by "gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun" (gbergey)
Published 01/01/2017 at 15:36
by "gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun" (gbergey)
Published 01/01/2017 at 15:36
Tags: covette
; Happy New Year!
; resolution
; tremec
; blue
STARS: 3
My new years resolution for 2017 was to spend less than $5k fixing/restoring/upgrading/maintaining that damn Corvette.
HOWEVER. I went out to start it yesterday, and while crawling underneath to check for leaks, found a nice puddle of brake fluid coming out of the front left caliper.... so there’s an order in to Corvette Central for a new pair of front calipers, braided brake hoses, pads, and I’m spoiling myself and getting new caliper bolts too! I’m hoping that if I replace both it’ll get rid of the pulling-to-the-right feeling I get under hard braking... Although I have receipts from the last owner of a TOTAL brake system rebuild in 2004, and a new rear left caliper in 2014...
ALSO. I just sent
Silver Sport Transmissions
a request for quote on a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed, to do something about the abysmal fuel economy and the 3900rpm @ 75mph (120km/h)
2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.00, 0.64... wow, what a 5th gear ratio. I’d prefer a 6 speed, but the Tremec Magnum is much larger and requires cutting more holes in the console, as well as cutting out the trans crossmember and welding in a new one.
Now I just need a new windshield washer fluid pump, t-top seals, weatherstripping, re-leather’d steering wheel, reupholstered seats, a spare tire, a breakerless ignition conversion... yeah
"PS9" (PS9)
01/01/2017 at 15:38, STARS: 2
See? If you had just brought an Audi allroad like all of us said, you would have saved so much on rep-GAHAHAHAHAHA oh I can’t finish that with a straight face.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
01/01/2017 at 15:42, STARS: 1
Cool! That’s a good-looking C3!
The work all seems worthwhile too, except one point - breakerless ignition. Why add complexity and great potential for failure in place of a simple, reliable set of points?
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
01/01/2017 at 15:49, STARS: 2
I know you are a big proponent of points ignition for reasons you’ve listed before but having had both I can say I am not sad that my dwell meter is gathering cob webs. I put those old ignitions in the same category as externally regulated alternators, good riddance.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
01/01/2017 at 15:53, STARS: 0
5 speeds are sufficient for a SBC. Let overdrive overdrive, not like you’re need that extra gear for 100+mph acceleration.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
01/01/2017 at 15:55, STARS: 1
*looks at blown external regulator on the bench and new one bolted to core support*
"Frenchlicker" (frenchlicker)
01/01/2017 at 16:04, STARS: 1
I’m forcing myself to get an apartment to try and talk myself out of dropping a ton of money into a hearse with no way to ever dream of recouping it.
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
01/01/2017 at 16:04, STARS: 1
I just went to a one-wire setup when I replaced all of the wiring in the Camaro. The nest of old wires to the regulator was a nightmare, I think the splices had splices.
"gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun" (gbergey)
01/01/2017 at 17:18, STARS: 0
LOL I’ve had people ask me why I didn’t put 10k down for a new Camaro or Mustang instead though!
"gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun" (gbergey)
01/01/2017 at 17:19, STARS: 0
True, true, but 6 speeds are 20% better than 5 speeds! Math says so!
"gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun" (gbergey)
01/01/2017 at 17:20, STARS: 0
Because they’re sorcery and I’ve never owned a vehicle with points before and don’t know how to fix them
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
01/01/2017 at 17:25, STARS: 0
It’s very simple, all you need is a dwell tach (can do it by ear to get it close if you want) and a 1/8" allen key to adjust them. Replacement adds two screw drivers to the mix. Failure on the road? 10 minutes and you’re back on the go; if a pertronix* or similar unit craps out, you’re waiting for a tow unless you have a spare $100+ module in the glove box.
*I will give credit to the pertronix ignitor III though, it’s tempting not because it replaces points but because it offers multispark and a limiter without being visibly different (once the cap is on) under the hood and requires no crazy wiring other than replacing the points’ resistor wire.
"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
01/24/2017 at 17:08, STARS: 0
Looks good! Are you in the Fort Langley area?
"gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun" (gbergey)
01/24/2017 at 20:26, STARS: 0
No, alas, I’m in central Vancouver Island!
"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
01/25/2017 at 01:38, STARS: 0
Still a nice place though!
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
02/21/2017 at 01:41, STARS: 0
I say leave the 4 speed and swap in a set of 3.55 gears or 3.31s or 3.23s. Cheaper, and something about a 4 speed in a vintage car just sounds right.