Restoring a classic Corvette can be both a highly rewarding pursuit and a frustrating endeavor. To be sure, bringing a muscle car that has fallen into disrepair back to its former glory provides immeasurable satisfaction. But the challenges that often arise during such a resurrection can prove a test of one's mechanical mettle as well as one's sanity-and some cursed cars require far more effort than others.
Russell Long's '80 Chevrolet Corvette is a testament to the dual nature of automotive restoration. The C3 earned the nickname "Evil '80" not only for its menacing appearance, but also for its painful resurrection process. When Long found the car in the local classifieds in 2000, he was enticed by the Stingray shape to forego the conveniences afforded by more-modern fare. "I like the shape of the C3s, [as] they have more of a muscle-car look than the newer ones," he says. Intrigued by the low asking price, he decided to check it out.
Russell Long's C3 foregoes...
Russell Long's C3 foregoes sidepipes in favor of a clean-looking Fat Pipes exhaust system that exits out the back.
Despite having little background with third-gen Vettes, Long decided to buy the car. But while he had grand long-term aspirations, his Corvette was initially in a poor state and had to be towed home. "It was a bucket of crap before I resurrected it," he concedes. As the owner of Performance World, a speed shop in Brisbane, Australia, Russell felt he was well equipped to initiate a Corvette renaissance, but he did not yet apprehend the true scope of the task ahead of him.
A closer inspection of the car turned up little cause for elation, and Long began to feel he had been ripped off. In fact, the more he looked, the more he was astonished at the number of serious problems the Corvette presented. He explains: "After getting the car home, [I found a] dodgy right-hand conversion, engine mounts tack-welded from about 15 pieces of scrap steel, the latest cardboard-and-fiberglass mix all through the car, the power-steer ram bent . . . It went on and on." While these challenges may have been a source of trepidation for many people, Long committed to making something of his tatterdemalion C3.
The 350ci small-block engine...
The 350ci small-block engine features performance parts including an AED carb, AFR heads, an Edelbrock intake, and a custom-grind cam. The result? More than 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
Long first sought the assistance of Drift Body Works in Caboolture, Australia, to address the car's damaged body. Revitalizing the fiberglass proved to be no small task, with the process ultimately consuming more than 2 1/2 years. All that hard work paid off, however, as the C3's current pristine body and paint job offer no hint of its once-dilapidated condition. An L88-style hood was added to give the Vette a more intimidating countenance, and the resulting sinister look complements the car's checkered background. The restoration process also called for fresh lights and lenses as well as various other trim items.
After the extensive body repair, Long began to breathe new life into the powertrain. He decided to abandon the lackluster original engine and begin with a clean slate. A rare (in Australia, anyway) four-bolt SBC block was chosen for the foundation. Inside, a set of Probe forged pistons were united with a Scat forged crankshaft and Scat steel rods.
The cockpit has been transformed...
The cockpit has been transformed with custom red, white, and blue seats that celebrate the Vette's native land.
Crowning the potent small-block is an Edelbrock Super Victor intake manifold that is fed by an AED 750 carburetor and topped with a K&N 3-inch air cleaner. The top end benefits from a pair of AFR 195cc aluminum cylinder heads equipped with Milodon valves and Crane Gold roller rockers. The camshaft is a rowdy solid roller with a custom grind and confidential specs.
Ignition-system components include an MSD Pro distributor, a Proform alternator, and Queensland Ignition Leads plug wires. All of the action is supported by a Holley Dominator fuel pump, a custom aluminum radiator, and a High Energy oil pan. Exhaust gases exit through custom headers and a 3-inch exhaust system built by Fat Pipes.