• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

427 engine (part 2) - RHS block

My first and most obvious question to Chris would be, why?

Why was you work pushed to a lower priority?

I realize there was an issue with the block/heads, some major thing like that, but hell, you could shade tree it and do it yourself in 4 months!:thumbsdown:
 
So did Chris work on your car at all this week? Are the headers the last thing you are waiting on (for parts that is), or did they finally arrive?
 
Well, Chris told me that he will start the car up on Saturday. Connie is betting me $500 that it won't happen. I guess she's heard me say that too many times now and wants to cash in on this headache. :lmao: She put my new tag sticker on the car, as the tags had expired while being in the shop.

As for the headers, we are running with the old LGM Pro headers till the new ones come in, so that isn't delaying the startup at all. I'll just take the car back in when the headers come in.

I think Chris said he just needs to do the alignment and hook up any lines (turbo oil return and feed, fuel, etc...). Spark plugs need to be put in that I could see, and he also needs to get a custom length serpentine belt. The alternator bracket was being polished on Thursday when Connie and I ran out there and he was looking for a fitting to hook up the catch can system to the oil cap on the valve cover.

Heck, I'm hoping this doesn't cost me that $500 bet..... :nonod: I rarely EVER place bets that I don't KNOW I can win, and this certainly is a long shot for me.........

So, we'll see, I guess...

Oh, Chris asked me to try out that new clutch a while back when I was out there, and I hope that doesn't get to be a pain. Literally. It's much stiffer than the stock unit, so I hope it doesn't just wear me out while I am driving it. That 60 year old left leg of mine will be able to take only so much abuse....
 
I hope he starts it and you don't lose the 500 but if you have to pay a hourly labor rate for the last 9 months that comes to roughly $486,000. I hope you have been saving.
 
Well, it looks like I'm going to lose that bet. It's now after 1 pm and I haven't heard a word from Chris. I tried calling, but just got his voice mail.
:banghead:
 
Damn. I'm sure something came up and he never made it to the shop. On a brighter note, he hopefully working on the car and doesn't want to stop to answer the phone!
 
A business cannot survive by running on excuses why the work has not been done.

One way or another my car is coming out of his shop by Tuesday.

I have something I may have to do on Monday, otherwise I wouldn't wait even that extra day.

I think the word most appropriate for this build is: FAIL!
 
Put it on a trailer and bring it down to Greg @ AntiVenom and let him work his magic on it. He'll have you back on the road in days if not hours...I'd bet on it:thumbsup:
 
Yeah, I'm sure Greg could finish it up for me. But instead I have notified Chris to have the car transported to South Georgia Corvette in Thomasville, GA no later than Tuesday for Aaron Scott to finish it up for me. I contacted Aaron earlier today and he has agreed to get the car running for me without delay.
 
Rich Z said:
Oh, Chris asked me to try out that new clutch a while back when I was out there, and I hope that doesn't get to be a pain. Literally. It's much stiffer than the stock unit, so I hope it doesn't just wear me out while I am driving it. That 60 year old left leg of mine will be able to take only so much abuse....
Click to expand...

Hey Rich, You only need the clutch when the car is stationary. Back in the 70's I had a semi and 4 spd Mustang and I never used the clutch. It's all in the timing. You have to slip into the next gear or even upshift while the engine RPM matches whatever RPM it will be when you put it in gear. A little practice and it doesn't take long. :thumbsup:
 
Bob K said:
Hey Rich, You only need the clutch when the car is stationary. Back in the 70's I had a semi and 4 spd Mustang and I never used the clutch. It's all in the timing. You have to slip into the next gear or even upshift while the engine RPM matches whatever RPM it will be when you put it in gear. A little practice and it doesn't take long. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Hmm, sounds like a real good way to trash the transmission while practicing....
 
Rich Z said:
Hmm, sounds like a real good way to trash the transmission while practicing....
Click to expand...

If I can do it anyone can and I never trashed a tranny. Until you try it you'll never know how easy it is. You see hundreds of trucks on the highway. None of them use a clutch unless they are a new driver.
 
Bob K said:
If I can do it anyone can and I never trashed a tranny. Until you try it you'll never know how easy it is. You see hundreds of trucks on the highway. None of them use a clutch unless they are a new driver.
Click to expand...

It can be done I had my clutch fail in the infield at the Indy Motor Speedway. I drove out with the traffic by putting the car in 1st and pulling it through on the starter to start it and then shifted up and down with no problem. I had to drive over 100 miles doing that. I drove the car another 30k before I sold it and never had any problems with my muncie 4 speed or the clutch. As already noted it is in the timeing and use of the throttle to match the gears rpm.
 
Rich Z said:
...But instead I have notified Chris to have the car transported to South Georgia Corvette in Thomasville, GA no later than Tuesday for Aaron Scott to finish it up for me.
Click to expand...

Damn, sorry to hear that. At least you've got a plan though and not just trailering her home. :banghead:
 
shakedown067 said:
Damn, sorry to hear that. At least you've got a plan though and not just trailering her home. :banghead:
Click to expand...

I almost brought it on home a couple of weeks ago, but decided to give Chris another chance to get it done. Not sure what the problem is that it couldn't get done after having that new engine in house for nearly three months, but it has become painfully obvious to me that in order to get my car back in running condition I just have to take it somewhere else.
 
CorvetteJohn said:
It can be done I had my clutch fail in the infield at the Indy Motor Speedway. I drove out with the traffic by putting the car in 1st and pulling it through on the starter to start it and then shifted up and down with no problem. I had to drive over 100 miles doing that. I drove the car another 30k before I sold it and never had any problems with my muncie 4 speed or the clutch. As already noted it is in the timeing and use of the throttle to match the gears rpm.
Click to expand...

Makes me laugh. When I was a poor kid (vs poor old man) I had a Plymouth Valiant. No clutch and I did the same as you.

I'll quit Rich. I apologize for the hi-jack.
 
Rich Z said:
I almost brought it on home a couple of weeks ago, but decided to give Chris another chance to get it done. Not sure what the problem is that it couldn't get done after having that new engine in house for nearly three months, but it has become painfully obvious to me that in order to get my car back in running condition I just have to take it somewhere else.
Click to expand...

So sorry Rich. It kind of ruins the whole deal. Sure hope someone gets it done for ya in the near future.
 
Bob K said:
Makes me laugh. When I was a poor kid (vs poor old man) I had a Plymouth Valiant. No clutch and I did the same as you.

I'll quit Rich. I apologize for the hi-jack.
Click to expand...

I also apologize. Your situation certainly must be far from needing any distractions. The thing I have been impressed with is your level headed reporting of this unfolding saga. I just wish that all of us that have been following this build could be there to see the smile on your face when you hear it run for the first time.
 
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