RodderMods

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1961 Corvette

The first year of the ducktail, headed for a modern chassis without losing its looks.

Stage: Planning

The 1961 Corvette brought the ducktail rear that carried into 1962, and it's one of the best-looking C1s to start a restomod from. The goal for this build is a car that still looks right at a Corvette show but drives like a modern sports car: a late-model chassis, real brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, fuel injection and air conditioning.

First job is choosing the chassis. Every C1 option we've priced is on the chassis comparison page, and this car will be the test case.

The drivetrain is planned and priced: an LS 5.3 and a T56, part by part.

Compare the chassis options for this car, and the kits for upgrading the original frame.

Parts list

Total so far: $19,859.64

SystemPartStatusCostBuy
Cooling Be Cool dual-core radiator, 1961-62 Corvette (61181)The LS-swap 61237 is rated to only 300 hp. Planned $799.99
Engine Summit Racing Chevy LS 5.3L 450 HP long block (SUM-150153)Long block only. The cart said 150152; Summit lists 150153. Planned $3,949.99
Engine Holley Mid-Mount Complete Accessory System (20-185) Planned $2,399.95
Engine Summit adjustable LS conversion engine mounts (SUM-7731100)For the original frame; a new chassis usually includes mounts. Planned $169.99
Engine Moroso road-race LS swap oil pan, 7 qt (20159)Confirm C1 clearance. No pickup or gaskets. Planned $616.99
Exhaust Eckler's stainless LS-swap hugger headers, C1/C2 (EK-25-926155)Out of stock when checked Oct 8, 2026. Planned $429.99
Exhaust Exhaust pipes and mufflers Planned
Fuel injection Holley Sniper 2 EFI 650 HP, inline pump, PDM (550-511-3PK)Cart showed $2,749.95; check the part number. Planned $1,999.95
Fuel injection Holley LS mid-rise carburetor intake (300-130)Needed to mount the Sniper on an LS. Check hood clearance. Planned $444.95
Fuel injection MSD 6014 LS ignition controllerThe Sniper has no LS coil control. Or use a Terminator X Stealth 550-1020 instead of both. Planned $579.95
Fuel injection Holley Sniper EFI fuel tank for 1956-62 Corvette (19-149)In-tank pump duplicates the Sniper kit inline pump; pick one. Planned $949.95
Gauges Dakota Digital RTX gauges, 1958-62 Corvette (RTX-58C-VET-X) Planned $2,422.99
Transmission Tremec T56 6-speed (TUET16885)Shifter included; no bellhousing or yoke. Plus freight. Planned $3,545
Transmission Holley Complete T56 Install Kit (319-510)Bellhousing, flywheel, clutch, hydraulic release. Replaces the Summit SUM-700172 bellhousing. Planned $1,549.95
Transmission Transmission crossmemberNo C1 T56 crossmember found; fabricate or from the chassis maker. Planned
Transmission Driveshaft, custom lengthMeasure after the swap. Planned

Build log

  1. Drivetrain planned and priced

    Checked every line of the Summit cart for the LS 5.3 and T56 and listed what it still needs. The cart is $14,507.87 at today's prices; with the missing parts the priced drivetrain is $17,436.65 before coils, crossmember, driveshaft and exhaust. The full breakdown.