I have a 1966 convertible 327 4-speed that is bone stock, all number match with exhaust out the back of the car. The clutch is slipping as I drive down the road. So I need to get a new clutch, also I bought the car without a bunch of records, so I do not know if and when the engine has been rebuilt. I am hearing some ticking coming from under the head covers. So I am also wondering if this is the time to get it rebuilt. If I do that I would like to have a new cam with a bigger lift to have it rumble more at idol... An suggestions would be great. Should I have the heads rebuilt or get new head. Should I get long tube headers. Or should I just keep it more on the stock side. Any suggestions that you could give me as to what has worked for you all in the past would be excellent. Thanks!

 

pretty broad questions to expect answers for...

1. the clutch is an issue unrelated to anything else in your post so if it needs a new clutch than replace it and be sure to replace the pilot bushing at the same timer. Many times they come with the clutch assembly anyway as a "kit".

2. the ticking could be as simple as an exhaust leak at one of the exhaust manifold. an exhausr leaks usually sounds like ticking and can easily be confused for other issues. The ticking could also be the sound of a valvetrain issue than can be repaired and this doesn't require replacing the heads.

3. The other things you mentioned such as new heads instead of possibly repairing the valvetrain in the existing heads, adding headers, different cam, etc is something only YOU can decide. It's YOUR car and only you can know and decide what you want to do with it or how you want the car to be to enjoy.
Many people here will tell you that since your car has the original motor, etc that you should leave it stock as there aren't all that many cars left with the original motor and parts while others don't care one way or the other and prefer to modify their cars as they want the car to be to enjoy. Only you know that answer for yourself.

Personally, I take the position that you should have it the way you want it but since it does have original motor and other parts at least only make mods that can be reversed so the car can at least be brought back to a stock condition with the stock parts sometime in the future if you decide that's what you want or if you ever sell the car. If you change cam, add headers, etc than at least keep those original parts and don't do any mods that can't be replaced. that's just my opinion though which doesn't mean squat since my name isn't on the title, yours is.

 

Thanks... Without a doubt I will keep any parts that I would replace, so that it could be brought to stock. Yeah I realize that the sound coul be anything and it could be very simple. I don't know if the heads have hardened valve seats or anything right now. I do know that if I put the car in gear it will still roll down a hill, so I believe I am not keeping pressure in the cylinders as I should be. I think a compression test is in order. My shop is recommending a centerfource stage 1 clutch. thoughts?

I do intend on doing what I would like, however within reason, as to not really just screw up the value of the car. I do want it to look for the most part stock. If you all hae suggestions as to what headers woudl work great with this or clutch... I am all ears.

 

hello,
reading your post , i would start with a simple tune up . do a compression test to see if the compression is good and even on the cylinders..is it burning oil etc.change the oil and adjust the valves to see if the ticking issue is solved. if it were mine and i did not have to rebuild it, i wouldn't do it until it needed it...maybe doing the above with the clutch change would be the ticket.
regards ,xiaoman

 

While there may be issues to be solved, I'd start with a tuneup, check the carb adjustments, timing, dwell, etc. If you have one, put a vacuum gauge on the engine and see what kind of vacuum readings you are getting.

 

for the clutch I have a centerforce stage 1 clutch in my 66 Chevelle 396 and love it.

 

I'm curious as to if you could tell us more about your numbers matching etc. If you could share as to what numbers are matching, and what they happen to be, as well as where you got your '66. Was it a dealer or private person?

Can you post a couple pictures, as I'd love to see them?

I agree that you should make car the way you want it, but also wonder why you'd buy a numbers matching Corvette then want to make all the changes you are now asking in your 1st ever post?

I also agree that you should really take things slooooow and not rush to changing out parts as you seem to want.

Good luck,
RK

 

Welcome to the forum, I am sure you will get a lot of different advice, but ultimately do as little or as much as you can afford or want to do.

If NCRS awards are import the the answer is obvious, above all else enjoy the ride.

 

Like a lot of people here say, its yours so do what you like.
IF it ends up your gonna pull the engine to rebuild, why not put in a different long block and SAVE THE STOCK ONE.
And in the future when you get ready to sell or if you decide to sell, rebuild that Stock engine.

jack

 

On the clutch, be sure you do the free-play adjustment and then confirm that the clutch is still bad, before replacing it.

Harry

 

Before you send your engine to be rebuilt, do a search on this forum for the words "broach mark".

 

Well I bought the car two years ago in Dallas...Before I purchased the car I bought the Corvette Black Book. I looked and reviewed every number that I could that I could without removing items to see. The block had the correct number, the alternator had the correct number, the carb was correct however I could not see the number. The interior, and color code showed the colors the car was today as well. It is a Rally Red with a black vinyl interior, and black top.

There were some fiberglass issues etc but over all it was a clean car, and what I would call a nice driver. Unfortunately a week after I purchased the car I wen to put air in the tires, and upon pulling out a 17 year old girl drove into the gas station with her head down and plowed straight into the front end. I have pictures though it breaks my heart to look at them. After that it spent 10 months. The bulk of the wait was to get a factory quality front clip fab'ed for it. The shop I took it to was local and specialized in corvettes and corvette restoration. This is where I will take it to have the clutch done etc. I can post some photos, but I am waiting to get high quality photos taken with a friend who does photography. Let me put up some photos that I have right now.

Not trying to rush... I just have the cash to do these items, I just don't want to do anything that is un-necessary. I have always loved the corvettes since I was little, and got to the point where I could get one. Man have I loved the sight of opening my garage every evening when I come home from work and seeing it in the garage.