Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: Surprise in the shop!

in Forum: C3 Engines


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Surprise in the shop! (1/27)
 12/16/11 6:52pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

As you all know, I have my 79 Vette in the shop getting the damage fixed on the front end where I backed into it (I know, I keep hearing about it!). Anyway, while it was in the shop I asked Lew to check the engine as it had been using a little oil on long trips. I was expecting a bad or leaking seal or something. Lew said he would do a leakdown test. Imagine my surprise when he called and said #1 cylinder had 80 percent leakdown and # 3 had 60 percecnt. Cry.  Lew said he would check and see if maybe a few  rings were bad. The next day he called and said my engine was NOT the original as I had thought. It was a "taskmaster" engine built out of  parts not for production engines. They made the bearings to fit! Not only that, but he said this engine had to have at least 150,00 miles on it! Any problem can be an opportunity. so Lew told me has an engine that he built for his Chevelle that he was replacing with a bigger one, so he would let me have the one that was in it. It has 2,000 miles on it and all new parts. 4 bolt main, steel crank, new heads and all. The only things he's doing to it is putting in a milder cam and he has a factory aluminum intake to take the place of my iron one. He says the setup should be producing about 400 hp in my application. Always wanted more power, just not right now. Here we go!!!!!
 
Barry
 
Confused


|UPDATED|12/16/2011 3:52:09 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Re: Surprise in the shop! (2/27)
 12/16/11 6:57pm
rod7515Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

Yep, this is where it all starts. Can you say MONEY PIT. there is no end to it.
Have some fun.
Rodney


______________

Re: Surprise in the shop! (3/27)
 12/16/11 7:05pm
lukesvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Wow Barry. Sorry to hear that the engine was a sent double Confused

oh well, there's an excuse to get some reliable horsepower under the hood!!Wink

Paul
Re: Surprise in the shop! (4/27)
 12/16/11 7:22pm
eboLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4420

Barry, that bites!Unhappy
I sort of know how you feel, I pulled the stroker out of the red vette this fall and thou it only had 2,000 miles or less on the build it was running rich. When I pulled the pan it smelled like gas. I had my buddy who built the motor come up and we did a leak down test. Not so good so it's on the way to his shop for a hone and new rings. Wacko
 
So I'm sure Lew will give you some time payments since you are taking the motor off his hands...say to speak.
Now the question is....will you be able to handle that extra power? Cool
Evil Smileebo


|UPDATED|12/16/2011 4:22:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

Click on image for larger view!

LIFETIME MEMBER 151
Evil Smileebo
Re: Surprise in the shop! (5/27)
 12/16/11 7:34pm
danascar
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Germansville, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Coupe 358ci 4 speed Black w/Medium Saddle interior w/79 custom leather seats. . 1999 C5 Convertible, 6 speed, Atomic orange, Oak interior.


Joined: 1/28/2010
Posts: 858

Go for it Barry Exclamation Geez...it always sounded like a good motor and ran like one. Join the club on the major projects Thumbs Up

______________
   

DanT

Re: Surprise in the shop! (6/27)
 12/16/11 8:40pm
bigtoe000Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Reisterstown, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1964 Convert. 1968 Coupe 1982 Coupe


Joined: 2/20/2006
Posts: 22

Look at this way, nice Christmas present
Re: Surprise in the shop! (7/27)
 12/16/11 10:05pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

Barry, the more horses you get the merrier you will be. Happy Horse Power to you, and many more to come!

