Topic: Surprise in the shop!
in Forum: C3 Engines
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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. 
. 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!!!!!
|UPDATED|12/16/2011 3:52:09 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
. 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
|UPDATED|12/16/2011 3:52:09 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Yep, this is where it all starts. Can you say MONEY PIT. there is no end to it.
Have some fun.
Rodney
Have some fun.
Rodney
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
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.
Wow Barry. Sorry to hear that the engine was a sent double 
-
- oh well, there's an excuse to get some reliable horsepower under the hood!!
Paul
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Barry, that bites!
ebo
|UPDATED|12/16/2011 4:22:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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. 
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? 
ebo|UPDATED|12/16/2011 4:22:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
ebo
Go for it Barry 
Geez...it always sounded like a good motor and ran like one. Join the club on the major projects 
Geez...it always sounded like a good motor and ran like one. Join the club on the major projects 
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DanT
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Barry, the more horses you get the merrier you will be. Happy Horse Power to you, and many more to come!
corvette440hp
Lifetime MemberLodi, WI - USA
Joined: 9/25/2007
Posts: 340
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
Barry....
Sorry to hear that your engine isn't what you thought it was.
But like you said, this could be an opportunity.
That's one way to get more horses.
Dean
Sorry to hear that your engine isn't what you thought it was.
But like you said, this could be an opportunity.That's one way to get more horses.
Dean
click on either image for larger view
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
Former Member
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
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.
I hope Santa and Rudolph deliver you those 400 horses. It will be the best Christmas present you ever got.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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