Barry

 

While I originally intended to adhere to a "numbers matching" Corvette, I've come to realize I am more concerned about having a car that is fun, reliable and comfortable to drive. My hope is to eventually pass  the 'Vette along to my daughter, therefore my goal is to do things "right" ~ as time and money allow.

 

In the first year of ownership, I focused on a simple projects ~ especially those I could do myself: new shocks, carpet and dynamat for the interior; glass t-tops, lowering the too-tall front end, new steering linkages & bushings, rear wheel bearings, stainless exhaust and free-flow "cat" plus 3m window tinting to protect the interior. And lest we forget, a quality rebuild of the Q-Jet.

 

In the second year, the big "money project" was a rebuild of the TH-350 by a reputable rebuilder. Personal projects included replacement Delco alternator, fuel sending unit, fresh battery, installation of a DeWitt alum radiator, new power steering components and yes... replacement of the 8-track for something compatable with I-phones/digital sound and upgraded speakers (no worries... I've kept the 8-track & tapes :)

 

Now in the third year of ownership, the latest (and most costly to date) is the engine rebuild. Although I've been intimately involved in the project, most of the actual work has been done by a local automotive machine shop over the past eight weeks. My goal in the rebuild was to refresh and update the L82 with enhanced performance and reliability. To achieve this goal I went with hyperteutectic pistons (.030) on the bottom, and new heads, intake and matching cam (Edelbrock Performer series) on top. MSD billet & wires completed the "performance upgrade". Add to this a new water-pump, A.I.R. tubes, miscellaneous lines/hoses and engine mounts for good measure.

 

While the engine was out, I cleaned & refurbished the engine compartment, had a number of engine-related parts powder-coated and the exhuast manifolds ceramic coated. Apart from the MSD's unmistakable red, it's a conservative, "factory look" engine compartment.

 

Yesterday the engine went "back in the craddle" and last night... started for the first time. I expect to have her back early next week. After the 500 mile break-in period, I'll take the (California legal) engine for the first smog test of it's reborn life; then recurve timing until the next smog check in two years :)

 

The only other forseeable "project " in the future would be new exterior paint. I guenuinely like the 2-tone Silver Anniversary scheme, so may stay with the factory colors. On the other hand, both my daughter and I agree 'Vettes painted in rich shades of Blue or Red look classic! Time will tell...

 

Warm regards ~ and  Happy Thanksgiving Day,

Doug