HIPO Corvette Found in a Barn!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
HIPO Corvette Found in a Barn!
Just kidding...I was forced to store my pride and joy for the last 3.5 years while I was 'vacationing' in another country.
I left it in a barn in Iowa of all places...little has changed fortunately...some mouse droppings in the engine compartment and a fair bit of dirt that the cover didn't keep out. But the Sparco seat fit as tight and 11.9 to 1, 381 motor thumped like it did before.
I took some time to mount some new Nitto 555IIR's and get it aligned...boy did it feel good to drive again. I now recall why I kept it...feels like a low flying craft at speed.
I've got a few plans to include headers, new ZF, clutch, Z07 springs, AFR 210's (shaft rockers?), bigger cam, and possibly top it off with nitrous and a cage.
I was fortunate to attend 40 odd events to include autocross, drag racing, road racing/rally, and even topspeed runs in the 4 years I piloted it (to include ~14,000 miles of One Lap of America efforts). Hopefully in my new Florida digs, I can match that and eek out my hoped 200 mph run.
Wish me luck!
Last edited by No Go; May 2, 2008 at 09:36 PM. Reason: Imaging!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I was forced to store my pride and joy for the last 3.5 years while I was 'vacationing' in another country
J/K man...Bet it feels good to unwrap her eh?
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
cuisinartvette: :-) Far from it...touring Europe in an STI. 
Check these links for proof!
150 MPH on Autobahn on the way to Nurburgring for #2 of 3 visits
Donington Park Lap
Snetterton Park Lap
Nonetheless...I wonder if I can do a redirect on that MQ-9 REAPER...never know when they are watching...j/k.
1985 Corvette: I went with a .020 overbore to preserve the block for an additional overbore in the future.
Check these links for proof!
150 MPH on Autobahn on the way to Nurburgring for #2 of 3 visits
Donington Park Lap
Snetterton Park Lap
Nonetheless...I wonder if I can do a redirect on that MQ-9 REAPER...never know when they are watching...j/k.
1985 Corvette: I went with a .020 overbore to preserve the block for an additional overbore in the future.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue NE
Hey sir, welcome back. I'm in the middle of yet another engine build myself. The same guy who built the engine for Mike's Chevelle is putting together a 396 for me. Think of us up here in NE while you're sweating in Tampa!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
Jeff! Another engine build??? I thought the previous 383 had only garage time on it? 
Is it a 395 or 396
I haven't heard what the Chevelle runs so will hold my comments. New combinations are always fun to play with.
The humidity hasn't hit yet so the weather is like paradise...
Cheers!
Is it a 395 or 396 I haven't heard what the Chevelle runs so will hold my comments. New combinations are always fun to play with.
The humidity hasn't hit yet so the weather is like paradise...
Cheers!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Cool! Congrats!
A question for you, I see you kept it jacked up while stored. Did you do anything special to the motor or any other tips for someone else approaching a similar time-line/situation?
A question for you, I see you kept it jacked up while stored. Did you do anything special to the motor or any other tips for someone else approaching a similar time-line/situation?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena CA
cuisinartvette: :-) Far from it...touring Europe in an STI.
Check these links for proof!
150 MPH on Autobahn on the way to Nurburgring for #2 of 3 visits
Donington Park Lap
Snetterton Park Lap
Nonetheless...I wonder if I can do a redirect on that MQ-9 REAPER...never know when they are watching...j/k.
1985 Corvette: I went with a .020 overbore to preserve the block for an additional overbore in the future.
Check these links for proof!
150 MPH on Autobahn on the way to Nurburgring for #2 of 3 visits
Donington Park Lap
Snetterton Park Lap
Nonetheless...I wonder if I can do a redirect on that MQ-9 REAPER...never know when they are watching...j/k.
1985 Corvette: I went with a .020 overbore to preserve the block for an additional overbore in the future.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
USAsOnlyWay: Actually the car was left on its tires for the duration. They were used up F1's so flat spots were expected. The car was started once every 3 months and run up to ~150 on the oil temp. Otherwise a cover and two batteries (before I discovered a battery tender) was all that was done. The image on jack stands was during its installation of the new Nittos and replacement/bleed of the new (but defective) GM slave cylinder. Surprisingly good shape for the harsh winters it sat thru.
cplonner: Box stock the STI equals the Corvette other than topspeed (the autobahn run was on the OEM limiter (~150 mph). It is still an Impreza and pushes like a front wheel drive...although I have it set up to OEM layout. I will say it comes with Brembos, BBS wheels, shift light, AWD, 330 HP (with reflash), never overheats, and is incredibly easy to drive...still isn't a sports car...I greatly enjoy both.
cplonner: Box stock the STI equals the Corvette other than topspeed (the autobahn run was on the OEM limiter (~150 mph). It is still an Impreza and pushes like a front wheel drive...although I have it set up to OEM layout. I will say it comes with Brembos, BBS wheels, shift light, AWD, 330 HP (with reflash), never overheats, and is incredibly easy to drive...still isn't a sports car...I greatly enjoy both.
Last edited by No Go; May 7, 2008 at 05:27 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 2
From: The Motor City
Why is that?!?I've always stored my car (during winter months) on jack stands. Partially so I can work on the car during the winter (heated garage) and partially to take the load off the suspension.
But if Gordon Kilbrew says not to, then there must be good reason. Any idea what that reason is?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
I must say I've heard similar things about leaving the car in the air...but I've never had any issues and this car has been on jackstands for ~4 months at a time for 3 winters in a row. It hasn't broken in half yet!