Did we do the right thing?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
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From: Chicago IL
Did we do the right thing?
Hi,
I'm new to this board. I have an 1975 base stingray with 20,053 originial miles. One problem, it hasn't been started in 20 years. Me and my dad finially got around to working on it at the end of summer. So far, were taking the engine apart. Were going to try to get more than 165 hp from it
If anyone is interested in viewing what we've done so far, justClick Here Anyways, back to my question. This car hasn't been started in 20 years. Pretty much, 20 years ago, it was putted in the garage and left there. It included originial, 80's gas, oil, fluids, tires, ect(PM if you are interested in any of these truely rare automotive collectables from the 1980's 
). I was thinking about it today and I was curious if it would have started if we replaced all the fluids and putted in new battery, sparkplugs, ect. What do you guys think?
Thanks,
Max
I'm new to this board. I have an 1975 base stingray with 20,053 originial miles. One problem, it hasn't been started in 20 years. Me and my dad finially got around to working on it at the end of summer. So far, were taking the engine apart. Were going to try to get more than 165 hp from it
If anyone is interested in viewing what we've done so far, justClick Here Anyways, back to my question. This car hasn't been started in 20 years. Pretty much, 20 years ago, it was putted in the garage and left there. It included originial, 80's gas, oil, fluids, tires, ect(PM if you are interested in any of these truely rare automotive collectables from the 1980's ). I was thinking about it today and I was curious if it would have started if we replaced all the fluids and putted in new battery, sparkplugs, ect. What do you guys think?Thanks,
Max
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
50-50, if the motor was in a damp environment, it could have rusted internally in all that time and stuck. If it turns over, you probably could have started it. But then it would still have 165 hp. 
Too late now, have fun and don't forget to go through all the other systems, too. Joe
Too late now, have fun and don't forget to go through all the other systems, too. Joe
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chicago IL
Originally Posted by joe73vette
50-50, if the motor was in a damp environment, it could have rusted internally in all that time and stuck. If it turns over, you probably could have started it. But then it would still have 165 hp. Too late now, have fun and don't forget to go through all the other systems, too. Joe
Too late now, have fun and don't forget to go through all the other systems, too. Joe
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chicago IL
Originally Posted by 427V8
You are in the right place to talk about doing the wrong thing 
Meaning, We are a bunch of hot rodders here, so we support your decision! At least I do
Meaning, We are a bunch of hot rodders here, so we support your decision! At least I do
This sounds like my kind of place. I was thinking about putting in a newer corvette engine...possibly a 98. We just need to see how much everything is going to cost. If I can't afford a new engine, I guess I'll go with a honda civic engine, so I can be crazy fast!
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C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
I would SERIOUSLY look at an LS1, LT1 whatever they are that came in Camaros etc. They can make wicked HP, are light and fuel injected.
I built a 434 small block Click the chick to see my web page
<---
I built a 434 small block Click the chick to see my web page
<---
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chicago IL
Originally Posted by 427V8
I would SERIOUSLY look at an LS1, LT1 whatever they are that came in Camaros etc. They can make wicked HP, are light and fuel injected.
I built a 434 small block Click the chick to see my web page
<---
I built a 434 small block Click the chick to see my web page
<---
427V8, nice small block. How much did all that run you? How many horses does it have?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chicago IL
Originally Posted by panchop
i picked up a 75 vette also that i am doing some mods on to make more power. keep us informed.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Originally Posted by Demonic Possession
Thanks for the tip. A friend of mine has been telling me that I should put an LS1 in it. I have all winter to research and decide
427V8, nice small block. How much did all that run you? How many horses does it have?
427V8, nice small block. How much did all that run you? How many horses does it have?
I wussed out on the cam, moderate lift about .500 so I got 460 out of it on the dyno but it made over 400 ft/lbs from 2800rpm to 6000rpm with a peak of 500 something.
I keep threatening to put in a bigger cam, like .650" lift and get 600 horses out of it, but there is always something else to do!
It's a fun engine, but I think a strong LS1 would be better.
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Pro
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From: Chicago IL
Originally Posted by 427V8
I built it back in like '99, for $8k I think parts cost I reused nothing but the block.
