383 Install - Part I
Page 5
Page 5
The exhaust is temporarily done. I put the new Dynomax coated headers on which cleared the plugs nicely and required some cutting and welding on the existing exhaust to get it to connect. This was a quick, ugly job because I still plan on redoing it with an x-pipe and possibly some exhaust cut-outs.
Here's the final product with it running...inspected and legal.
But of course nothing can go right the first time. The mechanical fuel pump started leaking and along with the replacement pump I decided to run a fuel pressure regulator. I decided on a nice unit from Aeromotive with -06 AN fittings. While I'm at it I'm replacing the jets in the carb. Went from 81/78 to 76/73. I'm also having a vibration problem that seems to be engine related because it is unaffected whether or not the car is moving or in gear.
Bad news. After many attempts at fixing the vibration problem I have decided to send the engine back. AR is going to take it apart and find out why it is so unbalanced and also why it is smoking after warm up. I sure hope all this can be completed quickly because we plan on using the vette in our wedding.
After pulling the engine to send it to AR, we found the problem. I had forgotten to install the pilot bushing. Spent about $4 on a pilot bushing, put the engine back in and voila, no more vibration. All because of a $4 part!!! After running it a while I've now noticed a new problem, the radiator. The original radiator called quits and has a few pinhole leaks. So now the search for a new affordable aluminum radiator.
Couldn't find any universal radiators that would work (the outlets are at totally wrong angles and most shops won't re-weld them) so I bought a 'vette' specific Be Cool radiator. Got this thing in and the hose inlet and outlets are at totally different angles and I can't find any stock hoses that will work so I'm going to use the Flexicool chromed hoses. Should look really cool. Pics coming soon.
After pulling the engine to send it to AR, we found the problem. I had forgotten to install the pilot bushing. Spent about $4 on a pilot bushing, put the engine back in and voila, no more vibration. All because of a $4 part!!! After running it a while I've now noticed a new problem, the radiator. The original radiator called quits and has a few pinhole leaks. So now the search for a new affordable aluminum radiator.
Couldn't find any universal radiators that would work (the outlets are at totally wrong angles and most shops won't re-weld them) so I bought a 'vette' specific Be Cool radiator. Got this thing in and the hose inlet and outlets are at totally different angles and I can't find any stock hoses that will work so I'm going to use the Flexicool chromed hoses. Should look really cool. Pics coming soon.
The Flexicool hoses came in and I had them on in about an hour. Car is running good, now I just need to finish the exhaust. I've got the x-pipe and one of the cutouts but I'm having trouble locating a cutout for the other side. If I just use the same one on both sides then the lever will hit the ground on the passenger side.
I decided against using the exhaust cutouts, they were too small (2 1/4"). I finished the exhaust using 2 1/2" pipe and welded the x-pipe in just after the transmission crossmember.
I installed a crankcase evacuation system and after about 50 miles of driving the smoke got worse and then went away. I'm thinking the rings were never fully seated and the decrease in crankcase backpressure let them fully seat finally.
I installed a crankcase evacuation system and after about 50 miles of driving the smoke got worse and then went away. I'm thinking the rings were never fully seated and the decrease in crankcase backpressure let them fully seat finally.