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1976 L48 350 Engine normal compression

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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 02:47 PM
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Default 1976 L48 350 Engine normal compression

This is my first Vette. I understand the rust issues. I want do a compression check. What is normal?
thanks
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 03:12 PM
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150 psi on a hot engine
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 09:43 PM
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thx
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 11:45 PM
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Hi
I have to replace the front bumper. I think the stock one was Urathane in 1976. If I read the info correctly they wrinkle over time. So I am wondering if since I have to replace the existing one anyway should I get a fiberglass one or I the Flex-fit one(whatever it is made from)?
What would you recommend.
thx in advance
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by firstvette890
This is my first Vette. I understand the rust issues. I want do a compression check. What is normal?
thanks
Rather than look for a particular number, what you want to see is UNIFORMITY across the engine. I believe Chevrolet's spec is that the lowest pressure reading needs to be at least 75% of the highest. Compression readings are affected by many things, such as how fast the engine is cranking (battery strength), if the throttle butterflies are wide open or not, how close to operating temp the engine is while testing, the ambient temperature. None of which tells you anything useful about the state of the engine. Typically a smallblock of that vintage will wipe out the cam before anything else fails.
A leakdown test will tell you more.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 10:27 PM
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Go with the tru flex bumpers,the rear will probably go on with little fuss but the front can be pretty challenging,as they were fitted first when the car was assembled and may require quite a bit of adjusting and possibly some body work good luck with the new ride
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