______________

corvette440hp
Re: Surprise in the shop! (8/27)
 12/16/11 10:20pm
TargaBlue72Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Lodi, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1972 Targa Blue, T-Top, Saddle leather, 350 auto,numbers match, all original except '69 factory side exhaust. Previously owned: 1969 427, 390hp, 4sp, Riverside Gold coupe, factory side exhaust


Joined: 9/25/2007
Posts: 340

Barry....
Sorry to hear that your engine isn't what you thought it was.Ouch  But like you said, this could be an opportunity.Wink
That's one way to get more horses.LOL
Dean


______________
 
click on either image for larger view
Re: Surprise in the shop! (9/27)
 12/16/11 10:42pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

That's the worst part! The engine always seemed to run pretty good. But I couldn't figure out things like when The alternator bracket broke. The book said all 79s had the aluminum alternator bracket but mine was cast iron And I couldn't use the upper radiator hose  for a 79 because it was too close to the alternator belt. Just little things but it took me a lot of places. But the new engine will be sooooo cool!
 
Barry 
 
Big smile


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (10/27)
 12/16/11 11:21pm
rearn2go72
Former Member

Send Private Message

Bladenboro, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.


Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058

I hope Santa and Rudolph deliver you those 400 horses. It will be the best Christmas present you ever got.
Re: Surprise in the shop! (11/27)
 12/17/11 12:26am
DejabluLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Wichita, KS - USA

Vette(s):
2005 Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic Coupe --------------------- Sold 1974 T-top, 4 spd to BillKS


Joined: 11/10/2003
Posts: 6859

Sorry to hear of your problems, Barry.  Like everyone else, I think you will really enjoy the extra power. 
 
Larry


______________
   C3VR Lifetime Member #102                   
    My Link.........          
 
                     
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!              
Re: Surprise in the shop! (12/27)
 12/17/11 1:08pm
DaveMLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.


Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2552

Does this mean that now I have to keep up with YOU on our trips?
That car is going to be a gem! Good luck with everything.
Dave


______________

 

Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82


   

Re: Surprise in the shop! (13/27)
 12/17/11 3:17pm
The RookLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Pittsburgh, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L-82, 3 spd auto, car was originally Lt. Beige currently painted Sportsman Red, Doeskin leather interior, 103,000 miles......


Joined: 12/4/2002
Posts: 600

What a kick in the pants...sorry to hear.
 
And I was bummed that my instruments went from about a 100 bucks to 238.00.
 
400 hp wow you will be the car to keep up with.....
 
Maybe you should get it painted red.....sorry couldnt resist.....
 
 


|UPDATED|12/17/2011 12:17:38 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: Surprise in the shop! (14/27)
 12/17/11 4:48pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

DaveM said: Does this mean that now I have to keep up with YOU on our trips?
That car is going to be a gem! Good luck with everything.
Dave

Yeah, Dave! You won't be able to run away from me anymore! From a start you always left me in the dust!
 
Barry
 
Big smile


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (15/27)
 12/17/11 7:57pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

danascar said: Go for it Barry Exclamation Geez...it always sounded like a good motor and ran like one. Join the club on the major projects Thumbs Up

I know it always seemed pretty stong, But Lew said when it went, it would go with a BANG! Besides, your's will be like new when you get done with it! Is your tranny in yet????? When are you starting on the rear suspension?
 
Barry
 
Big smile



______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (16/27)
 12/17/11 8:00pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

The Rook said: What a kick in the pants...sorry to hear.
 
And I was bummed that my instruments went from about a 100 bucks to 238.00.
 
400 hp wow you will be the car to keep up with.....
 
Maybe you should get it painted red.....sorry couldnt resist.....
 
 




With all the stuff you're doing to your's it will be like new!
 
Barry
 
Thumbs Up



______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (17/27)
 12/20/11 11:04pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

Stopped by Lew's today and got to hear the engine run! They don't have it timed or the carb adjusted but it sounds great! You should see how he has all the pulleys in PERFECT alignment. The belts run so smooth  you can hardly tell they're moving! I have to change to an electric choke  because the later model aluminum intake doesn't have the passage  for the choke. He said the electric ones kick off faster, anyway. It just looks so cool all painted up and new looking! I can't wait until the shows! Oh, he also sandblasted and painted the exhaust manifolds. I'm also changing to the true dual exhaust because the current pipes would choke the engine. I'm keeping the same mufflers and tailpipes, though (I like them). Man, except for all the money, this is heaven!
 
