1960 Corvette 283-290 F.I. Survivor

[Too Many Projects]

It just dawned on me that maybe that cracked nut was the source of the fire ? Dang good thing it was found before it did cause a fuel leak and potential fire.

[napa68]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

It just dawned on me that maybe that cracked nut was the source of the fire ? Dang good thing it was found before it did cause a fuel leak and potential fire.

That crossed my mind as well

[napa68]

Things keep moving along quite nicely. I was informed the engine will be on the dyno tomorrow. It will just get the cam broke in, seat the rings, and make a few pulls (shop carb, intake, and dyno headers) to validate that everything is good to go. Not going to try to chase the combination for peak power numbers. Assuming there are no issues that pop up, they will recheck valve lash, check everything else, and install the F.I. intake.

The transmission is finished. I got these photos (along with the bill) for the transmission today. That should arrive tomorrow. Then I can mock up the shifter and adjust as necessary.





Both the trans builder along with the engine builder have commented how easy the original owner was on the car. The flywheel (still retaining the original clutch) required hardly any material removal. Tom (the trans builder) was shocked how nice the trans was. Despite the asphalt / sludge inside the trans, the gears were in excellent condition, as were the shafts. No runout, no twist. The trans got synchro's, a small parts kit, bearings, and gaskets.

The F.I. unit is moving along as well. The high pressure pump is getting a new shaft along with a fresh seal. The gears looked really good. That will get confirmed with the wide band in road / load testing before I get it back from Brian.

[Too Many Projects]

Wow, those reverse gears look almost NOS ! They are usually quite chewed up.

[napa68]

The engine came off of the dyno and is ready for me to go pick it up. All went well with the project. The heads really didn't require any work to the deck surface (as pictured) and the original paint on the engine appears to have held up well. Once I get it back here, I'll determine if I am going to leave it as is, or touch it up a little.



The engine was dyno'd with a shop intake and 750 Braswell carb. I don't have specifics, but Steve mentioned he thought it peaked around 340hp. Given the carb, intake, and dyno headers......that is about what I would expect. Again, we were not chasing numbers, but it shows it's a good combination. The valve lash was set at .012 int and .018 exh cold and did not move after testing.. Should be a nice little engine for the 60.


The transmission came in, so I got the shifter installed and adjusted. Considering the mileage of the car, it's a nice shifter (or at least as nice as one of these are going to get).


The last of the parts I needed for the starter came in, so that got assembled as well.


Next week I'll chase after the engine, and pick up a car I have a large amount of history with

[Too Many Projects]

1968 L88 Camaro is coming back for the 4th time .?...

[Too Many Projects]

Got so excited, I forgot to comment on the engine... 340hp from a 283 ? Wasn't it rated 290 with the FI ? That should be a sweet push back in the seat experience.

[napa68]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

1968 L88 Camaro is coming back for the 4th time .?...

Even more history than that. More important to me as well

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

Got so excited, I forgot to comment on the engine... 340hp from a 283 ? Wasn't it rated 290 with the FI ? That should be a sweet push back in the seat experience.

Keep in mind that is with a race carb, good intake, and headers. Yes, it was rated at 290hp. Even Steve was kinda taken back with how good it works.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by napa68

Keep in mind that is with a race carb, good intake, and headers. Yes, it was rated at 290hp. Even Steve was kinda taken back with how good it works.

That is a very good number from any "stock" 283 no matter what the circumstances! At what rpm?? Flat torque curve??

[Too Many Projects]

So, your first Nova ??
With all the work and tuning the FI is getting, it may still push 310hp, but we won't know, eh ?
Instead of picking the engine up, maybe you could drop off the FI and have it run with that ? Or chassis dyno in the future ??