The inspiration for the purchase of the Mach Five C3 began with a 1980 Corvette poster, "THE POSTER". "The Poster" also began our love of Corvettes in general, leading to Mach Five's ownership of five different generations of Corvettes over the years including this C3 Restomod, as well as a C4 Z51, C5 Z51, C7 Z06, and a C8 Z51 (which is still currently owned, see separate "C8 Corvette" Page)
The Third generation (C3) Corvette aka "Shark", or "Coke Bottle", was introduced in 1968 and produced through 1982, with its design based on Larry Shinoda's 1965 Corvette Mako Shark II concept
The 1968 to 1972 model years of the C3 generation, aka the "Chrome Bumper" years, contain some of the most sought-after Corvettes in the brand’s history
The 1973 to 1977 years marked the low for the C3 generation, with Net horsepower dropping below 200hp due to the increasing US emissions requirements
While horsepower remained low for the balance of the C3 production, styling changes beginning with the "fastback" rear window in 1978 improved the appeal of the car with 1979 becoming the highest selling year in Corvette history.
1982 was the last model year for C3 Corvettes and were the first models produced at the new Bowling Green Assembly plant for the full model year.
For more information of the C3 evolution over its 15 years of production, click HERE
The Mach Five C3 Corvette (images #1-14) is a 1981 Restomod with a modern "LS Swap" engine that has been further performance modified. The Mach Five C3 Corvette modifications are detailed in the sections below.
Chevrolet C3 Corvette LS Swap Restomod
The First generation (C1) Corvette aka the "Solid-Axle" generation, was introduced in 1953. Over a ten-year life cycle, the C1 Corvette would include 4 sub-generations with distinctive characteristics - 1953-55, 1956-57, 1958-60, and 1961-62:
- The Corvette was launched in 1953 as a fiberglass bodied two seat roadsters with a 150hp Blue Flame inline-six engine, and a solid rear axle. A two-speed automatic was the only transmission offered, and all of the cars were Polo White with a Red interior, and engines painted Blue (Red, White & Blue symbolizing America's sports car), with a Black canvas top. Chevrolet produced 300 Corvettes in 1953 but sold just 183 of them. The balance of the unsold cars were gifted to GM executives, politicians, and movie stars.
- A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a revised front end and scalloped sides; the taillamp fins were deleted. Rochester Ramjet mechanical Fuel Injection, aka the "Fuelie" was introduced in 1957
- The 283ci V8 283-290hp "Fuelie" was produced from 1957-61
- The 327ci V8 360-375hp "Fuelie" replaced the 283 in 1962 and continued through 1965
- Fuel injection was discontinued from 1966 until the C4 generation in 1984
- The 1958 Corvette received a body and interior revisions including a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, revised steering wheel, and a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver
- In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a tapered tail with four round lights
C1 Production ended after 6 years with the 1962 model year
The Second-generation Corvette (C2), aka the "Sting Ray" generation, was introduced in 1963 and produced until 1967. The form-fitting body is once again made of fiberglass. Chevy's 327 V-8 carries over and can be mated to either an automatic transmission or a three- or four-speed manual gearbox and featured an independent rear suspension. Rare C2 generation Corvettes include:
- 1963 "Split Window Coupe" 327ci 250hp
- 10,396 made
- 1963 "Z06" 327ci 360hp
- The first Corvette Z06
- Only 199 made
- 1963 "N03 Big Tank" 36 Gallon Fuel Tank
- Only 63 made
- 1967 "L71 Tri-Power" 427ci 435hp
- Tri-Power = 3 Holley 2-barrel carburetors
- 1967 "L89 Tri-Power" 427ci 435hp
- L71 engine with aluminum heads
- Only 16 made, even rarer than the L88
- 1967 "L88" 427ci 430hp**
- **The L88 engine was officially rated at only 430hp, but the actual figure is believed to be well over 500 hp, and closer to 600 hp in full race trim
- The L88 is the MOST EXPENSIVE CORVETTE model ever sold with 3 of the 20 total 1967 L88's made selling for more than $3M!
