V8, a Tremec TKX 5-Speed manual transmission, and more. These Corvettes look cool and handle well, but the often anaemic, low-compression “smog motors” from the mid 1970s leave much to be desired in the performance department. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop installed a Chevrolet Performance LS3 430 HP crate engine and the Tremec TKX 5-Speed transmission from Modern Driveline designed for high RPM shifting. Dakota Digital RTX gauges provide the driver with the vitals without looking like an add-on. Other suspension upgrades, new wheels, tires, and brakes, sidepipes, and a complete interior restoration by V8 Speed and Resto all add up to a great looking and performing Corvette. If you didn’t think you were a fan of mid 1970’s Corvettes… you are now!
Adding Modern Performance And Handling To A Classic Envelope
This cool yellow 1968 Oldsmobile 442 looks great, but the owner wanted better handling, braking, and comfort, while adding more reliable power and a smoother shifting transmission to the car without sacrificing the classic look. The solution is the installation of at Roadster Shop chassis and an LS3 V8, hooked to a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission.
Restoring As Needed
This 1968 Oldsmobile 442 had been restored once, but we discovered some areas needing attention. We replaced the rusty dashboard and performed some floor pan repairs during the process. The goal was to perform the required tasks without re-restoring the entire car.
Upgrades With Drivability In Mind
The foundation is a Roadster Shop chassis, which is not only stiffer than the original GM chassis, but it also incorporates improved suspension geometry, stroger parts, and spring, shock, and steering technology over 50 years more advanced than the 1968 design. The end result is a car that drives phenomenally well while not losing the original 442 appearance.
LS3 + TKO = Way More Fun!
The nearly 500 HP all-aluminum LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKx 5-speed transmission is able to handle over 600 ft-lbs of torque and adds an overdrive 5th gear, all while capable of 7500+ RPM shifts. It is geared to match the rear axle ratio and power curve of the engine, so the hydraulically-clutched 5-speed adds to the fun while being easy to drive.
Follow The Build
The photos tell the story of how the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team transformed this Olds into a road car that the driver can enjoy all day long. Our team is very experienced in building these type of Pro-Touring Muscle Cars for those who put the emphasis on driving performance. What can we build for you? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to chat about your dream classic, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Transforms a 1969 Corvette Roadster
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Rendering by Murray Komant, Built At V8 Speed and Resto Shop
This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster wasn’t just getting a makeover, it was undergoing a complete metamorphosis at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Gone was the original small-block Chevy 350 V8 and 4-speed transmission, replaced with a heart-pounding 427 cubic inch big-block engine and a smooth-shifting Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the extensive upgrades:
Engine and Drivetrain:
Powerhouse Upgrade: The as-delivered 350 V8 was swapped for a Chevrolet Performance ZZ427 crate engine, churning out 480 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This legendary big-block promises exhilarating performance.
Modern Transmission: A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission replaces the 4-speed, offering a wider gear range and smoother shifting for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Clutch and Flywheel: A smooth hydraulic clutch from Modern Driveline provides easy action and strong clamping force.
Fuel Delivery: A Holley Terminator X EFI system replaces the carburetor for precise fuel metering and improved performance.
Cooling System: A new radiator, hoses, and electric fan ensure the powerful engine stays cool.
Brakes and Suspension:
Stopping Power: The stock brakes were replaced with a Wilwood big brake kit featuring red calipers and larger rotors for superior stopping power. New brake lines, hoses, and a proportioning valve complete the upgrade.
Hydraulic Brake Booster: This brake power booster provides smooth action, low pedal effort, and vastly increased clamping force than the original vacuum boost unit at a smaller size.
Enhanced Handling: Bilstein shocks and a comprehensive suspension rebuild with polyurethane bushings improve handling and provide a more responsive ride.
Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
Interior Upgrades:
Luxury Comfort: The interior received a complete overhaul. The seats were reupholstered in-house in luxurious Phantom Black leather with perforated inserts for breathability and contrasting blue stitching. New door panels, carpets, and a center console create a fresh and stylish atmosphere.
Modern Conveniences: A Vintage Air A/C system keeps the driver cool on hot days. A Zip Corvette radio with upgraded speakers provides entertainment. USB charging ports allow for convenient device charging. A Dakota Digital cruise control system was installed for added comfort on long drives, with Dakota Gauges keeping the driver up to speed.
Exterior Transformation:
Arrow-Straight Bodywork: The Corvette’s fiberglass body construction requires special techniques to repair and refinish, and the V8 Speed and Resto Shop performed extensive repairs and refinements to the body to improve fit and finish.
