imariver

Replace that rubber fuel hose with a steel one!
M2C Steve

birdsmith

I'm in agreement with others that this looks very much like a cracked head, not [just] a blown gasket- the water on TOP of the center header pipes gives it away, and that's right where small block Chevy heads crack. Don't just clean it up and bolt it back together or you'll very likely wind up doubling your work. Numbers matching or not, they're useless if they're cracked. Get them checked out once they're off the car. BTW, I've had the motor out of mine three times and every time it miraculuosly made its way back in!

flyingman21

I would definitely have the heads checked out!

Here was my ordeal:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...s-cracked.html

Here is the fix:


Just FYI

jkjazzsax

I must be the luckiest guy in the world right now. I haven't really gotten to know my next door neighbor that well since I moved in to my new house a couple of years ago, but I have seen him pulling cars around to his shop every now and then.

I walked over to his house last night and thought I'd see if he had any expertise in the area of SB chevy's... turns out he's rebuilt over a dozen of them! Wow! He was eager to come over and see the Corvette, so we mozied across the yard and he confirmed it was a blown head gasket at the least. Possibly a cracked head since they are cast iron.

We had a beer and chatted for over an hour and he asked if I had air tools -which I don't. He suggested that starting next Tuesday I bring the car into his shop and we'll do it together. Heck, he even asked if he could call his son up to come over and work on it with us too!

Pretty excited to have an expert mechanic living next door! I will be buying all the for this project!

billla

Cool Do you know how he confirmed this?

qwank

I'd say its perfect time for aluminum heads and a cam upgrade

jkjazzsax

It already has a thumper cam in there and she sounds sweet, but we plan on checking the cam while we're there. Can anyone point me to some decent, moderately priced aluminum heads for the 350?

qwank

if you already have a cam in there the motor is really going to wake up with new heads

Shark Racer

Go AFR and never look back. You'll keep them for as long as you keep the car, unless you get BIG power dreams in your head.

Vette5.5

Guess it sound's pretty cool, but one thing I've learned over the years, is keeping everything as a business transaction. For the work done, agree on a fair price and pay it. Nothing worse than owing a pesky neighbor favors, expecting you to help re-roof his house or something. Not to mention, he might start hanging around, sticking his nose into your business. I'd be careful with this.

jkjazzsax

Something just occurred to me...

I have the Holley Intake and Carb. I think the '78 came with the rochester quad? Am I going to need different gaskets? If so, which ones?

DRIVESHAFT

Take a look at the Brodix IK180 heads if your cost conscious. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BRO-1021005/

Vette5.5

Think you'll be fine with standard intake gaskets from the local parts store, as swapped several different brands of manifolds over the years without problem. Not a bad idea checking with the manifold maufacturer, or Summit Racing tech lines though. Since maybe in contact with Summit, may as well order some Mr Gasket Ultra Seal header gaskets while at it. The mentioned Brodix or AFR heads are probably more than you're wanting, but wouldn't hurt scanning the forum's parts for sale for sale section, or even post you're looking for some stockers.

jkjazzsax

The full gasket kit came in the other day. Geez... that's a LOT of pieces!

scottyp99

These are about the cheapest decent aluminum heads I have been able to find.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-5089/

However, you could go this way:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-152123/

Or this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-152123/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-226019/

Alot of ways to go, here, give it some thought.


Scott

Indiancreek

While you have them off there are all sorts of things you could be checking. If it were me I'd do as I think it was 63split said. Have the heads magnafluxed or pressure tested, Resurface, and if it were me I'd replace the seals. Not expensive. If I didn't have the tools, I'd get loaners from the parts store and take a look at the valves, seats and guides.
Heck, you've got them off and where you can get at them. You may as well check what you can.

7t9l82

the valves absolutely must be adjusted whenever the heads are removed

Indiancreek

Don't let the kit worry you. There will be stuff in there you won't use. That's just shelf stuff. I'd bet everybody on here has "shelf stuff" from kits that cover several applications or not needed for your job.

Little Mouse

let me guess head gaskets in kit most likely .041 thick and your pistons way down in the hole. For no compression when done.

7t9l82

yes,definitely headed for that magical 6.1-1 ratio we aspire to. 90 pounds of boost wouldn't help that