New Vette Owner - General Questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
New Vette Owner - General Questions
Hello All. I am the proud new owner of a 76 L82. The car is very clean in and out and all original except for the true dual exhaust and turbo mufflers. I replaced the cap, rotor and plugs.
1. The car runs excellent but is hard to start after sitting overnight. It takes 3 maybe 4 turns and lots of gas peddle to keep it running until it warms up. I've been told its the choke by the guys at O'Reilly but a local Vette mechanic says the carb float bowls are probably leaking and the Rochester needs to be rebuilt. My only concern with a rebuild is that the car runs excellent once it gets hot.
2. The car has the factory exhaust manifolds. I plan to keep the car but I was told I will kill the value by installing headers. How much of a hit will the originality value take and will I really feel the difference in low and mid range power.
3. On the originality topic: am I "molesting" the car if I change the factory radio to a dual shaft from Mid America? Vega steering wheel to a leather 79 style? I like the car as is but these are a few issues I want to be clear on before I make any mistakes.
I will post a picture once I get up to speed on how to do so.
Thanks in advance. I will be a helpful member.
1. The car runs excellent but is hard to start after sitting overnight. It takes 3 maybe 4 turns and lots of gas peddle to keep it running until it warms up. I've been told its the choke by the guys at O'Reilly but a local Vette mechanic says the carb float bowls are probably leaking and the Rochester needs to be rebuilt. My only concern with a rebuild is that the car runs excellent once it gets hot.
2. The car has the factory exhaust manifolds. I plan to keep the car but I was told I will kill the value by installing headers. How much of a hit will the originality value take and will I really feel the difference in low and mid range power.
3. On the originality topic: am I "molesting" the car if I change the factory radio to a dual shaft from Mid America? Vega steering wheel to a leather 79 style? I like the car as is but these are a few issues I want to be clear on before I make any mistakes.
I will post a picture once I get up to speed on how to do so.
Thanks in advance. I will be a helpful member.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I agree with Higs and Kalway. Something else to keep in mind, I have read here on this forum that a properly adjusted carb will allow for easy cold starts even in the winter time without a choke. If it is that hard to start, it is trying to tell you that something is not right.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: New York
original...
drive it,mod it n have fun......a vette was made 2 drive n have fun..not to be kept in it's original wrapper n kept in the closet.....n if u want 2 get technical keeping a 30 or 40 yr old car original is very hard n very costly.....just my dimes worth....Jerrylee///..o yea..good luck.. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 3
From: Burlington WI
Congratulations on your new car!!
Originally Posted by Higs
I'm not a Barrett Jackson candidate and don't plan on becoming one. I want to drive what I want to drive. I say Make It Your Own and have fun with it. Congrat's on your purchase!
I was told I will kill the value by installing headers
Youll shatter the glass T-tops if you jack it up with them installed
Chrome air cleaners burn holes in the paint on the hood
For God's sake dont drive your car you will ruin the value unless the planets are properly aligned.
The word titanium will get you all sorts of reactions.....
Oh and most importantly never give any advice on the forum without first consulting with your attorney.
You will hear all sorts of stuff..........
Have fun with your car and make it your own.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Quote.." On the originality topic: am I "molesting" the car if I change the factory radio to a dual shaft from Mid America? Vega steering wheel to a leather 79 style? "
Hello,
First congratulations on your car.
Second, a new gauge bezel is only $130 from Mid America Motorworks ( Part number 602-501 ) So as frar as molesting the car and degrading the value.....I dont think so.
A 1963 split window coupe that you cut the split window out of .....yes you are molesting it. Putting in a good sound system that does not alter the appearence of the car....does not seem like it really changes a thing. Now if this was a L88 car, or a very rare Vette of some design....then yes it would. But for me, adding a stereo and speakers, headers, and a chrome air cleaner, probably increases the value.
kdf
Hello,
First congratulations on your car.
Second, a new gauge bezel is only $130 from Mid America Motorworks ( Part number 602-501 ) So as frar as molesting the car and degrading the value.....I dont think so.
A 1963 split window coupe that you cut the split window out of .....yes you are molesting it. Putting in a good sound system that does not alter the appearence of the car....does not seem like it really changes a thing. Now if this was a L88 car, or a very rare Vette of some design....then yes it would. But for me, adding a stereo and speakers, headers, and a chrome air cleaner, probably increases the value.
kdf
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Area Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by Kalway
Just keep the original parts in boxes and if you ever end up selling you can put them back.
Rebuild that carb.
Those are my suggestions.
Rebuild that carb.
