The 1989 Corvette convertible restoration thread

[crosscreekcooter]

Looks like you're gonna need to buy some kitty litter. So what did you decide on the overhaul?

 

[oxrageous]

Time to get the sucker out!

 

[oxrageous]

The engine.....is dirty.

 

[oxrageous]

Got the intake off:

Now it was time to get those heads off. I had two cylinders with low compression right next to each other on the driver's side, so I suspected a blown head gasket between those cylinders, which explained a big loss of power and a puffs of smoke while driving. I was right to suspect that.

 

[oxrageous]

Heads are off to the machine shop to see if they are warped or anything. The pistons look good and the cylinder walls are as smooth as a baby's bottom.

I spend the rest of the day pressure cleaning and scrubbing the block, getting the large chunks of grease off of it. I'm so tired I can barely stand up.

 

[oxrageous]

Looks like you're gonna need to buy some kitty litter. So what did you decide on the overhaul?

I've decided I'm going to overhaul the existing engine as long as it's overhaulable. Let's see what kind of shape the heads are in and go from there.

 

[crosscreekcooter]

Nothing wrong with that. least you'll still have matching numbers Did you do a block test before you tore it down? How deep are you planning to go...rings, crank and cam bearings?

 

[NVGator]

Hope you don't mess up all that other work you've already done.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

I've decided I'm going to overhaul the existing engine as long as it's overhaulable. Let's see what kind of shape the heads are in and go from there.

Since you are already that far in maybe give some thought to a stroker kit.... I would think doing that with some ported heads a hotter cam would make that thing cook without having to breathe on it(supercharger).

 

[LagoonGator68]

 

[crosscreekcooter]

He'll be lucky if he's able to keep all the parts in one bucket til the repo man gets there

 

[LagoonGator68]

Just wait until he gets to the transmission. That might be the most neglected Corvette in the history of the universe and Ox actually paid money for it. What are the odds the block is cracked? 60-40 is my guess.

 

[crosscreekcooter]

you reckon the overheating was the giveaway on the head gasket? Those heads are aluminium....10 to 1 they're cracked. Are youj on the left coast today?

 

[LagoonGator68]

That puppy looks like it had its last coolant installation at the factory.... Nah I'm mucking around Destin/Blue Mountain Beach

 

[crosscreekcooter]

Reason I asked I saw you mutter something about Sausalito down below.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

you reckon the overheating was the giveaway on the head gasket? Those heads are aluminium....10 to 1 they're cracked.

I'm assuming you and Lagoon aren't holding out hope for a complete rebuild...I was thinking the block if it were cast would be less salvageable than the heads if they were aluminum ? I think in the long run he would be better going with a crate short block assembly and reworking the heads?

 

[LagoonGator68]

Reason I asked I saw you mutter something about Sausalito down below.

had a cookie for breakfast

 

[LagoonGator68]

All that rubber is 26 years old...

 

[oxrageous]

Lot of experts in this thread. :rolleyes:

Not worried at all about the block being cracked. The heads are another matter. We'll find out what kind of shape they are in this week. They are getting dropped off at the machine shop tomorrow.

A pile of receipts came with the car. The previous owner had the transmission completely overhauled about 5,000 miles ago. It's in good shape. He also had the oil changed religiously, which is quite a surprise seeing how neglected this car is overall.

 

[oxrageous]

Spent the entire day cleaning up the engine bay, which is covered in about a half inch of grease. Still have a long, long way to go. Disgusting work and hard on the back. It's going to be damn nice when I'm done, though......if I survive.

Before:

After: