"MysticStick" (mysticstick)
11/18/2014 at 17:47 • Filed to: None
5
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"MysticStick" (mysticstick)
11/18/2014 at 17:47 • Filed to: None | 5
| 12 |
In late September 2006 I purchased this base model convertible with the L48 270hp 350 and an TH400 automatic. It was once trim code 989 War Bonnet Yellow with 417 Saddle Vinyl interior, but before it rolled into my life it was changed to retail red with a black interior. Date codes inside the door panels indicate this was probably done in the 90s. It was a driver-car with a few problems but solid enough to actually drive. Maybe not daily, but at least on the days it didn't rain (the wipers still give me troubles).
Keeping a journal was tough. Entries are rather boring with the occasional story of a funny thing (always at my expense).
5/10/2007
Today I replaced the speedometer needle only to have it fall off during [a] quick test drive after putting everything back together. I will have to re-do what I did today, except somehow be sure to secure the needle. Unsure how it attaches other than screws in.
5/17/2007
Recovered and replaced needle on speedo. Research said it is press-fit and that seems to be true as it is working now.
Years passed, things happened, I drove the car a lot but then it sat for a while and the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! went to work, destroying my carb, fuel lines, fuel pump, and even managed to ruin my gas tank by rotting it out. At least recently I have found a couple of stations near me that sell ethanol-free 87 octane.
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So, the Corvette went into the shop earlier this year, I was moving and it was time to do something.
A rebuilt Holley 4175 takes the place of the adapter-plated broke-down 8045. New fuel pump, fuel lines and a repro gas tank and the ethanol damage is fixed.
But since the car is in the shop I decided it was time for some upgrades.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! came out with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for the C3 this year, it is a pricey setup but fully adjustable and promises some great things. I'll check back in with a driving review on that.
Did I mention the brakes were shot? Of course they were. So, you know, new brakes with slotted and drilled front rotors, four-piston calipers and stainless-steel braided brake lines. Because racecar.
The TH400 slushbox was in a bad way, and I had thought about just doing an LS drivetrain swap but instead decided on a built 700R4 transmission and a 3.73 rear-gear (stock was 3.08).
What next? Headers, chambered exhaust, news tires and new wheels. That last one is tough, the only rims I have found that I like are the Minilites and the clones. My original rally rim center caps and trim rings are in good shape, but the steel wheels underneath need replacing at minimum. Tires are just really old and have some dry-rot.
(Check out what actually happens next in !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! here.)
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What say you Oppo, Minilites, other, or stick with rallys? The 15 inch ML looks so retro, but 16 inch has all the good tire choices. I do love the look of the old racing vettes.
Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 17:59 |
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This style looks great on pretty much any car. Go with those.
camaroboy68ss
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 18:05 |
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just add redline tires to the stock rally's and add the factory style side pipes. Can't go wrong with that combo.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> camaroboy68ss
11/18/2014 at 18:06 |
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Seconded.
crowmolly
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 18:20 |
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You may want to consider upgrading your alternator to an internal regulated setup, too. Just sayin.
Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 18:56 |
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You have no idea how jealous I am. WANT.
I would stick with the Rallys, and add some redline tires, like Camaroboy68 suggested. Its a classic look that really can't look bad.
Jedidiah
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 19:15 |
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I always liked the factory Chevy Rallyes.
Awesome looking car — there is a spot for one of these in my dream garage.
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MysticStick
> crowmolly
11/18/2014 at 19:30 |
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That's a great idea, I will. I never knew it was the old kind. Thanks!
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MysticStick
> Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
11/18/2014 at 19:42 |
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They do look great...
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crowmolly
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 20:17 |
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Yeah, the old external boxes are crude and can go bad over time. American Autowire has some pretty cheap stuff to make the swap easy.
shop-teacher
> MysticStick
11/18/2014 at 23:49 |
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I can't get enough minilites!
Your Vette is going to be freaking sweet.
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MysticStick
> shop-teacher
11/19/2014 at 11:03 |
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Thanks! Not sure still which way to go, the Minilites are sure nice..
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shop-teacher
> MysticStick
11/19/2014 at 11:13 |
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Well, you really can't go wrong, because the rally wheels are also sweet. I'd certainly keep rally trim pieces, even if I got the minilites. But if it were my car, I'd go with he minilites.