really old Vette owner
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
really old Vette owner
I took my 68 convert with NOM 454 to the dyno today to confirm that I had finally fixed a puzzling power loss at 4800 rpm. Valve float caused by the machine shop incorrectly installing valve springs at wrong height on my new alum heads. Three successful runs confirmed the problem was fixed, but during the fourth "free" run the water pump seized and the fan belt flew off. So... the Vette got a ride home on a roll back. When I pulled into my driveway there was a car following the roll back. Turns out an 87 year old former Corvette owner followed me home so he could look at the car. He owned two 1962s, a 1964, a 1967 and a 1969 with 427, 3 x 2bbl 435 hp with 4 speed and 4.11 rear. Quite an interesting fellow- played with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggart and a pile of other old CW musicians. Still plays with his local band in VA. Corvette owners are everywhere.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,218
Likes: 9,356
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Thats really cool. Hope you guys keep in touch!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
He lived his young years in a time when corvettes were the most interesting and easily attainable. I just wonder why he would have stopped when he still has the interest. Age is just a number! Sounds like a cool guy ! 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
"Will you set up the heads yourself now" Yeah- I completely replaced the springs that the machine shop used and installed new Comp springs, retainers, keepers and spring seat cups. I used the spark plug hole fitting tool to pressurize the cylinder with compressed air and carefully measured with a nifty little micrometer tool how many shims I needed to get 1.900 installed height. Everything is back together and the engine now revs to 6000 rpm with the new water pump installed also. I should have double checked the work by the shop. Lesson learned.
