Build Sheet
- VIN: 1z878as409235
- 5.7L LS1 V8
- Texas Mad Max Cam
- Holley EFI
- Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission
- Vansteel front and rear coilover suspension
- 14-inch Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes
- 18" Budnik Vapor wheels
- 295/35R18 Michelin tires
- Jet Black paint
- Recaro Speed V seats
- Vintage Air Magnum A/C
- Dakota Digital RTX gauges
- Side-exit exhaust system with stainless headers
Wrench Report
RestoMods Head Mechanic. 20 year classic car mechanic & builder.
Just listen to those side pipes roar! If you have any doubt about the prestige that goes into a build from Idaho Muscle Cars, just go look at their Instagram @idahomusclecars, they have a track record of doing pristine builds with Chevys, Fords, Mopars, you name it. I think they've set a new bar for the late model C3 crowd with this black-on-black '80. It's a pro-touring monster, the combo of a 430HP LS1 and a Tremec TKX 5-speed with a superior handling setup. Not many people have the stones to go all-in on a C3, but with Vansteel coilovers and 14 inch Wilwoods, this Vette is built to actually carve corners, not just cruise. Custom bodywork and Jet Black paint give it a sinister look, while Recaro seats and Porsche-grade carpet keep the interior feeling high-end. It's a top-tier build that amplifies everything we always wanted the C3 Corvette to be: a high-performance sports car.
Description
This 1980 Chevrolet Corvette started life as a black-on-black 4-speed manual coupe with no accidents or rust and had only accumulated 76,000 total miles before undergoing a frame-off restoration and modification by Idaho Muscle Cars of Boise, Idaho. Well known for custom restomod builds, Idaho Muscle Cars built this Corvette to be the personal car of the shop's owner, with the project being completed in late 2025. The project consisted of over 1,500 hours of labor invested in the build, with every part on the car being either new or rebuilt. This Corvette now features modern upgrades such as an LS swap that makes 430 horsepower on pump gas, Tremec TKX 5-speed manual, Vansteel coil-over front and rear suspension, 14" Wilwood disc brakes, and much more. The vehicle is located in Boise, Idaho and is being offered with a clean Idaho title by the private seller.
During the frame off restoration, the fiberglass body was stripped and underwent several modifications. The rear fenders were widened 1 inch, side markers shaved, the urethane front and rear bumpers replaced with all fiberglass, and a custom hood scoop fabricated to the original hood. Custom grille pieces were 3D printed for the front bumper and LEDs. The seller also notes that the factory T-tops have been gapped and re-fitted tightly to the body. After the bodywork was done, the car was painted in Jet Black with 5 coats of PPG Vibrance clear. The seller notes the paintwork was professionally cut and buffed. The car is equipped with stainless headers and a free flowing polished stainless steel side-exit exhaust system, visible from both sides of the car. Also visible are all new trim pieces in the fender side vents, new door handles, and new door locks. The vehicle has a curb weight of 3,030 pounds, which combined with the LS1's 430 horsepower gives this Corvette a power to weight ratio of just 7.05 pounds per horsepower.
The vehicle features a squared wheel and tire configuration, with 18x11 Budnik Vapor wheels in black with a chrome lip, and fitted to Michelin Pilot Super Sport 295/35R18 tires at all four corners.
Other custom touches include unique LED taillights, turn signals, and Dapper LED headlights. The headlights have an electric headlight motor conversion, replacing the original vacuum powered unit.
As part of the frame off bodywork, the engine bay was also completely re-finished, and in place of the original 350ci V8 is a 5.7L LS1 V8 taken from a 2003 Corvette. The engine has been rated at producing 430 horsepower on pump gas. The engine was completely gone through and received a Texas Mad Max cam, Holley mid-mount serpentine kit, aluminum flywheel, a Holley intake, and a Holley Terminator-X fuel management system. Engine cooling is provided by a custom aluminum radiator with SPAL electric fans. Also visible is a Wilwood master cylinder and the stainless headers. Paired to the engine is a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission with a 3.27 first gear and a Centerforce aluminum pressure plate hydraulic clutch.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Driveshaft Pros 3 inch aluminum driveshaft, which is connected to the Corvette's original Dana 44 Batwing independent rear end with 3.07 gears and positraction. The vehicle now rides on Vansteel coilover suspension in the front and rear, with steering upgraded by a Borgeson power steering conversion box, and braking provided by 14" front and rear Wilwood disc brakes. Also visible under the car is the original LS1's batwing oil pan.
