Let's see some pics of this virgin 76....Aloha's
More Power
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
When I first bought my 80' I changed the intake, carb, exhaust, headers, new valve seals, K&N air filter, and upgraded ignition and fuel pump. The heads and engine internals were stock.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
10k original miles WOW! May want to just keep it all stock.My 76 was Bubba'd when I bought it,so I did lots of upgrades on the L48.Edelbrock heads,Air gap manifold,Summit carb,Crower solid cam,dual exhaust,Cd ignition,SS roller rockers.Bye,bye TH350 auto and installed a Richmond 6 spd trans.Vette is way more fun to drive for sure.If the mod bug is to much to resist than start with header's,dual exhaust,intake manifold and carb,then cam and cylinder heads.After the engine upgrades you'll probably want to change gears to match the new engine power and drop in a OD trans.Look into the Edelbrock top end packages for matched components.Another option as stated above was to drop in a complete 383 crate engine and store your numbers matching engine for a possible future sale.If I know what I know now I would have just gone with the crate engine,instead of trying to pinch pennies....Good Luck.....
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
This is awesome, 10,000 miles. Do you have pictures ?
I will agree with MIKE80 and iokepakai. Photo shoot everything regarding the L48, write down all details, record all facts of the engine, take that low mileage engine and prep it for long storage.
Now, build the engine that you have always dreamed of without removing the supplimental components like air conditioning and such. You can bypass that if you wish but secure, document and record if you plan to remove.
With this process you can allow the next purchaser to buy the 'whole package'. They can elect to go back to stock or accept your modifications.
I really wished the previous owner of my '76 did this when they replaced the L82 with the legendary "327" . It was a weekend swap with critical parts like A/C brackets, compressor, lines and pulleys where thrown to the side as they were not needed. Paying almost $95.00 dollars for a pulley made me throw up a little in my mouth.
That L82 block is only 12 blocks away. The owner of that now worn out block was willing to trade me for a complete short block assembly. Yet another world of correct stamped/dated blocks, (PS save the original) I am still wrestling with this one.
Good luck on your inheritance.
I will agree with MIKE80 and iokepakai. Photo shoot everything regarding the L48, write down all details, record all facts of the engine, take that low mileage engine and prep it for long storage.
Now, build the engine that you have always dreamed of without removing the supplimental components like air conditioning and such. You can bypass that if you wish but secure, document and record if you plan to remove.
With this process you can allow the next purchaser to buy the 'whole package'. They can elect to go back to stock or accept your modifications.
I really wished the previous owner of my '76 did this when they replaced the L82 with the legendary "327" . It was a weekend swap with critical parts like A/C brackets, compressor, lines and pulleys where thrown to the side as they were not needed. Paying almost $95.00 dollars for a pulley made me throw up a little in my mouth.
That L82 block is only 12 blocks away. The owner of that now worn out block was willing to trade me for a complete short block assembly. Yet another world of correct stamped/dated blocks, (PS save the original) I am still wrestling with this one.
Good luck on your inheritance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
How mechanically inclined are you and what are you looking to spend on upgrades?
An easy one and one you should do first is to recurve the distributor per Lars': http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/joe..._Recurve.shtml
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...ine_Timing.pdf
From there it depends on what you want to do. You could upgrade your existing engine, ie heads intake headers, etc. Install a crate motor or have a custom built SBC, LS or big block installed.
Take some tome to decide what YOU want, make a plan, figure out a budget for what you want (then double it) and follow or revise said plan as needed. This will help you buy the right parts the first time.
An easy one and one you should do first is to recurve the distributor per Lars': http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/joe..._Recurve.shtml
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...ine_Timing.pdf
From there it depends on what you want to do. You could upgrade your existing engine, ie heads intake headers, etc. Install a crate motor or have a custom built SBC, LS or big block installed.
Take some tome to decide what YOU want, make a plan, figure out a budget for what you want (then double it) and follow or revise said plan as needed. This will help you buy the right parts the first time.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I have to disagree and I am all about modifications. Even though it is a 1976 L48 it has 10,000 miles on it! Leave it alone!!! Recurving the timing and meticulous cleaning is all I would even consider doing. Enjoy a nice original, low mileage car for what it is. It wasn't built to be fast, it is a survivor and there are so few left like it that it would be a shame to take it apart, even if you keep everything. It is also a shame to rack up a lot of miles. If you want a fast one you can drive sell yours to someone who will appreciate it for what it is and is willing to pay for that and buy a modified car. Bloomington Gold and Carlisle are just around the corner and your car will bring a premium especially if you get it judged as a survivor car. JMHO
Last edited by 63mako; May 16, 2012 at 02:35 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,301
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi t,
I agree that a 10,000 mile car is pretty rare.
Depending on just how much of it is original and untouched, you MIGHT be able to sell it to someone who would value an original car.
You might have enough $$ to buy another car, and even have enough to get the performance upgrades underway.
So, just what did you inherit?
Regards,
Alan
I agree that a 10,000 mile car is pretty rare.
Depending on just how much of it is original and untouched, you MIGHT be able to sell it to someone who would value an original car.
You might have enough $$ to buy another car, and even have enough to get the performance upgrades underway.
So, just what did you inherit?
Regards,
Alan
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Another vote for keeping it original. And from a guy with a modified '74 and '76. It's only original once and if yours is in nice original shape, it would be a shame to modify it. I wouldn't even consider putting a crate engine in it because in a few years you might just own a beat up '76 with an original engine taking up space.