Keeping Busy and needing input?

[Steve Shauger]

Well I just finished correcting a few things on my 69 Orange white stripe RS/Z28:
Carb rebuilt- check
Removed aftermarket stereo cassette & installed correct AM radio with rear speaker fader- check
Removed and correctly installed new carpeting-check

New project removal and rebuild of engine in orange with black stripe 69 RS/Z28. I have antifreeze entering cylinder #8.

The engine is ready to pull all everything is disconnected. It could be a head gasket, but two issues the engine had.... low oil pressure and somewhat of a vibration. I had the engine rebuilt by a local engine shop and it produced great HP 411 at 7100. The rub is I had normal oil pressure prior and no vibration( yes I had the flywheel & pressure plate balanced.

I was considering purchasing a "modern crate " and install. Also have the original engine rebuilt and stored.

Any suggestions? My one thinking has always been the 302 is really the only unique item to a Z28 which is the reason I have stayed with the 302.

[Too Many Projects]

Wouldn't the problem engine have a warranty to take it back and have them diagnose ?

As for the appearance of a 302 under the hood, any small block can be dressed to look like a 302. Honestly, a 383 would make more power at a lower rpm than the 302. If the lifter tick is important, a '70 Z, or custom grind, solid lifter cam would get that for you.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by Steve Shauger

install the original engine.

^^^ this...^^^

[napa68]

Originally Posted by 67since67

^^^ this...^^^

x2

You're a crankshaft away from a 383. The carb, intake and heads will support it. As you know, I'm a big fan of the LT-1 cam

[RALLY]

Originally Posted by Steve Shauger

Well I just finished correcting a few things on my 69 Orange white stripe RS/Z28:
Carb rebuilt- check
Removed aftermarket stereo cassette & installed correct AM radio with rear speaker fader- check
Removed and correctly installed new carpeting-check

New project removal and rebuild of engine in orange with black stripe 69 RS/Z28. I have antifreeze entering cylinder #8.

The engine is ready to pull all everything is disconnected. It could be a head gasket, but two issues the engine had.... low oil pressure and somewhat of a vibration. I had the engine rebuilt by a local engine shop and it produced great HP 411 at 7100. The rub is I had normal oil pressure prior and no vibration( yes I had the flywheel & pressure plate balanced.

I was considering purchasing a "modern crate " and install. Also have the original engine rebuilt and stored.

Any suggestions? My one thinking has always been the 302 is really the only unique item to a Z28 which is the reason I have stayed with the 302.

Steve possibly a cracked head causing the antifreeze in cylinder 8? Worse case a cracked block? Like you stated a failed head gasket. I had a slight engine vibration years back on my 70 Chevelle SS which we traced to a bad motor mount. Love the 302 Z- Engines. Agree reason you stayed with the 302 is unique for sure.