Topic: New Engine Start
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Evansville`, IN - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 1972 Convertible, ontario orange, ps/pb/pw/air conditioning and 31,000 original miles.
Does anyone have a written document on how to wire up a new engine sitting on the frame to do a temporty test run. I would like to try and start it and see if it runs before putting on the body. It's been about 35 years since rebuilding my last engine, and hoping I still know how. Do I just need to get the wiring harness and dash guages out to hook this thing up? I'm working on a frame off restoration of a 72 convertible and just about ready to put the body back on. Frame has been blasted, powder coated, completely rebuilt along with the engine and transmission. Engine and exhaust is all bolted down and ready to fire. Thanks, Dave...
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Not difficult really.
Run a battery wire to the distributor if it is a 75 or newer, or the to coil positive if it is older.
Connect a battery pos cable to the starter, and the negative anywhere on the engine. You can do this with jumper cables. Then short between the starter positive and the small "s" terminal. It will crank and start. Dont' need the gauges to test fire the engine.
As kstyer said and to stop the motor running unplug power wire to distributor or coil. On your first start, leave the power wire to the distibutor or coil unpluged and crank over a few times to build the oil pressure, then connect your wire.
John
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I will be finalizing connections Fri. and Sat with a start on Sun. One thing bugging me is the tru dual exhaust from MAM. The passenger pipe is very close to the rear tire while the driver pipe is at leasr 6" away.
I have swapped pipes, tugged and pulled, looked at Cat. pictures and it seems to be no change. I will call them tomorrow to see if they have any thoughts on this.
Former Member
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Evansville`, IN - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 1972 Convertible, ontario orange, ps/pb/pw/air conditioning and 31,000 original miles.
Thanks...didn't realize it was so easy to fire up.....I hope to do it this weekend....I'll let everyone know how it goes...David
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Along with the above wiring of the new engine start, it might be good to install a temporary oil pressure gauge on there, unless your car(corvettedave) is an early model with the mechanical gauge/line...then it should be hooked up anyway, and will register pressure just fine. 
Gotta keep an eye on that life-blood!!
And....of course, had I paid attention to the first post, I would have seen that you are working on a '72...with a mechanical gauge...
Adams' Apple 2008-10-30 19:18:27
Gotta keep an eye on that life-blood!!
And....of course, had I paid attention to the first post, I would have seen that you are working on a '72...with a mechanical gauge...
Joel Adams
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Lifetime MemberCOPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
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Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible
2007 coupe
If this is an older motor, and the first time you have started it something else you need to pay attention to is the RPM. If the motor hasent been broken in and you have a new cam it needs to run at 2000 RPM for about 20 min, make sure you have a break-in supplement in the oil for a flat tappet cam, I also used Rotella T 10W30 for the break-in. If you dont take this step you will ruin the cam.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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