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 conventional 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.

[Steve Shauger]

Originally Posted by RALLY

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.

It was rebuilt and reinstalled March 2013 and has 4.5 k miles on it. It had 492 angle heads installed and I changed back to correct dated 186s. The 186 had smaller 1.94 valves, but upgraded to 2.02. I suspect a head issue because the builder noted he ran into some issues at the time.

I considered stroking but again I wanted to feel that high reving low torque 302. Based on the dyno sheets it produced 373 lb/ft of torque. I will likely stay with the orig engine configuration. We will see.....

[Derek69SS]

Everyone asks the same question about a 69 Z/28.

"Does it still have the 302?"

Change cam or compression ratio if you must, but keep that Z 302 powered!

[Rsconv68]

A GM crate engine (or any reputable company) will have a warranty, and can be dressed up which you already know. With today’s poor quality of camshaft and lifter failures, you’d be way ahead of the game-driving and enjoying. Rebuilding the engine is great, but unless the machine shop can repair/replace for free if there’s a failure……

[danachevroletfor1967]

Steve, for me what makes a 1st gen Z/28 a Z/28 is the 302 engine, not the rally stripes or any other Z/28 standard or optional item. To me a Z/28 with any engine other than a real 302 is no longer a real Z/28. It doesn't have to be the original 302, just a 302 built exactly like the original would have been. My vote is to have the original engine rebuilt and put back into the car.