Dan

 

71 Coupe LS5 454 365hp, auto, power everything. To top it off, it has those cool side pipes, power evrything and even A/C! Mille miglia red w/ black interior (deluxe, i think.)

 

Most important, though, is that I bought it from 2nd owner that I call a true friend and mentor. He may be 70-something, 40 years my senior, but both of us share an appreciation of 'old iron.'

 

It comes with 2 heaping folders of receipts and meticulous records of upkeep and upgrades. I still going through the paperwork, but i have the owner's manual, documents from previous sellers indicating mileage (just over 100,000), and history.

 

Being patient has been so hard. 

 

History- I orginally saw this car in junior high, late 80s. I've always kept good contact with the owner, a good friend of my dad's who has taught both of us how to work on cars. To say both parties were happy to finally pass this beauty on is an understatement.

 

I plan on driving the heck out of it. And when i have kids, they'll be the next owners. Next month, i'm going to drop the tank and hopefully find the build sheet.

 

Just thought i'd share my passion and excitement. This is what drives the hobby.

 

I went through with the former owner the 2 folders of receipts and notes made. here's what i'm learning...

 

It's had a ton of engine work done- rebuilt heads (actually 72's-I was given the original heads a long time ago- 1 has a crack but that can be fixed now.)

 

At 100,000 after some back-country spirited driving, the timing chain went. Trying to restart it multiple times bent some pushrods. Long story, tore the engine apart. Machinist said everything was beautiful- no taper- tolerences were great. Standard bore -only need to hone it, but the heads have a lot of work done- hardened seats, etc. Only new rod bearings needed. New balancer and water pump. This was back in the early 90s.

 

It is stored on blocks- the wheels were off of it so they wouldn't get flat spots. Seeing the back half of the car w/out wheels makes you really appreciate the sophistication. The new white walls are 215-70s- i wish they were a bit fatter. I may try to sell them- even tho they're completely new- and get 60 series, but i'm not sure.

 

The finned hubcaps were bought afterwards- guy sold the vette w/out the trim rings and hats. The caps look cool, but i may splurge and get rings and caps (actually have caps already.)

 

Receipts show the brakes were done twice- lotsa $ spent. And they are new spindles because they have to be in spec. Even the leafspring in the back was replaced and ploy bushings were put in certain places.

 

Still points in the distributor, but it has a special order piece that help smooth out the tachometer- allows for a 90 degree cable entry.

 

It has a true factory OEM side pipe exhaust on it. Yes, it wasn't factory option that year, but 5 or so years ago he wanted original set of side pipes and matching exhaust. Over $1500 alone on that. 

 

I even get special bags for the T-tops, another BB hood (costs more and back-in-the-day spoiler kit- thank god it wasn't put on)

 

No buildsheet in the paperwork, but hopefully the tank sticker is there. The engine & trans are numbers-matching tho so it matters little.

 

It's had a few other fixes over the years: power window motors replaced/repaired, A/C charged, etc.

 

I'm probably going to pick it up within the week- weather permitting. AND I'm driving it home.

Once at home, I'll post some pics.

 

 

I'm going to change all the fluids, but i'm wondering...

Can I use a regular jack to change the oil- too low? And ramps- you have to gradually build them up I'm told.