C3 Drive Train questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 103
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C3 Drive Train questions
Hi all. Finally, at 60 years old, I finally got a Corvette. I wanted one all my life. Due to a death in my family, I knew it was time to get what I wanted,life is short. OK, enough about that. I bought my 78 three weeks ago. Having some problems getting the vacuum fixed, most of the lines were trashed during the previous owners rebuild. But, I think I have found a diagram to get that fixed. Numbers do not match. What I'm having problems with, is trying to identify what is in this car. Block # shows a crate motor, #024388, 5.7lg smco I can't find anything else.Trans # has two, 18s433806 & 7843224. Also, on the engine block pad, someone stamped, TacTron Racing Head, I think. My eyes are not that good anymore. I can't find anything about TacTron heads. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,MIke.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Welcome Mike! I`m also new to Corvettes. The wife & I have built a few cars over our 30 years together, but we always needed a back seat to haul kids around. I`m not far behind you in age, so we also thought it was time. This 71 will be our last resto though, and the most fun to play with when finished.
I just wanted to tell you that for reading the numbers on your engines, trans, etc., I`ve found that having a magnifying glass and flashlight in the garage is a very good idea!
I just wanted to tell you that for reading the numbers on your engines, trans, etc., I`ve found that having a magnifying glass and flashlight in the garage is a very good idea!
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,325
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From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Hi and WELCOME! Congrats on the 78! That was the first Corvette I ever saw when my dad "almost" brought it home off the showroom.
anyhow, the "18s" number on the trans looks like a VIN. Does that sequence follow your car's VIN?
anyhow, the "18s" number on the trans looks like a VIN. Does that sequence follow your car's VIN?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 42
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I picked up a 70 Vette just over two years ago. Like most I tried identifying part numbers on various parts of the car. Like most folk in their 60's the peepers don't work that well. So, I opted for taking pictures with a compact digital camera. It's the best approach ever. You can down load the pictures to your PC and easily enlarge them to the size you need. And it's amazing where your camera fits that your head doesn't, and your head doesn't get in the way of your light. Tranny numbers were easily read and identified. And a great book to pick up for identifying what part numbers mean is "Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide 2nd Add for around $25.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
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From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
FWIW SMCO is probably Saginaw Metal Casting Operations. They make mostly aluminum castings for GM. Don't know if that helps.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
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Thank you all. The trans # does match my vin, so that mystery is solved.
I'm going to try that camera thing, great tip. Just picked the car up from the garage I use. Still have a couple issues with vacuum and cruise control. But, I had to have it for the weekend, I need to cruise. Driving the Vette is SO much more fun than driving my Magnum.
Still working on the heads , will post when I get info. Thanks again, Mike
I'm going to try that camera thing, great tip. Just picked the car up from the garage I use. Still have a couple issues with vacuum and cruise control. But, I had to have it for the weekend, I need to cruise. Driving the Vette is SO much more fun than driving my Magnum.
Still working on the heads , will post when I get info. Thanks again, Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 260
From: Jamison Pa
St. Jude Donor '11-'25
Congrats!
Mike,
This forum is great. There are so many great people on here. The info is endless.
Don't get too crazy about getting everything done right away. Take your time and enjoy.
Bob K.
This forum is great. There are so many great people on here. The info is endless.
Don't get too crazy about getting everything done right away. Take your time and enjoy.
Bob K.