PV

[John M.]

I have a 66 small block roadster for which I would like to get a PV. Everything works (today) but the engine has a high volume, high pressure oil pump. The pressure gage is always pegged if the rpms are over 1500 or so. Will this disqualify the car? (it got a regional top flight in 98)

Thanks for replies

[Bill C.]

Re: PV

John ole buddy, I can't speak for 66 but the 68/72 Operations manual & PV Test Guide says this. "Readings on a fully warm engine near either extreme of oil gauge travel most likely indicate lubrication system and/or engine malfunctions and constitute a test failure." It also states that the road test will be conducted on original type tires. Some of this really needs to be reevaluated in the interest of SAFETY. Good Luck.

[Bob D.]

Re: PV

Mark,

John is correct re: his answer on the oil gage. An observant Team Leader (and believe me, they all are) will pick up on the erroneous reading. I just went through my 2nd PV in Monticello with my '64. The first time I went through (with the '62) was in St. Louis 2 years ago. I think I bombed on 8 counts my first time out, and the car "worked" with the exception of the window that bound up in the middle of the test. The car not only has to operate, but it has to operate as-new. If your locks are sloppy, you need to repair/replace them. Same with the vent window mechanisms...door springs...lighter...radio noise...etc. The ignition key must stay in/come out as specified when new (year-dependent). Be sure you've gotten your hands on the latest PV manual, and have the car practice-PV'ed by someone who's lived this dream if you can.

About the tires/safety issue. I respectfully disagree that the rules should change, but you should be certain that the tires are not dry-rotted, or otherwise in bad shape. Before I went out for the road test, the judge explained that I was to do nothing with which I wasn't comfortable. I don't believe you'll be asked to do anything that's against the law, and you shouldn't do it if you are. I suppose if you can't handle the car as it was originally designed, maybe it's time to take up something a little less challenging. It was said best 2 weeks ago on this board when it was said that we weren't the Nat'l Corvette Improvers Society. PV represents the purity of the hobby at the extreme degree, and it should remain as such.

Just my opinion,

Bob D.

[Terry M.]

Re: PV tires *TL*

Bill,

You are quoting the tire section correctly, but I suspect you misinterpret. It says original TYPE - that is not the same as original tires. What it means is that if the car was originally equipped with bias ply tires, as all 1968-1972s were, then bias ply tires is what you have to run. Come with radials and you fail.

The team leaders have no desire to ride down the road on 30 or 40 year old tires and I sure hope the driver doesn't either.

Radials will mask a lot of handling defects and that is the reason for the prohibition.

Someone elsewhere asked ho long a PV takes. Come with radials on a 1968-1972 (or earlier for that matter) and the answer will be a few seconds. I know one member who jokes about his 7 second PV.

Terry