The Corvette's interior has been completely overhauled with Recaro Speed V leather seats, custom leather door panels, a custom Porsche carpet, and Alcantara-covered headliner and pillar trim.
The Corvette's interior also features a new black leather wrapped steering wheel, Dakota Digital RTX gauges, a Hurst cue-ball style shifter, Vintage Air Magnum A/C, and a custom 900 watt stereo system.
The Corvette's trim tag is decoded as follows:
- C06 - October 6th, 1979 manufacture date
- 192 - the RPO code for optional premium black leather bucket seat interior
- 19L - Black exterior paint, monochromatic
Photo Gallery
Videos
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SellerIdahomuscle1
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Highest BidderKosnik
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Total Bids20 Bids
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Total Views5142 Views
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Total Saves31 Saves
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SellerIdahomuscle1
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Winning BidderKosnik
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Total Bids20 Bids
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Date EndedMay 15, 2026 13:06 PDT
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SellerIdahomuscle1
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Highest BidderKosnik
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Total Bids20 Bids
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Date EndedMay 15, 2026 13:06 PDT
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SellerIdahomuscle1
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Highest BidderKosnik
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Total Bids20 Bids
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Date EndedMay 15, 2026 13:06 PDT
Comments & Bids
@kosnik will have a chance to possibly work something out with the seller
Ya. That is not cool. Idaho Muscle Car... you know my number if you want to sell it.
Personally I don’t think it should matter, if the owner of this auction is a true car man and he sees something he likes and wants to bid on it , regardless of knowing the reserve then he should be able to. What would be the difference of him just having somebody from his office staff bid on it for him because he is the owner of the Auction. At least he had the guts to bid on a beautiful C3 that anyone would love to own. What would be the difference if he had one of his office staff bid on it for him, it would still know the reserve, at least he’s being transparent about it. 😎
So let me get this straight. You are the owner of this auction site and are bidding against your own customers. And you already know what the seller’s reserve is…is there not some conflict of interest here or am I wrong?
You mentioned that the car has VanSteel suspension…but it looks like it is using Global West arms in the front.
Definitely one of the nicest C3 Corvettes I have ever seen. Beautiful workmanship😎
All vehicle descriptions and listings are provided exclusively by the seller and are assumed accurate by the platform without independent verification. Buyers maintain the sole responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description, and independent research and physical inspections must be completed prior to bidding.
The Wrench Report is generated solely for informational purposes and is based on a subjective analysis of information provided by the seller. The contents of the Wrench Report constitute a good-faith opinion only; they do not constitute mechanical advice, professional valuation, or an assurance or guarantee of the vehicle's quality, safety, or condition.
Vehicles may possess latent mechanical, cosmetic, or bodywork defects not visually apparent in photography. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all lots are sold "As-Is, Where-Is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. The sale is conducted between the buyer and seller. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for comprehensive liability terms.
Build Sheet
- VIN: 1z878as409235
- 5.7L LS1 V8
- Texas Mad Max Cam
- Holley EFI
- Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission
- Vansteel front and rear coilover suspension
- 14-inch Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes
- 18" Budnik Vapor wheels
- 295/35R18 Michelin tires
- Jet Black paint
- Recaro Speed V seats
- Vintage Air Magnum A/C
- Dakota Digital RTX gauges
- Side-exit exhaust system with stainless headers
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Then he will probably put it back on buythecar. lol. what a great way to purchase something. know the reserve and test out the buyer pool before you negotiate with the seller. genius or scam.