Seek Advice on 1977 Restore
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Seek Advice on 1977 Restore
This is my first experience, I am starting on a 77 L48. The car isn't in real bad shape, still all original. It needs some engine work, interior work, and paint. I would like to keep pretty much original but gain some hp. - Not to be long winded but just looking for some advice to get started. - any mods that I should avoid, experience with aftermarket products, things to try and restore vs buying replacement, where to get original equipment parts? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
You could build your L-48 to L-82 specs without having to go to 4 bolt mains. Essentially cheap and parts are available.
Order the assembly instruction manual (AIM) and GM chassis service manual before you get under way.
This is good for reference pics and info:
Good luck.
Order the assembly instruction manual (AIM) and GM chassis service manual before you get under way.
This is good for reference pics and info:
Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Strip off the cat. system and put a free flowing, true dual exhaust on it.
That will gain you a bit of HP right off the bat.
The next level would be heads, intake, carb. and cam.
The more I do this car stuff the more I realize it's cheaper to buy it done.
Too bad I'm a glutton for punishment.
That will gain you a bit of HP right off the bat.
The next level would be heads, intake, carb. and cam.
The more I do this car stuff the more I realize it's cheaper to buy it done.
Too bad I'm a glutton for punishment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Do any safety/reliability repairs needed before you spend any money anywhere else. Once it runs, rides and stops properly you just might decide it's OK as is. A pretty car which does not run is yard art... a good running but ugly car is still a car.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
love to see another 77 owner..... good advise here... what i did with my 77 when i got it was i got it home, made sure it was safe, drove it for a while to see what it may need and went from there,, i wound up driving the car doe 3 years the way i bought it before i did my new motor a new paint... so just make si=ure its safe and drive it for awhile and enjoy it...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Thanks
Thanks for the input.
The car is mechanically sound (lights, breaks, etc)
The dual exhaust is on my want list. I have thought about using flow-master. I am not sure which style yet. I want it to sound/perform good but still be able to hold a convresation. I would appreciate any rec's.
I am still trying to figure out how far I want to go on the engine. I am trying to keep it fairly original but upgrade where it makes sense. Can you upgrade intake and still have enough room under the hood?
I am glad I found this forum. I have enjoyed reading post and appreciate the advice.
The car is mechanically sound (lights, breaks, etc)
The dual exhaust is on my want list. I have thought about using flow-master. I am not sure which style yet. I want it to sound/perform good but still be able to hold a convresation. I would appreciate any rec's.
I am still trying to figure out how far I want to go on the engine. I am trying to keep it fairly original but upgrade where it makes sense. Can you upgrade intake and still have enough room under the hood?
I am glad I found this forum. I have enjoyed reading post and appreciate the advice.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Agawam MA
Hi,
I've had my 77 a yr and a half now - did a fair amount of work to get it inspected (brakes,horn,wipers, power sterring slave cylinder and rag joint) and completely renovated the inside (door panels, dash, carpet, etc,etc)but have not tackled the performance thing yet becuse I'm not much of a mechanic. It would be great tocompare notes.
Rocky77
I've had my 77 a yr and a half now - did a fair amount of work to get it inspected (brakes,horn,wipers, power sterring slave cylinder and rag joint) and completely renovated the inside (door panels, dash, carpet, etc,etc)but have not tackled the performance thing yet becuse I'm not much of a mechanic. It would be great tocompare notes.
Rocky77
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 305
From: Feeding Hills, MA
Hey blkc3, I'm in the same boat. Just purchased my 77 a few weeks ago. Mechanically sound just needs some appearance upgrades. For now I just want to drive it as the weather allows and see what it needs. My plan is to redo the interior this summer with some new seats and door panels and dye the gray interior to red. This fall I planned on some engine detailing and new exhaust. I've always liked the flowmasters, have them on my other cars as well. The 40 series is pretty loud, 50 series is a little quieter. There are quite a few posts with lots of detailed pics for anything you want to do. Some good guys here.
Hello to Rocky77, live right near you, I'm from Longmeadow.
Hello to Rocky77, live right near you, I'm from Longmeadow.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Hi Slo and Rocky - Good to see I am not alone. I am still in the tear down and cleaning stage right now. I have the intake manifold off, radiator out, and new cam (Lunati-vodoo installed) I am finding out this is a slow process but I am loving every bit of it. Still researching and making shopping list. Good luck fella's
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Pinehurst NC
Seems to be a bunch of 77 owners out here! I myself have a 77 I just got about 4 months ago now. Solid car that runs good but definately needs some work. My first thing to hit were the brakes (going fast does you no good if you can't stop). And now I am starting on the front suspension as soon as my parts arrive. I definately reccomend making sure it is safe with what you have now before trying to make it faster. But I will also say I redid my exhaust already because I at least had to make it sound good while I drive it now and fix everything else 
