LS3-Powered 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 5-Speed

This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette convertible was acquired by the current owner in 2015 and subsequently modified with the installation of a GM 6.2-liter LS3 V8, a five-speed Tremec TKO600 manual transmission, and an America’s Finest Corvette C2 chassis with C4 Corvette suspension and braking components as well as Hot Rods by Boyd Wheels. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with Procar bucket seats, a Bluetooth stereo, Classic Instruments gauges, and Vintage Air air conditioning. The car is finished in Kandy Apple Red over black vinyl upholstery with a white soft top. This modified C2 convertible is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner with a battery charger and a clean Texas title.

The fiberglass body left the factory finished in Silver Blue (912) and was refinished in House of Kolor Kandy Apple Red followed by five applications of high solids clear coat in April 2020 by Georgetown Classic Car Restoration LLC in Jarrell, Texas, at which time the pop-up headlights were refinished and the weatherstripping was replaced. The white soft top was rebuilt and recovered during the 2016 refurbishment, and additional details include a vented hood, chrome bumperettes, and dual exhaust tips that exit through the rear valance. The seller states that the Corvette front hood emblem will be replaced.

Custom split-spoke 17″ front and 18″ rear Hot Rods By Boyds wheels are mounted with Nitto NT555 tires. The body is mounted to an aftermarket chassis that is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering as well as C4 Corvette suspension and braking components. The master cylinder and brake booster were updated in June 2017.

The cabin features Procar bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl as well as replacement color-coordinated carpet. Equipment includes a dashboard-mounted clock, Bluetooth-capable stereo, an integrated Passport radar detector, and Vintage Air air conditioning.

An aftermarket steering wheel is mounted on a tilt column and fronts Classic Instruments gauges that include a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The mechanical odometer shows 5k miles, which represents mileage since refurbishment completion. Total mileage is unknown.

The seller tells us the GM 6.2-liter LS3 V8 was built by Georgetown Classic Cars with a Texas Speed and Performance custom-ground camshaft topped with CNC’d Precision Race Components cylinder heads with titanium locks and retainers, a GM LS3 intake manifold, Holley EFI fuel rails, Hooker headers, a Vintage Air serpentine system, and a DeWitts aluminum radiator with electric fans tuned by Henderson Performance.

The five-speed Tremec TKO600 manual transmission is said to have been built by Bowler Performance and features a RAM billet clutch assembly. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Driveshaft Shop driveshaft and half shafts along with a C4 Corvette-sourced differential. Stainless steel exhaust components are fitted.

Decoding the trim tag reveals:

• Style 63 867 – 1963 Corvette convertible
• Body 5076 – St. Louis body number
• Trim STD – Black vinyl upholstery
• Paint 912A – Silver Blue