- While not a production vehicle (only 5 ever made, for racing only), the 2000lb 485hp aluminum 377ci 1963 Corvette Grand Sport "Cobra Killer" became legendary after dominating Ferrari GTOs, and Shelby Cobra's at Nassau Speed Week in 1963.
C2 Production ended after only 5 years with the 1967 model year
Click HERE for further information regarding the Corvette's full history
- Length (in): 185.3
- Width (in): 69.0
- Height (in): 48.0
- Weight (lb): 3345
- Coefficient of Drag: 0.443
1981 Corvette Specs - National Corvette Museum
- SCCA class - Solo: Super Street Modified (SSM)
- SCCA classs - TT: Max 2 (M2)
- Lb/HP: Power-To-Weight 8.0:1* (ref: stock 1981 Corvette 16.7:1)
*With 410 hp high performance modified LS Engine Swap
Stock 1981 Corvette specifications can be viewed HERE.
Chevy Corvette: A Brief History in Zero-to-60-MPH Acceleration
The Mach Five C3's original OEM engine was an L81 5.7L 350ci 4 barrel carbureted V8 that only made 190hp. The OEM engine in the Mach Five car was replaced with a performance modified Chevrolet LM4 VORTEC 5300 5.3L V8 "LS Engine Swap" delivering 410hp vs the original 190hp of the stock 350ci L81 engine.
MACH FIVE LS SWAP ENGINE*
- Engine Code: LM4 (LS Family Gen III)
- Engine Location: Front
- Power (hp): 410@6000*
- Torque (lb-ft): 391@4700*
- Displacement (L / ci): 5.3L / 325ci
- Valvetrain: Pushrod
- Engine Type: V8
- Engine Material: Aluminum Block Vortec 5300 (Aluminum LM4 80lb lighter than Iron block LS1)
- Head Material: Aluminum
- Air Delivery: Normally Aspirated
- Fuel Delivery: Direct Fuel Injection
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Fuel Capacity: 24 Gallons
- Drive-by-wire throttle control
Complete Engine Rebuild (2019):
- American Racing Custom Tune
- Brian Tooley Performance Camshaft Stage 3
- Performance Valve Springs
- Upgraded Valve-cover and oil-pan Gaskets
- Cathedral Port 862 Heads CNC-ported to 10:1 compression
- 36-pound Fuel Injectors (replaced stock Mini-Delphi/Multec II connector 25-pound injectors that were limited to 380whp)
- Performance Fuel Pump & Regulator (replaced stock fuel pump that limited power to 430whp)
- Premium Gates Barricade 3/8 Inch Fuel Hose - 27341
- PerTronix Flamethrower high temperature Ceramic Spark Plug Boots
- Performance Radiator with Electric Fans (replaced stock mechanical fans that sap horsepower)
- Dirty Dingo Motor Mounts
- Holley Mid-Mount Complete Accessory System
- LT1-style hairpin premium 150-amp alternator
- LT1-style cartridge design water pump
- Compact and reliable SD7 A/C compressor
- Type II power steering pump with baffled reservoir
- Power steering adapter hardline to AN -6 adapter
- OE pulley ratios for optimal accessory performance
- Bottom outlet heater hose options for swap application clearance
INTAKE / EXHAUST UPGRADES (2019)
Intake
- Cold Air Intake
- On 3 Performance AF2 Premium Stainless Steel Element Air Filter
- Sharp Custom Performance Intake Manifold
Exhaust
- American Racing Stainless-Steel Long-tube Headers
- Custom 3" Stainless-Steel Exhaust
- X-pipe
- Black Widow Widowmaker 10 3" Mufflers
TRANSMISSION REBUILD (2019)
- Rebuilt Borg Warner Super T-10 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Case, Wide-Ratio 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- Upgraded 3.73:1 Limited-Slip Differential (OEM rear was 2.72)
- 1st Gear 2.88:1 > 10.74
- 2nd Gear 1.91:1 > 7.12
- 3rd Gear 1.33:1 > 4.96
- 4th Gear 1.00:1 > **3.73
- Reverse Gear 2.78:1
- Hurst Shifter with T Handle
UPGRADED CLUTCH (2019)
- American Powertrain 530 ft-lb rated Hydraulic Clutch