Show-Stopping Paint: The original paint job was replaced with a stunning custom blue chosen by the owner. A red-outlined metallic charcoal stripe enhances the deep blue body. The flawless finish and meticulous application make this Corvette a real head-turner.
Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
Functional Aesthetics: An L88 hood adds a touch of muscle car history, while functional upgrades like ceramic-coated headers and original Corvette-style side pipes sing the song of the 427.
Additional Details:
The car also received a complete wiring overhaul with a new battery and various electrical upgrades.
Many original parts were meticulously restored or replaced with high-quality reproduction parts, ensuring the car retains its classic character.
This meticulous restoration project by the V8 Speed and Resto Shop transformed a classic Corvette into a modern muscle car masterpiece. With its powerful engine, upgraded drivetrain, luxurious interior, and show-stopping paint job, this Corvette Roadster is ready to conquer the road in style and comfort.
Museum Piece For The Street
After completion, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team was honored to have the ’69 Corvette Roadster invited to be part of an amazing multi-generational Corvette display at the Garage Automotive Museum in Salina, Kansas. The blue ’69 was right at home flanked by other outstanding Museum Corvettes, but this car is destined to be driven on the open roads of America.
Let’s Build Your Dream Ride
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team understands personally significant vehicles and the freedom they deliver. We can transform your existing ride, or design and craft a custom bespoke automobile tailored specifically for you. We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.
This beautiful Hugger Orange 1969 Chevrolet Corvette came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop barely breathing through the old carburetor and slipping gears with a slushy automatic transmission. The owner wants more, and we don’t blame him. The fix is in the form of a Holley Terminator X EFI system and a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission. The double “X” treatment will make this a completely different car!
The Tremec TKX offers the perfect solution for muscle car enthusiasts seeking:
Enhanced Driving Experience: Take command of your gears and relish the raw power of your classic car.
Improved Performance: The TKX boasts a compact design for a perfect fit and smoother shifting compared to TKO transmissions.
Modern Muscle: Enjoy the benefits of overdrive for enhanced cruising and fuel efficiency.
Unmatched Expertise: V8 Speed & Resto Shop is your one-stop shop for flawless Tremec TKX installations. Our team has extensive experience breathing new life into classic muscle cars like Mustangs, Camaros, Chevelles, and of course, GTOs!
In this video, we delve deep into the Tremec TKX, highlighting its:
Superior Strength: 600 lb-ft torque capacity and 8000 RPM maximum shift RPM handle the demands of your powerful engine.
Streamlined Design: The innovative “front loaded” three-piece aluminum housing ensures a perfect fit and eliminates leaks.
Adaptability: Choose from GM Muncie/Richmond or Ford wide pattern options to match your car’s needs.
Tailored Performance: Multiple gear ratios allow you to optimize your driving experience.
Ready to transform your classic muscle car?
Contact V8 Speed & Resto Shop today! We’re passionate about helping you achieve the perfect manual transmission setup for your dream car. We work with Modern Driveline to engineer TKO transmission solutions for classics, hot rods, and muscle cars.
Visit our website at https://v8speedshop.com/ or call us at 314.783.8325 to discuss your Tremec TKX conversion!
This sharp 1966 Pontiac GTO came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop as a paddle-shifted automatic transmission car, but the owner wanted to row the gears the old fashioned way. Our mission is to install a new Tremec TKX 5-speed manual in the car, and perform some other maintenance items along the way. Follow along with all the progress here!
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Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!
This stunning 1969 Camaro may look finished, but at V8 Speed & Resto Shop, we know there’s always room for improvement. Take a closer look as we transform this classic muscle car into a road-ready performer!
Under the Hood:
Holley Sniper EFI System: We ditch the carburetor for a modern fuel injection system, boosting power, efficiency, and drivability on the 396 cubic inch engine.
Suspension and Handling:
Detroit Speed Upgrade: For sharper handling and a smoother ride, we install high-performance Detroit Speed suspension components.
Wilwood Disc Brakes: More power and better handling require predictable and powerful brakes.
YearOne 17″ Billet Chevy Rally Wheels: Traditional look with better clearance for modern brakes.
Further Upgrades:
Vintage Air A/C System: Beat the heat in comfort with a modern air conditioning system from Vintage Air.
Tremec TKX 5-Speed Manual Overdrive Transmission: Cruise effortlessly on the highway with a modern 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
This cool green Camaro is a perfect example of how restoration and performance upgrades can come together to create a truly special car. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to plan the next steps for your muscle car!
Check out the video of this revitalized 1969 Camaro!Â
