Paint & Body Special Section
One of the potential problem areas for someone looking to install a hot engine in a mid-'70s Corvette is a definite limit on available hood clearance. The price of that sexy, low hood line is that very few custom intake systems will clear beneath it, and, certainly, none of the really high-rise, race-style intake manifolds, even with a small-block.
We have plans to go with an engine set to kill in our modified C3 project car, and a hood swap fit right into our plans. We were all for the wild looks of a custom hood installation, intending to spice up the looks from the conservative '76 piece. Although the stock hood has a fairly significant kick-up in the center, this factory original, cowl-style hood just wasn't going to be enough, either for clearance or aesthetically.
Although the OEM hoods found...
Although the OEM hoods found on '76 corvettes have a stylish center kick-up, it isn't enough for clearance with a wild induction system and isn't quite ostentatious enough for our custom aspirations.
The hood hinge arrangement...
The hood hinge arrangement in a c3 corvette is a simple affair, held in with two bolts to the body and two more to the hood, with a hood prop on the driver side. the hinges have only a modest amount of adjustability available.
Removing the hood can best...
Removing the hood can best be accomplished with a helper on the other side. Remove the bolts and hood prop while supporting the hood with your shoulder and free hand.
Tastes vary, but to us, there is nothing quite like the Corvette L-88 hood. Originally designed for the baddest of big-blocks, the L-88 hood is a Corvette signature piece-an item that helped define the unrestrained aura of serious performance. It can be argued that this particular design was the most outrageous factory hood offering by any OEM manufacturer, bar none. On looks alone, there is plenty to recommend this swap, but functionally, we did need clearance, and the L-88 hood delivers, offering over 11/2 inches of additional clearance compared to our stock bonnet.
Placed side by side, the l88...
Placed side by side, the l88 hood's additional height and more flamboyant style are readily apparent in comparison to the stock piece. the stock cowl grille is not normally used with this type of hood.
There was approximately an...
There was approximately an inch and a half more depth to the aftermarket l-88 hood compared to the OEM unit, added clearance that will be welcome when our fresh high performance engine is built and installed.
The hood-latch hardware bolts...
The hood-latch hardware bolts to the hood at each rear corner, with a cable linkage connecting the two. We unbolted the latch for a test-fit to the new hood.