Well, I picked up the Vette today at Lew's and brought her home. However, there IS a problem. Lew told me I had to take it easy on the motor for a few hundred miles and then bring it back for final tuning and an oil change to see if all is alright before the Gathering. DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO DRIVE A CAR "EASY" WHEN YOU KNOW HOW MUCH FUN IT CAN BE????? The car pulls amazingly well and drives perfect in every way. So this will be a tough month, but I'll live! Wiil try to get some pictures up later in the week when time allows!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

What a great problem to have! Good luck with your shake down cruisin' .....

______________

 

 

Glad to see you got it back ,I saw it in his shop the other day when I was there ....looking good

you  must  be  one  happy guy  !!!!
Do  you  find your  self  smiling  all  the  time  now??
joe
   

The smiling will be more when I get to drive it more! Today I just got to drive it the 40 miles home and then I had to get back to work!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Looking forward to seeing it in person soon.  Wow.  Hadn't thought of having to drive easy after major engine work...  Might be something I need to worry about someday...

______________

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

Congrats Barry.    Can't wait to check it out in Charleston.  I love blue vettes but don't remember ever seeing a light blue C3.  Take care of that bad boy and see ya next month.

______________

 Patience is a VIRTUE my friend. Go easy now, and you will enjoy it for a long time. Beat it NOW, and you will regret it later.  Hope all goes well for break in.  See ya along the way to Charleston. IF I can keep up to ya!

______________

Click on image for full view

Keeping your foot out of it.................That's a very tought thing to do!

______________

Woohoo!!!!   Congrats Barry!!   Can't wait to hear that baby roar!!! 

That is awesome Barry....restraint restraint........is that burnt rubber I smell????

______________

Just took the Vette out for a hundred mile run! Even brought the wife! We stopped at a 7-11 for drinks and the cashier asked if he could take pictures of the car! And then he thanked me for stopping in his store! Too cool!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Way to go, Barry! 
Took the Pace car out for a first run after getting the engine bay put back together and cleaned up over the winter. Went about 5 miles and ran out of gas. Figured I would stop on the way back. What a dummy.   Thank God for cell phones and neighbors.  Don't tell Elaine.


|UPDATED|4/7/2012 4:07:01 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

That WOULD be embarassing, Jeff! I try to fill up when I'm coming home. I don't like the car to sit with an empty tank. I always heard it caused condensation in the tank. Just think about years ago when there were no cell phones. LOTS of walking! Hey, by the way, you got 58 cents?   (sorry, had to do it!). Wish you and Elaine were coming to the gathering. Dave and Mary, too!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

With that badazz motor you have now Barry, you'll have to fill up before going, during, and on the way back       

______________

DanT

With that badazz motor you have now Barry, you'll have to fill up before going, during, and on the way back       

|UPDATED|4/7/2012 7:05:19 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

DanT

I know you're joking, Dan, but so far it doesn't seem to get any WORSE milage and it may even be better!  I'll know more when I fill it up next time!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Post some pictures of ole blue!!

Well, Jackie and I were invited today for a cruise with The Frederick County Corvette Club. It was from Frederick to Front Royal, VA. We had Lunch down there and came home. All in all a great day! We put about 200 miles on the Vette but one thing concerns me. At idle and at cruising speeds the engine temp is fine, but when you steaddy cruise at 65-70 MPH, the temp climbs to almost the red zone. When you slow back down,the temp drops back to normal. I'm thinking that the radiator is clogged up or something. What do you guys think? 

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

 

|UPDATED|4/16/2012 5:03:10 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

Click on image for full view

WHAT????? You must have larengitus, Mark!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Barry watch the top radiator hose while you rev the engine. Hit the linkage on the carb and see if the hose collapse. Also check the fluid level in the radiator, may have an air pocket, since the engine is sloped on these cars when setting some times there will be an air pocket. You will have to jack the front end up to purge that air pocket.

______________

Click on image for larger view!
LIFETIME MEMBER 151

Thanks, ebo! I'll check that out!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Any thing for Miss Jackie

______________

Click on image for larger view!
LIFETIME MEMBER 151

1: Seals around/on the raditater support & shroud.
2: Timing retarded too much.
3: Fan clutch(if you still have one).
4: Are you SURE the actual temp is that hot? With a different engine in there now, did they use your original temp sender, or did they have to use a new/different one? I would suggest checking the actual temp with either an infrared gun, or installing a mechanical gauge temporarily.
5: SLOW DOWN!!! (yeah..right!)


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Joel, seals were replaced a couple of years ago. After thinking about it, I don't remember hearing the fan come on with the new engine like I did with the old one, so I think that's where we're starting. I talked to Lew today and he wants me to bring it in tomorrow, as he doesn't want to take any chances with the new engine. The temp sending unit is new and was checked. The gauges were all replaced with NOS delco gauges a few years ago. A few weeks ago when it was cool the engine was around 180 degrees.  Lew also thinks that the new thermostat could be sticking, causing a restriction. I have enough miles on it now (350) that he said he could check the carb settings and all. The timing was just set up before I brought it home although it could have changed.