- Science Friction 1126 Hi-Performance Stage 2 Easy Street Clutch Kit:
- High clamp load nodular iron Pressure Plate
- 26-spline copper/organic sprung Hub Disc
- All steel Release Bearing
- Stainless Steel Pilot Bearing
- #910 GM/Mopar Grade 8 Race Ready Pressure Plate Bolts
- GM Hydramax hydraulic clutch Actuator System:
- Hydramax Concentric Slave – Pre-bled, double width seals
- Steel Braided Lines – Teflon Lined Stainless Steel
- 3/4″ Bore Master Cylinder – Black Powder Coated
- Hydramax Firewall Mount – Patented Adjustable Mount w/Firewall Stiffener
- Reservoir Kit
- Pedal Rod and Hardware Adjustable Length
- 621LS Aluminum Alloy bell housing, CNC Machined, high titanium content resists torque stress. Includes bell to block hardware
- Grade 8 Race Ready Flywheel Bolts
Reference: Stock LM4 Specs
- The LM4 engine is an aluminum block version of the LM7
- 290hp @5200 / 335 ftlb @4700
- Aluminum cylinder block with a five-bearings crankshaft supported system
- Cylinder bore is 96.0 mm (3.78 in), piston stroke is 92.0 mm (3.62 in) and the compression ratio rating is 9.5:1
- Uses 862 Cathedral Port Cylinder heads made of aluminum which gives it good cooling efficiency
- The camshaft is driven by a single chain. The timing chain transmits the rotational movement from the crankshaft to the camshafts. Stock cam specs at .050 lift are: 190/191 duration, .466/.457 lift, 114 LSA, 112/116 Timing
- Valves are operated via pedestal mounting rocker arms.
Click HERE for the history of the Corvette's most famous engines
SUSPENSION
FE7 Gymkhana Suspension Package
- Heavy-duty front & rear Sway Bars
- Heavy-duty Springs
- Front & rear Bilstein Gas Sport Shock Absorbers
- Performance front upper and lower control-arm bushings
WHEELS & TIRES
- Upgraded 15″ x 8” Carroll Shelby Mini Europa Wheels
- 255/60/15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A White Letter Tires (2019 date codes)
BRAKES
- Front & rear power-assisted 11.75” Rotors
- Rotors, Calipers, Pads, Master Cylinder, & Hoses replaced in March 2018
EXTERIOR
- Full Repaint and Clearcoat in C8 Corvette Torch Red (GM code WA9075)
- Original factory color: Dark Blue Metallic 28 (GM Code WA8075)
- Prior to respray, bodywork was done to repair all prior scratches and chips
- Full Ceramic Coat - Body, Glass, Trim, Wheels (aftermarket)
- Removable T-top roof panels
- Pop-up headlights with upgraded Hella Halogen H4 bulbs
- 20% Tinted sided windows
- Sun Stop P700 Pop-In tinted hatch
- Ducktail rear spoiler
- Dual Exhaust outlets
INTERIOR
- Air conditioning converted to R134 with all new components including Compressor, hoses, fittings, and R134A refrigerant
- New Heater core and Heater controls
- Fold-forward bucket seats trimmed in Camel (642)
- Matching dashboard, door panels, and carpeting
- Power-adjustable Driver Seat
- Power Windows
- Power Mirrors
- Full Repaint and Clearcoat in C8 Corvette Torch Red (GM code WA9075)
Image #1: The Mach Five C3 1 pager
Images #2-9: The Mach Five C3's exterior repainted in Corvette Torch Red (2023)
Image #10: The Mach Five C3 interior in Camel
Image #11: The Mach Five C3 Hurst Brushed Aluminum T-Handle Shifter
Image #12: The Mach Five C3 performance modified aluminum LM4 "LS Swap" engine (see "Engine & Transmission" section for details)
Image #13: The Mach Five C3 performance modified custom stainless-steel exhaust (see "Engine & Transmission" section for details)
Image #14: The Mach Five C3 side by side the Mach Five C8
Image #15: Typical Corvette enthusiasts in the "Corvette owners uniform" ;)
