ctmccloskey, thank you for the great response.

I'm glad to see that others also think that is a nasty amount of sludge. I thought it was pretty bad but it's been a while since I cracked open something this old. I've been working on newer stuff for the last 25 years or so. I soaked the pushrods and rinsed them and yes, quite a lot came out!

When I look on Zip or Summit, there is a replacement cat for "Federal Emissions" for $300 and "CARB Compliant", which is the California Air Resources Board, for $1,300. It may even be the same piece but must be tested and certified for CA and that is probably an expensive process.

We'll see if I can get this to pass smog with the current one. The smog check is biannual, so I don't mind doing some work each time to pass it. My thought process right now is that I'll build the engine as a low RPM torque combo and replace the full exhaust system, keeping the current one stored away in the garage for the smog tests.

Back of the napkin:

The current block, .030 over with a 383 rotating assembly
Dart Iron Eagle heads or equivalent with 2.02 / 1.60 valves and whatever chamber gets my CR to 9.5 or 10:1
Headers and dual exhaust (swappable, not welded in place)
Mild cam that can pass smog, and I don't care about the high RPM horsepower number I just want torque from 1,500 to 5,000
It would be great if I can use the current intake and carb or maybe an L82 aluminum intake

 

Well, at least I have some leakage test results to work with, but when I do it over I will ignore the gauge on the right side and go with the 100psi, just reading the % drop on the left gauge.

BTW, it's an Amazon POS. Harbor Freight doesn't sell them anymore LOL!!

Thanks guys!

 

All together and it runs so much better! Definitely hitting on all 8 now and the smoke is starting to clear after a good 30 minutes or so of running. It really needs to stretch its legs and that will happen soon!

Looks like I got the correct red/orange for the intake and the PO went with Orange when he did the valve covers. Oh well! Looks OK to me.

In the picture all vacuum ports are plugged so I can add things back one at a time to make sure the vacuum holds. At a high idle it is around 16-17 inches and peaks up to about 20 when I rev a little.

We're getting there. Thanks again for all the help!

 

Great work there Socal Dad!

That looks a lot better and that Vacuum reading is great! The engine will "like" being nice and clean and I hope it rewards you with many miles of enjoyment and smiles on the highways!

 

nice work.
now that I see PO did some work, I feel better about my guess. Rarely does factory fail at intake mani install.
Looks like you have a solid motor.
the cat concerns me.
get it good and hot. I wonder if some water added as it is running will help clean the cat?

 

If you got an engine that's been burning oil this may be a good idea or some form of combustion chamber cleaner. I've used Mopar combustion cleaner with good results. Last I checked it was about $10 at the dodge dealer.

 

Thanks guys! I will definitely run some products through it to slowly help clean the internals.

I took her out for the maiden voyage today. Just a couple of laps around the neighborhood. It wasn't smoking and did well!

 

Now it is time for "Miles of Smiles" and "Smiles per gallon" to start up. Driving your own Corvette is a great feeling, especially when you fixed it yourself!

Congratulations socal Dad for a job well done!

 

glad you got a good result! Hope passing smog will go as well.

 

Thanks! I hope so too! If there is any interest in checking out the rest of my '76 Vette project, I'm trying to keep it updated here:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ct-1976-a.html

I am really enjoying the project and overall, it is coming along nicely!

 

nice looking engine. glad to see good results. as to the color of engine paint, both are correct. there is no absolute correct engine color. whatever color whatever paint supplier offered GM at the best price was the correct color that month!