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

'Lectric fan or fan clutch? 'Lectric fan shouldn't be coming on driving down the road at that speed, anyway.
It do kinda sound like a restriction in the coolant flow, after reading a bit mo. Or....if the 'stat is stuck OPEN, it would allow the coolant to run thru the raditater too fast for it to actually cool it at that speed. If it were stuck closed, it would run hot all the time.
I'm sure the Lewmaster will figure it out.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Fan clutch, Joel, factory set up. You always noticed when it came on with the old engine. But I don't remember if it came on with the new engine or not.

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Ya...they're quite noticeable when working at road speeds.....which is why I be wonderin if the thing is really running that hot. The hotter the air blowing thru the rad, the harder the fan clutch should be working to draw more air thru it....
I'd almost bet it ain't really running that hot...but it might be...ya never know.


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

 I am just speachless about your NEW car. Can't wait to listen to er roar.

______________

Click on image for full view

Thanks, Mark, you'll see it soon enough! Can't wait, in fact! This is going to be cool!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

While it's in the shop, Lew is going to pull the radiator and see if it needs to be rodded. With the old engine there was so much sludge in it he had flushed the radiator a couple of times and it came out murky each time. My concern is whether to just scrap the old radiator (never been worked on since I've owned the car) and spring for the aluminum radiator. I drive the car a lot and go pretty long distances so is it worth it or should I just have the old one rodded? He even said yesterday when I dropped it off that is running WAY too hot. Water pump is almost new (and NOT on the old engine). Heater core is like 2-3 years old. Hasn't had a chance to check the fan clutch yet. Let me know what you guys think!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Old radiator, sludge , new engine , I would replace it ! good luck !

I debated about the radiator with myself all last night Clint, and finally decided to order the new one. I'm getting the aluminum direct replacement unit fom Corvette America. Lew gets a price break so I had him order it. We'll see what else he finds!

|UPDATED|4/20/2012 6:00:37 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

That is why I named my 24' DONZI........   $INK HOLE   

______________

Click on image for larger view!
LIFETIME MEMBER 151

As much as I drive it it should be money well spent. Don't want to be siiting on the side of the road!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Now you can be COOL  like the rest of us

______________

 

Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

   

Lets hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!    

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Barry, my car was doing the same thing after I put in the 406. Turns out the lower rad hose was collapsing because it didn't have the spring in it. Bought an NOS with the spring and cured the problem.  

Good thougt, Paul, I'll check it out!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Well, Paul, it's definitely not the lower hose. Checked and it has the spring. Radiator should be here any day so once that's in the rest of the testing can begin. Have to get new mufflers as the baffles have broken in right side unit (Dang!, it's polished stainless steel!).  Also had to order new circuit board for tach. The one in there would work most of the time, but when I pulled up to the door at Lew's, IT JUST DIED! I can't say I haven't been expecting it, though. Just have to hurry to get everything DONE!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

Ole Blue is just getting even for you backing into her!

______________

Click on image for larger view!
LIFETIME MEMBER 151

Well if she is , she's certainly getting a lot of pampering! It is wierd, though, that all this came about after the "incident". It's all making it a better car, though, and since I'm keeping the Vette, it's all OK (thank goodness!).

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

 Blue Bear, You WILL notice a difference with the new radiator. Corvette America did mine a WORLD of good when I replaced mine. Get er done, we gotta roll soon.

______________

Click on image for full view

I hope that's the ticket, Mark!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

 Get your 195 degree T-stat, a bottle of water wetter, and a gallon of anti juice. You'll be good to go in May.

______________

Click on image for full view

Barry, I had to replace my radiator just before the Hot Springs Gathering in 2008 and it really helped cool her down and I had no trouble at all.   See ya'll in a couple of weeks!!

______________

At least I got some GOOD news today. First off, the new radiator arrived, but hasn't been installed yet. Lew said he was having trouble locating a polished stainless steel muffler for the right side (baffles loose, heck of a racket) so I said, "Well the MAM catalog says limited life time warranty, let me call them." Had the invoice with me so I called MAM. After being on hold for what seemed like an eternity, a guy named Mark picked up. I told him of the problem and gave him the order # and the customer # and he said Yep, it's under warranty! They'll ship the new one out today and I should have it Tuesday or Wednesday! I then  have to ship the old one back. ALL FREE! Even though I bought the mufflers in 2008! That's why I like dealing with a reputable place! Mike and the boys are great!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!

______________

I got to visit the Vette on Friday. The new radiator is installed (Lew said they had a heck of a time getting it in, even though direct replacement, as it was slightly thicker). Lew said the difference was amazing! Never even gets close to getting hot, even on the highway! New muffler is on and old muffler sent back (I handled that). While I was there, they installed the new tach circuit board. Nothing happened. They then put the old board in (it works intermittently) and it worked! Lew called Corvette America and they're sending out a new one. Thank GOD I didn't put that in myself because I doubt I would get an exchange on an electrical part. The car should be wrapped up by mid-week (not a moment too soon!). I should have the weekend to get it ready for Charleston! Keeping my fingers crossed!

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

cutting it very close ...