Chevrolet Corvette Model List: Every Year, Every Model
Corvette Generations: A Deep Dive into an American Icon | Vettes of Atlanta
Chevrolet Corvette - Wikipedia
Corvette Chronology 1950s Car and Drivers
Corvette Chronology 1960s Car and Driver
Corvette Chronology 1970s Car and Driver
Corvette Chronology 1980s Car and Driver
1953 Chevrolet Corvette TV Commercial1953 Corvette C1: 20 Weird Facts You Didn’t Know!
1963 Corvette Sting Ray: 20 Weird Facts You Didn’t Know!
Mako Shark (concept car) - Wikipedia
Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1968-1982)
C3 VETTE SERIES: 1981 CORVETTE - Hobby Car Corvettes
10 Rarest Corvettes Ever Made | Corvetteforum
Vette Registry | Your premier site for all Corvette generations! - Corvette Registry
LS Engines 101: An Introductory Overview of the Gen III/IV LS Engine Family
LM4 5.3L Vortec 5300 Engine Specs: Performance, Bore & Stroke, Cylinder Heads, Cam Specs & More
Ultimate 5.3 Vortec Engine Guide - Specs, Engine Codes, & Mods
1953 model year Corvettes were all hand built on a small assembly line in Flint, Michigan. The Flint, Michigan line ceased operation on December 24, 1953.
Just days later on December 28, 1953, workers began assembling the first Corvette at the Chevrolet Fisher Mill Building, located on Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Completed in 1920, Chevrolet’s St. Louis plant was not only outdated, but it was also lacking in size and resource. Rumors of a move to a larger, more modern manufacturing plant began circulating as early as 1973. On March 26, 1979, GM announced officially that an impending move was going to occur. The final Corvette built in the St Louis plant rolled off the assembly line on August 1, 1981.
The new facility, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky was a 550,000 square-foot complex formerly used by the Fedders Corporation and the Air Temp Division of the Chrysler Corporation. After a deal was negotiated, the manufacturing plant was expanded to approximately 1 million square feet and improved state-of-the-art assembly equipment was installed. The first Corvette assembled at the new Bowling Green, Kentucky plant was completed on June 1, 1981.
The 1981 Chevrolet Corvette was the first model year to be built simultaneously in two locations, from June 1 to August 1, 1981. Of the 40,606 Corvettes built for the 1981 model year, 31,611 were built in St Louis, and 8,995 were manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The Mach Five C3 Corvette, VIN 1G1AY8768BS424368, was built in March of 1981 and was among the last (7243 from last) of the Corvettes built at the St. Louis Plant ("S" in the 11th digit of the VIN indicates St Louis vs "5" indicating Bowling Green produced vehicles).
- 1G1AY8764BS400001 – 1G1AY8764BS431611 (St. Louis)
- 1G1AY8764B5100001 – 1G1AY8764B5108995 (Bowling Green)
The First generation (C1) Corvette aka "Solid-Axle", was introduced in 1953. Over a six-year life cycle, the C1 Corvette would include 4 sub-generations with distinctive characteristics - 1953-55, 1956-57, 1958-60, and 1961-62:
- The Corvette was launched in 1953 as a fiberglass bodied two seat roadsters with a 150hp Blue Flame inline-six engine, and a solid rear axle. A two-speed automatic was the only transmission offered, and all of the cars were Polo White with a Red interior, and engines painted Blue (Red, White & Blue symbolizing America's sports car), with a Black canvas top. Chevrolet produced 300 Corvettes in 1953 but sold just 183 of them. The balance of the unsold cars were gifted to GM executives, politicians, and movie stars.
