Detroit Speed Engineering Builds LS7 Restomod C3
C3 Corvettes make great restomods, but few turn out as absolutely perfect as this stunning custom '69.
Coolest of the Cool
The C3 Corvette holds a special place in most people's hearts, even if it did suffer from crazy gas prices and smog restraints before it could reach its full potential. Regardless, the chrome bumper C3s are still some of our favorite Corvettes ever, and in that wheelhouse, Detroit Speed Engineering's '69 that you see here might just be the coolest custom C3 ever built.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
Not Just a Looker
Of course, this particular '69 is quite the looker. But unlike most classic restomods, it's also more than capable of ripping up local autocross circuits as well. That's because the owner, Bob Gawlik, isn't just a Corvette fan - he's the type who likes to get out and compete in his cars.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Perfect Timing
Gawlik's many such dual-purpose rides to date including a C1, C2, and C6 Corvette. But as he explained to Automobile, this time around he was looking for something different. "This Corvette came available in South Carolina and it was a nice car, so I decided I would buy it. I spoke with Kyle Tucker, the owner of Detroit Speed, and it was a good time because they were looking for a project car to work on and do tech."
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Zero Compromises
Gawlik's plan from the start was to transform this '69 into a pro-touring, restomod sort of car. One that he could enjoy on the track, but also cruise around in with the air conditioning blasting in comfort. But that also didn't mean that he was willing to accept compromises. Luckily, Detroit Speed didn't intend to force him to.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Solid Base
Luckily, the Corvette Gawlik found was already in pretty good shape. He wanted to keep the body of the car pretty much stock in appearance, which is the right call in our book. The only real exterior changes were a set of Trackspec Motorsports louvers in the hood and a set of custom fender flares to make room for the larger rolling stock.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Decisions, Decisions
With the body in prime condition, the team sprayed the whole thing in an incredibly attractive shade of PPG Jetstream Blue. Gawlik wanted to run two different sets of wheels and tires for road and track use, so he went with Forgeline GA3Rs measuring 18x11 or 19x11 in the front and 18x12 or 19x12.5 in the rear. For tires, he can choose between a set of BFGoodrich Rival S or Kumho Ecsta V720 rubber.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Entire Catalog
With the exterior completed, Detroit Speed could go to work on the things that would make this C3 competitive in the corners. And by that, we mean throwing their entire catalog at the car's suspension. Upfront, that includes a SpeedRay suspension kit with tubular upper and lower control arms, forged-aluminum spindles, rack-and-pinion steering, and a splined anti-roll bar.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Impressive Setup
Out back, you'll find Detroit Speed's DECAlink independent rear suspension (IRS) consisting of double-adjustable, remote reservoir JRi dampers and a tubular rear anti-roll bar. The brakes are rather impressive as well - AP Racing pieces measuring 14.6" fore and 13.4-inches aft, with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-pistons in the rear.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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Natural Power
Of course, a solid base like this is more than capable of handling its fair share of power. And this C3 has that in spades, thanks to a fully built LS7. The naturally-aspirated mill makes 675 hp thanks to worked-over Brodix BR7 heads, an MSD Performance Atomic AirForce intake, Dominator ECU, and a Nick Williams Big Mouth 105mm throttle body.
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
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All-Rounder
With a comfy custom interior, it's quite clear that this C3 simply has it all. Gawlik set out to build what most would consider the ultimate all-rounder, and we believe that he's smashed that goal. After all, when was the last time you saw a C3 that looked this good, with an inviting cabin and enough performance parts to take home trophies?
Photos: Detroit Speed Engineering
>>Join in the conversation on this restomod LS7 equipped C3 right here in the LS1Tech Forum!
For help with service and maintenance on your car, check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com