cpages2

So I just picked up a pretty nice 1976 Corvette (White/Red Interior, Auto, 70K Miles, About 90%) for a great price.

I do have a few questions, been doing lots of research but would like any input from fellow owners.


1) So the owner gave me this info on the car:

"it features a 350.030 over, roller rockers, probillit aluminum distributer, MSD7 ignition, 700R4 transmission, K&N Air filter and hooker headers"

Are these good modifications? Anything I need to worry about when buying tune up parts like spark plugs?


2) So the primary issues are:

- Needs Brake Pads
- Passenger window needs regulator
- Needs Exhaust Manifold Gasket
- AC does not work (not sure on the details of this).


From what read these all seem very easy to do. Any tips?


3) Should I be running premium gas (91 or 93)?


4) I assume standard oil is ok, no need for synthetic. NOT WANTING TO START DEBATE




Thank you in advance!

- Mike

revneck

Did he mention the compression ratio? Your repairs are minor. Enjoy your C3!

cpages2

No I dont believe so, but I can ask.

Thank you!

rcread

If you have the stock heads and pistons you should be able to run low octane unless you have carbon deposits that are causing pinging.

Also, you probably meant header gaskets and not exhaust manifold gaskets.

cpages2

Aren't header gaskets and exhaust manifold gaskets the same thing?

COOLTED

That 700R4 is a nice upgrade. Consider yourself lucky on that one. The other things are nice as well.

I have seen articles that K&N air filters let a lot of dirt through. I don't run one for that reason. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

Since you have headers, you have header gaskets.

I think I would be asking the previous owner for papers showing what he has done to the engine.

We should like to have some pics now.

cpages2

Thank you for the info!!! I assume I need to track down the proper gasket for the hooker headers?



I do plan on going back to a proper 2 piece air filter with standard element.


Here are some pictures:
















I go pick it up tomorrow AM, really excited!!!

Jud Chapin

Looks like a nice one. Best of luck with it.

dochorsepower

Very nice, welcome to the forum and enjoy. As for oil, ask the previous owner what he used and stay with it. Although my personal opinion is that if it was synthetic, go back to a good conventional dino oil. Yes, I'm a member of the Mobil 1 cam replacement club.

COOLTED

Nice car. The wiring looks like it will clean up fairly easily. Your distributor is 180 degrees off and the vacuum advance isn't hooked up. Easy fixes, good place to start. looks like a decent car. Congrats!

cpages2

Im sorry for the dumb questions

1) How would I correct the distributor? And also how could you tell from that pic? lol

2) Where is vacuum advance and what do I need to fix?

Haggisbash

1) You will have to retime the ignition after you reorient the distributor.
2) The vacuum advance is actuated by vacuum signal from the inlet manifold which should have a tube that connects to the silver can shown in the pic.
The can on your car is facing the wrong way and this is how we know your distributor is installed 180 deg out. The engine doesn't care about this and will run just fine but the vac advance hose wont reach the can, you would have to extend it.

cpages2

I assume the hose would go from the silver can to the distributor?

Should I plan on brining into a shop so they can turn it 180 and re-time or would running a longer vac hose be ok?


Also what is the purpose of it? I assume the car has been running for a bit without it.

Haggisbash

Nope from the silver can on the bottom of the distributor to the inlet manifold under the carb. You need to remove the air cleaner and take a pic of what is connected there so we can help further.
Its up to you if you want to move the dist or extend the vac hose. I assume the PO blocked off the vac hose in some way else the engine would not run very well because of the vacuum leak.

cpages2

Thank you very much! This will be the first thing I am checking tomorrow when I pick it up and will post pictures.

COOLTED

The purpose of the vacuum advance is to increase fuel economy at low-load cruising speeds.

A longer hose would work, but just get it done correctly. The distributor needs to come out and spun around, it's not too hard a job, but if it's your first time you should either have someone there who has done it or just take it somewhere. A competent Corvette shop would love to see your car and would give you direction as to what needs attention.

The hose goes from the can on the side of the distributor to a ported vacuum source on the carburetor.

Haggisbash

You can see the vac can and hose pointing the correct way in this pic.

Alan 71

Hi cp,
Congratulations! Looks like a nice car in your picture.
The give away for the distributor clocking is the fact that the 'advance can' is pointing at the driver instead go 'about' 180 degrees from that location.
You might want to consider buying an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual), and a GM Chassis Service Manual for your car.
There will be lot's of information in both to help you learn about your car and become more familiar with what makes it a Corvette!
GoodLuck!
Regards,
Alan

This is a more typical location for the vacuum advance can on the distributor. Added: Haggis you beat me to it!

COOLTED

Been a long time since I have seen a points-type distributor cap and coil. Nice.

Alan 71

Hi C,
Actually they're still pretty common in certain "neighborhoods"!!!
Regards,
Alan