I wussed out on the cam, moderate lift about .500 so I got 460 out of it on the dyno but it made over 400 ft/lbs from 2800rpm to 6000rpm with a peak of 500 something.
I keep threatening to put in a bigger cam, like .650" lift and get 600 horses out of it, but there is always something else to do!
It's a fun engine, but I think a strong LS1 would be better.
I wussed out on the cam, moderate lift about .500 so I got 460 out of it on the dyno but it made over 400 ft/lbs from 2800rpm to 6000rpm with a peak of 500 something.
I keep threatening to put in a bigger cam, like .650" lift and get 600 horses out of it, but there is always something else to do!
It's a fun engine, but I think a strong LS1 would be better.
**** it's got some nice horses on it. You should wait a while to put in a different cam, that way, you can play around with it at 460 and then get 600...like a new car. I'm guessing you had to change the suspention and things like that. Or maybe not. How many horses can a stock '75 vette. Now that I think about it, your probably had to.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Well I did rebuild the entire suspension front and rear, went with an LT1 3.70 diff. But I didn't do anything special to make it stronger. Still using the small 1/2 shafts too.
Mine's a '69 but the 75 still had the iron diff so it should be good to 750 HP or so.
And wait a while? I've been driving it for 6 years already
Mine's a '69 but the 75 still had the iron diff so it should be good to 750 HP or so.
And wait a while? I've been driving it for 6 years already
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Looks like there's some rust on the cylinder walls, the anti freeze looks good though... still green after so many years
I assume you're going to replace the cam, lifters and pushrods ? If you're going to re-use the old parts you better label them so you put them back in the old location.
nice car
I assume you're going to replace the cam, lifters and pushrods ? If you're going to re-use the old parts you better label them so you put them back in the old location.
nice car
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
I doubt very much if you have any rust on the cylinder walls...if anything maybe in the fuel and brake lines. Engines will keep ages if the plugs are in and carb is closed. Me tinks you could have saved yourself a ton of work and $$$ by just replacing the fuel and brake lines, if they needed replacing.
Only thing you had to do was prime the engine with fresh oil, put the gas in the tank, change the plugs and turn the key.
Only thing you had to do was prime the engine with fresh oil, put the gas in the tank, change the plugs and turn the key.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by RedBad1979
One of my favorite tools, a crowbar.
Keep us updated with progress & pictures.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
I don't think you should be showing this young man your 69 with the half dressed girl next to it.
But could you send the rest of us full size shots of both.
But could you send the rest of us full size shots of both.
Originally Posted by 427V8
I built it back in like '99, for $8k I think parts cost I reused nothing but the block.
I wussed out on the cam, moderate lift about .500 so I got 460 out of it on the dyno but it made over 400 ft/lbs from 2800rpm to 6000rpm with a peak of 500 something.
I keep threatening to put in a bigger cam, like .650" lift and get 600 horses out of it, but there is always something else to do!
It's a fun engine, but I think a strong LS1 would be better.
I wussed out on the cam, moderate lift about .500 so I got 460 out of it on the dyno but it made over 400 ft/lbs from 2800rpm to 6000rpm with a peak of 500 something.
I keep threatening to put in a bigger cam, like .650" lift and get 600 horses out of it, but there is always something else to do!
It's a fun engine, but I think a strong LS1 would be better.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,422
Likes: 453
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...just my opinion, I would have pulled the original motor without taking it apart to preserve it and put in another motor. Last year I bought a GM '73-'85 Direct Replacement 260hp/350ci 4 bolt main for $1187 off of the Internet for my 1975 Corvette. I'm more of a "cruiser" than a "racer", so this motor is more than adequate for me. I've put over 6K miles on it this past summer and it's performed perfectly. 
In also doing that swap, I changed my '75 over to a 4spd car. The original L-82/Turbo 400 is neatly tucked away off to the side while I enjoy the new motor & 4spd.
In also doing that swap, I changed my '75 over to a 4spd car. The original L-82/Turbo 400 is neatly tucked away off to the side while I enjoy the new motor & 4spd.