Blank Canvas: 300hp - 3spd (?) 1963 Vette!

[A12pilot]

With other projects finally slowing down, I had a spare few days last week to finally get my new transmission installed. Caution: what you are about to read will make various Tims and other extremely knowledgeable NCRS patrons upset! However, it did massively improve a beautiful classic!

A few bolts and some drained fluids and a few hours later the motor is out and ready for surgery.




Old trans out, now one on! Everything went swimmingly. Except a stubborn pilot bearing. Damn pilots….




Engine back in and while I was at it, I decided to replace all the old hoses (heater hoses were original and so soft) Ned then I saw that bypass fitting on the incorrect 300hp water pump and thought, hmmmmm…..




So, on goes a correct 340 hp intake, valve covers, and a few other parts and I modified the 300hp dual snorkel air clear to look like the 340 open element style. I still need a few more air hole vents, but it fits the part. Now it at least looks like how a Vette should look! Motor was pretty sludgy inside so I cleaned that up before the new intake went on. I’ll enjoy this for now and think about an upgrade later when I have another few days free



Then I thought about the exhaust and decided since I’m pulling a Sinatra here and doing it “My Way”, I’m adding side pipes.

Now it looks and sounds 100% better! It drives like a dream. Much more enjoyable to cruise in. Love the sound of those side pipes!

Cheers
Dave