- A new body was introduced for the 1956 model featuring a revised front end and scalloped sides; the taillamp fins were deleted. Rochester Ramjet mechanical Fuel Injection, aka the"Fuelie" was introduced in 1957
- The 283ci V8 283-290hp "Fuelie" was produced from 1957-61
- The 327ci V8 360-375hp "Fuelie" replaced the 283 in 1962 and continued through 1965
- Fuel injection was discontinued from 1966 until the C4 generation in 1984
- The 1958 Corvette received a body and interior revisions including a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, revised steering wheel, and a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver
- In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a tapered tail with four round lights
C1 Production ended after 6 years with the 1962 model year
The Second-generation Corvette (C2), affectionately known as the "Sting Ray", was introduced in 1963 and produced until 1967. The form-fitting body is once again made of fiberglass. Chevy's 327 V-8 carries over and can be mated to either an automatic transmission or a three- or four-speed manual gearbox and featured an independent rear suspension. Rare C2 generation Corvettes include:
- 1963 "Split Window Coupe" 327ci 250hp
- 10,396 made
- 1963 "Z06" 327ci 360hp
- The first Corvette Z06
- Only 199 made
- 1963 "N03 Big Tank" 36 Gallon Fuel Tank
- Only 63 made
- 1967 "L71 Tri-Power" 427ci 435hp
- Tri-Power = 3 Holley 2-barrel carburetors
- 1967 "L89 Tri-Power" 427ci 435hp
- L71 with aluminum heads
- Only 16 made, even rarer than the L88
- 1967 "L88" 427ci 430hp**
- **The L88 engine was officially rated at only 430hp, but the actual figure is believed to be well over 500 hp, and closer to 600 hp in full race trim
- The L88 is the MOST EXPENSIVE CORVETTE model ever sold with 3 of the 20 total 1967 L88's made selling for more than $3M!
- While not a production vehicle (only 5 ever made for racing onl), the 2000lb 485hp aluminum 377ci 1963 Corvette Grand Sport "Cobra Killer" became legendary after dominating Ferrari GTOs, and Shelby Cobra's at Nassua Speed Week in 1963.
C2 Production ended after only 5 years with the 1967 model year
Stock 1981 Corvette specifications can be viewed HERE.
The Third generation (C3) Corvette aka "Coke Bottle", was introduced in 1968 and produced through 1982.
In particular, the 1968 to 1972 model years (aka "Chrome Bumper" years) contain some of the most sought-after Corvettes in the brand’s history:
- 1968-69 "C3 L88" 427ci 500+hp**
- Only 198 made (80 in 1968, and 118 in 1969)
- 1969"ZL1" 427ci 560hp*
- *Aluminum block version of L88 engine
- 7 made but only 2 ever sold to the public
- Serial number 710209 sold for $3.1M in 2023!
- 1970-72 "ZR1" 350ci 370hp LT1
- The first Corvette ZR1
- Only 53 total made (only 8 in MY71) making it the rarest small block Corvette
- 1971 "LS6" 454ci 425hp
- Only 176 made (not including 12 ZR2's) making it rarer than the L88
- 1971 "ZR2" 454ci 425hp
- LS6 engine PLUS suspension upgrades
- Only 12 made making it rarer than the L88, or LS6
1982 was the last model year for C3 Corvettes and were the first models produced at the new Bowling Green Assembly plant for the full model year.
Scroll down to the "C1 & C2 Generations" Section for details of the Corvette's 1st and 2 Generation vehicles
Click HERE for further information regarding the Corvette's history
Click HERE for the history of the Corvette's most famous engines
- 1968-69 "C3 L88" 427ci 500+hp**
