Long time reader, First time poster
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Long time reader, First time poster
i don't even have a corvette...DOH! i have a friend who does though. he's letting me have the 77 for a short while at a cheap price. the car has the following problems though.
there is a button in the interior next to the shifter on the left side that does nothing...
the steering is loose. is this normal for corvettes? the steering wheel wasn't installed properly, and when the car goes straight the wheel is turned to the left.
the brakes are very heavy. they work, but the pedal feels like it's pushing back very hard. is this normal?
the gas pedal only goes down a few inches or so (maybe this is wrong). there is a short distance between idle and WOT. i'm assuming this is normal.
lastly, a 350 was just installed. how do we extract the most power without killing the engine or our wallets? the exhaust sounds like crap :\
there is a button in the interior next to the shifter on the left side that does nothing...
the steering is loose. is this normal for corvettes? the steering wheel wasn't installed properly, and when the car goes straight the wheel is turned to the left.
the brakes are very heavy. they work, but the pedal feels like it's pushing back very hard. is this normal?
the gas pedal only goes down a few inches or so (maybe this is wrong). there is a short distance between idle and WOT. i'm assuming this is normal.
lastly, a 350 was just installed. how do we extract the most power without killing the engine or our wallets? the exhaust sounds like crap :\
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Can you post a pic of that button? I have a '77 and there is no stock button that I know of in that location.
The steering is loose because either the steering box has excessive wear, or some of the components are worn. Bad rag joint maybe...and some joints that need replacing. It needs to go to a shop experienced in steering systems....or someone with mechanical ability.
The power brake booster may be bad, or the vacuum system is not supplying proper vacuum. Maybe a leak in the vacuum system or a bad check valve.
The gas pedal not moving smoothly is probably because the accelerator cable was not installed correctly when the motor was changed. When you post pics of that button please snap a few shots of the throttle hookup to the carb, and the springs if there are any.
The engine will wake up with good flowing heads, intake, a good cam and lifter combo, and better flowing exhaust.
The steering is loose because either the steering box has excessive wear, or some of the components are worn. Bad rag joint maybe...and some joints that need replacing. It needs to go to a shop experienced in steering systems....or someone with mechanical ability.
The power brake booster may be bad, or the vacuum system is not supplying proper vacuum. Maybe a leak in the vacuum system or a bad check valve.
The gas pedal not moving smoothly is probably because the accelerator cable was not installed correctly when the motor was changed. When you post pics of that button please snap a few shots of the throttle hookup to the carb, and the springs if there are any.
The engine will wake up with good flowing heads, intake, a good cam and lifter combo, and better flowing exhaust.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
Why are you worried about the problems. Give it back to him, and buy your own!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
i don't even have a corvette...DOH! i have a friend who does though. he's letting me have the 77 for a short while at a cheap price. the car has the following problems though.
there is a button in the interior next to the shifter on the left side that does nothing...
the steering is loose. is this normal for corvettes? the steering wheel wasn't installed properly, and when the car goes straight the wheel is turned to the left.
the brakes are very heavy. they work, but the pedal feels like it's pushing back very hard. is this normal?
the gas pedal only goes down a few inches or so (maybe this is wrong). there is a short distance between idle and WOT. i'm assuming this is normal.
lastly, a 350 was just installed. how do we extract the most power without killing the engine or our wallets? the exhaust sounds like crap :\
there is a button in the interior next to the shifter on the left side that does nothing...
the steering is loose. is this normal for corvettes? the steering wheel wasn't installed properly, and when the car goes straight the wheel is turned to the left.
the brakes are very heavy. they work, but the pedal feels like it's pushing back very hard. is this normal?
the gas pedal only goes down a few inches or so (maybe this is wrong). there is a short distance between idle and WOT. i'm assuming this is normal.
lastly, a 350 was just installed. how do we extract the most power without killing the engine or our wallets? the exhaust sounds like crap :\
Loose steering in what sense, Sloppy, move the wheel back and forth a few inches and no responce, steering wheel screws loose? Could be out of alignment hense steering wheel not centered.
Breaks could feel heavy if not power, but I suspect most were power by 77.
Gas peddal travel sounds about right. That's how my 70 is.
As far as more power, I'm in the same boat you are in and just asked this question in an earlier thread-Easiest and cheapest way to gain 50-100hp, got a lot of good suggestions and approaches to consider.
How long are you going to have this car and is it worth it to sink money and time into it if you have to give it back?
Good luck, Glenn
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
does the horn work?????? you said the steering wheel was not aligned properly i wonder if it got taken off and the horn button stuff got lost and that button is a replacement horn switch
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
My best guess is the defrost switch given its location. You can't really tell when its on.
The steering probably has some screws loose like mine did. An experienced mechanic fixed mine in an hour and it drives great now.
Take the wheels off or put the car an a lift and watch the calipers as a friend pushes the brakes. Also, check the condition of them and the rotors. You may be able to adjust the tension in the cables. Guys?
As for the accelerator linkage. There are 3 holes in the carb. Try moving it to the next one away from the cabin and see how that feels.
You can get a brand new 350/300 for for $1600. Otherwise, please see the previously mentioned thread on how to gain hp.
The steering probably has some screws loose like mine did. An experienced mechanic fixed mine in an hour and it drives great now.
Take the wheels off or put the car an a lift and watch the calipers as a friend pushes the brakes. Also, check the condition of them and the rotors. You may be able to adjust the tension in the cables. Guys?
As for the accelerator linkage. There are 3 holes in the carb. Try moving it to the next one away from the cabin and see how that feels.
You can get a brand new 350/300 for for $1600. Otherwise, please see the previously mentioned thread on how to gain hp.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
well he knows as much about vettes as i do 
i asked him "hey what does that do??" he pushed it and nothing happened. "who knows" haha. i'll take a picture of it next time i'm in the car.
the loose steering: if the wheel is moved an inch to the right or left, the car WILL turnthat way. but i can move it with my pinky and not feel any resistance. i can't imagine the power steering being this...strong? i'm pretty sure something has to be wrong.
yes the horn works...it's like a toy car honk. so weak!
so could you all just clarify what i need to take pictures of? i have a camera phone and don't want to waste 5 bucks for pictures.
i asked him "hey what does that do??" he pushed it and nothing happened. "who knows" haha. i'll take a picture of it next time i'm in the car.the loose steering: if the wheel is moved an inch to the right or left, the car WILL turnthat way. but i can move it with my pinky and not feel any resistance. i can't imagine the power steering being this...strong? i'm pretty sure something has to be wrong.
yes the horn works...it's like a toy car honk. so weak!
so could you all just clarify what i need to take pictures of? i have a camera phone and don't want to waste 5 bucks for pictures.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