Barry
 
Thumbs Up      Big smile


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (18/27)
 12/21/11 12:26am
DaveMLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.


Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2552

Sounds great, good luck with it!
Dave


______________

 

Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82


   

Re: Surprise in the shop! (19/27)
 12/21/11 3:33pm
manchestersharkLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2381

LOL  GREAT  Barry!  Guess I'll still be the last one to get to the destinations. I am more in love with the 17-18 miles per gallon.  Mark

______________


Click on image for full view

Re: Surprise in the shop! (20/27)
 12/21/11 4:08pm
DaveMLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.


Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2552

You know Mark, you could be first and still get the best milage! Think BLUE!

Dave


______________

 

Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82


   

Re: Surprise in the shop! (21/27)
 12/21/11 5:12pm
manchestersharkLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2381

ClapBig smile I HEAR ya Dave.  68-82 is the era I'm happy with!  I'll NEVER get 28-30 MPG with one of them. 

______________


Click on image for full view

Re: Surprise in the shop! (22/27)
 12/21/11 7:14pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

I have no idea what the milage will be on this combo, probably not that good, I still have the three speed. But you won't be able to wipe the smile off my face! That was one thing with the old engine. I could never seem to get over 15-16 MPG no matter what I did. And that was with 3:55 gears (factory). It will be interesting to see how the car responds! When I told Lew the old engine was running pretty good, he said "yeah, but you don't know how much better it would have been if it was right!" You guys should have seen the internals in the old engine, YUCK!!!!!!! The water passages in the head gasket had burnt through and the rods and pistons looked terrible! The heads you could look into and see all the gunk. Ancient history, now!
 
Barry
 
Big smile   (that's what I'll look like driving it!)


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (23/27)
 12/22/11 2:13pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

So, Bluebarry....wheres da dang PICS? I wanna see both the original AND the replacement....preeeeze?
I think a LOT of folks would be surprised to see the insides of their engines, and how they look after 100,000 miles, and 2 oil changes....LOL


______________

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"

Re: Surprise in the shop! (24/27)
 12/22/11 7:17pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

I'll see what I can do, Joel!
 
Barry
 
Big smile


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Re: Surprise in the shop! (25/27)
 12/22/11 8:56pm
RedwingvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Waterford, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Red coupe


Joined: 9/13/2002
Posts: 1735

It sounds like you have a great mechanic working for you. Congrates on finding a motor for your toy. Lets get out there and ride Tongue

______________

Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
 


Re: Surprise in the shop! (26/27)
 12/22/11 11:42pm
lukesvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Jaws79 said: Stopped by Lew's today and got to hear the engine run! They don't have it timed or the carb adjusted but it sounds great! You should see how he has all the pulleys in PERFECT alignment. The belts run so smooth  you can hardly tell they're moving! I have to change to an electric choke  because the later model aluminum intake doesn't have the passage  for the choke. He said the electric ones kick off faster, anyway. It just looks so cool all painted up and new looking! I can't wait until the shows! Oh, he also sandblasted and painted the exhaust manifolds. I'm also changing to the true dual exhaust because the current pipes would choke the engine. I'm keeping the same mufflers and tailpipes, though (I like them). Man, except for all the money, this is heaven!
 
Barry
 
Thumbs Up      Big smile

Time for a set of headers and true duals Barry!! Wink

Re: Surprise in the shop! (27/27)
 12/23/11 11:21am
Jaws79Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

I'm already getting the true duals, Paul! I guess I should have said mufflers and tips. Not going to headers because I am doing everything I can to make the engine APPEAR stock. It will have plenty of power for my application and at shows it will still look original. When I step on it, though, I think I'll surprise some people!!!!!
 
Barry
 
Big smile


|UPDATED|12/23/2011 8:21:07 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181
Our Sponsors help support C3VR