1966 Corvette L72 Light Refresh

[Too Many Projects]

We were in the "band" and got 6". Always nice to NOT have to plow when it misses.

[napa68]

I started today with installing the exhaust manifolds today. I have been using high temp copper RTV on the cars where I want to replicate OE (no gaskets). It's a little tricky not to get RTV everywhere (much like anti-seize) when doing this with the engine already in the chassis. That was a success.



I casually kept plugging away at it all. I enjoy this part of the process, added to the fact I double check everything (or at least most everything). All went well and I am really close to turning the tail on it.




But, no good deed goes unpunished. I started filling the coolant and discovered that I f'd up one of the water pump gaskets. Good help is hard to find........


Time for a beer The new gaskets will be here tomorrow

[Too Many Projects]

I used to keep 2-3 sets of those gaskets on hand, so I didn't have to wait when I screwed up...
Thermo housing gaskets too.
The manifolds, do you let the rtv set up overnight before install ? I've installed a few sets of Sanderson headers and they specify letting it sit that long. I was skeptical on the first set, but none of the installs ever leaked...

[TimG]

I did the same thing with the gasket on my L79 water pump recently. Liquid poured out when I filled it up. I thought I had an interference problem, but I had an intellectual problem with gasket insulation.

[napa68]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

The manifolds, do you let the rtv set up overnight before install ?

I let them set up for about 30 minutes. I never was told about the overnight thing, but it make sense. I have not had a problem to this point. Hopefully Murphy and his law will stay south

[napa68]

[big gear head]

I've got a question. Please don't think that I'm being critical, I'm not. I noticed that you replicated the orange overspray on the exhaust manifolds, but it appears that there is no paint on the intake mating surface of the heads. Do you have a plan for that or are you leaving it as it is?

[napa68]

Originally Posted by big gear head

I've got a question. Please don't think that I'm being critical, I'm not. I noticed that you replicated the orange overspray on the exhaust manifolds, but it appears that there is no paint on the intake mating surface of the heads. Do you have a plan for that or are you leaving it as it is?

It's an honest question. I'm leaving it as is Freddy. Reason being, the paint on the manifolds will burn in, and not be such a noticeable difference is it would on the intake. I played with it, and just could not get the result I was looking for. Then I would have to paint the valve covers, and it's a slippery slope from there. If these cars had chrome valve covers, I could get away with it.

[napa68]

Now that the engine is running and dialed in (I'm really happy with it) I had the last of little tasks to complete. I received some shims from McMaster Carr to get the rear rotor runout dialed in tighter. That was a success. While it took a little time with different combos, it is down to .002 and .001



The calipers are reinstalled and brakes are all bled out. I checked torque on a handful of things, and I am good to go! I just need Tracey to stop back and reinstall the hood. I am anxiously awaiting spring!

[cheveslakr]

Those shims should hold up better than my beer can....lol. Love McMaster Carr!!!!!