C3Highway

They pop up on eBay from time to time. There was one ('78-'81) out there very recently. May still be out there.

MarkW68

Does that shield serve a purpose? Radio interference maybe?

C3 4ME

I don't think the sheild deals with radio interference on our cars. I definitely did on earlier cars, but I will say, while i'm not sure what purpose it serves, I'm sure it serves some purpose, or GM wouldn't have put it there. It's long gone on my 79 L82, but I have a full aftermarket sound system in mine, and I don't have any radio interference. Also, as a side note, and you may have found this in your research, keep that original air cleaner! Mine came with an aftermarket open element air cleaner, and I've since found that the original one is actually better because it draws cooler air from the front of the engine compartment.

C3Highway

Given that a radio first became standard equipment in 1979, the distributor shield was installed at the factory on virtually all cars that model year to reduce radio interference emanating from spark plug wires of that era. It was due to the lack of ground provided by the fiberglass body, I believe. In any case, my understanding is plug wires became much better insulated some years ago and so the distributor shielding may no longer serve that purpose. However, I’ve never driven without the shielding on any of the C3 cars I’ve owned in order to test that theory.

Nevertheless, if you look closely at the pics of Interpon’s '79 ignition shield in post #97 you will notice the shield also serves to nicely anchor at two points the hood release cross-cable, keeping it in place. I appreciate that on my own ’79. The shielding also looks much better to my eye than the top of the distributor cap. But what do I know? Some folks like seeing their plug wires.

My recommendation is for you to find a distributor shield and install it on your '79. Also, I think it would be a great idea to complete the factory dual ducting cold air inlet to your air cleaner assembly like you see executed in the engine bays of both Interpon (post #97) and Jon (post #100). I have both in my own car.

Now I'll stop as I’ve spewed enough half-baked opinions for one day.

--------------------------
1979 L82 M21 FE7
Classic White / Doeskin

MarkW68

I appreciate all opinions. I'm still learning something new every time I work on it.

I was looking at those ducts on some corvette used parts site, but I didn't pull the trigger. I was still working on getting it running at that time.

C3Highway

My latest suggestions are by no means urgent. Everything in due time. You're actually doing very well. It took me seven years to get to my C3 A/C to have it overhauled and running properly. Keep up the good work.

MarkW68

I am going to replace the water pump, because it looked like it would be easier to replace the lower house if the pump is out. The existing pump is natural grey, I think. Should I paint it blue with this opportunity?

Mark.uli

Mark, what is this used C3 parts site you speak of!?

MarkW68

https://www.motorcityvettes.com/engi...-ducts-related

I think this was it.

C3Highway

It's a good idea to replace the water pump and radiator hoses as rubber deteriorates with age. The engines and water pumps were sprayed Corporate Blue at the factory from '77E thru '81, along with many other external engine components. Aluminum intake manifolds remained gray.

For what it's worth, when my harmonic balancer, timing chain and cover and water pump were replaced, they and much of the engine were painted the original color.