Those are my suggestions.
with Kalway, also Welcome to the Forum and congrats on your purchase. Sounds great, we do need pics though when you get a chance. We all aren't NCRS people. I kept everything from mine to put it back original if need be. Meanwhile
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
First of All Congrats on your new ride. I agree 100% with all the answers. I think we can all agree that we will not get rich with our C3's. You will however enjoy the car and the way it drives. I've done many mods to my 78. Just keep all the original parts in the event the next owner wants them. It's a good feeling to know you can buy a vehicle drive it and if you do decide to sell you probably will get most if not more of your money back.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by jerrylee
...n if u want 2 get technical keeping a 30 or 40 yr old car original is very hard n very costly.....
Make the changes you want, but hold on to the original parts.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
The car runs excellent but is hard to start after sitting overnight. It takes 3 maybe 4 turns and lots of gas peddle to keep it running until it warms up. I've been told its the choke by the guys at O'Reilly but a local Vette mechanic says the carb float bowls are probably leaking and the Rochester needs to be rebuilt. My only concern with a rebuild is that the car runs excellent once it gets hot.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: New York
original or not...
my 77' has a totally rebuilt 454 in her,super comp hooker headers with a dynomax straight duel set up 4 starters n i could get double 4 what i can get if she was original.......but what i was saying about older models being tuff to keep original...........u want 2 drive them n i don't just mean on sundays...so when u drive them u use n abuse them n sooner or later u have 2 change the parts n there goes your original...again just my 2 cents.....n i luv that 68''''''one day.........
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Congrats!
Nice find! Do what you want to it, just keep the parts you take off. On the carb, Quadrajets don't work well in the A.M. without the choke working. It's easy to check for correct operation as follows:
In the morning before you do anything (after having driven it at normal operating temps before you parked it the night before), pull the air filter housing off (not just the lid) and look at the choke plate in the top of the carb. It should be wide open or maybe just slightly closed. Now, (engine off!) open the throttle all the way slowly and allow it to come back to what would be idle. Observe two things. First, the choke plate should close all the way quickly. At the same time, the fast idle cam on the passenger side of the carb, sort of a tapered weight looking thing behind a small vacuum pot (the choke pull-off) will move upward as the choke plate closes. That's normal operation and my guess is none of that is happening. It's easy to fix both parts. Let us know what you find.
Hans
In the morning before you do anything (after having driven it at normal operating temps before you parked it the night before), pull the air filter housing off (not just the lid) and look at the choke plate in the top of the carb. It should be wide open or maybe just slightly closed. Now, (engine off!) open the throttle all the way slowly and allow it to come back to what would be idle. Observe two things. First, the choke plate should close all the way quickly. At the same time, the fast idle cam on the passenger side of the carb, sort of a tapered weight looking thing behind a small vacuum pot (the choke pull-off) will move upward as the choke plate closes. That's normal operation and my guess is none of that is happening. It's easy to fix both parts. Let us know what you find.
Hans
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
Originally Posted by Sweet L82
Hello All. I am the proud new owner of a 76 L82. The car is very clean in and out and all original except for the true dual exhaust and turbo mufflers. I replaced the cap, rotor and plugs.
3. On the originality topic: am I "molesting" the car if I change the
3. On the originality topic: am I "molesting" the car if I change the
One step further.
If you have anything you have to cut, modify, etc. to make it work how you want today, buy another item, used or repro, and modify that piece, putting your original piece in a box with all those other original pieces.
Good luck and have fun. Don't forget to wave.
Save The Wave
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 2
From: Red Bank NJ
Hey good luck. Just replaced my 70 L48 195 hp with a modified ZZ4 pushing 400hp. Mine is not an investment grade Vette. I bought this car to have fun. Working on it, makeing faster look nicer thats the sport. This is a car I ENJOY THE HELL OUT OF DRIVING! Do what you will get the most enjoyment from. You just need to figure that out. There are really not wrong things to do as long as you don't screwup the mechanics of the car(read safety issues). The rest is all part of working and enjoying the hobby. You will get a world of help and information on this forum. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Thanks a million
Those are my thoughts. Thanks again. I plan to drive it to work on very nice Fridays and weekends. As for the carb, i will follow the advice of one post and inspect the choke operation before I start it Sat. morning. Worst case I will opt for a rebuild. Not trying to make $$ or even thinking about selling but this is one of the nicer Vettes that I've seen since looking and saving for over 2 years - just don't want to screw my new baby up. Kind of weird because I always thought low of the mid 70's C3s but the notch back has really grown on me. i will post pics Sunday if it does not rain - if rain - next week. Drive safe.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
Originally Posted by Sweet L82
Those are my thoughts. Thanks again. I plan to drive it to work on very nice Fridays and weekends. As for the carb, i will follow the advice of one post and inspect the choke operation before I start it Sat. morning. Worst case I will opt for a rebuild. Not trying to make $$ or even thinking about selling but this is one of the nicer Vettes that I've seen since looking and saving for over 2 years - just don't want to screw my new baby up. Kind of weird because I always thought low of the mid 70's C3s but the notch back has really grown on me. i will post pics Sunday if it does not rain - if rain - next week. Drive safe.
ESU