Need help making purchase '69

[Bill Bonetto]

I am considering my first corvette purchase. I have always wanted a 69, 427 tripower convertible and after 15 years of wanting I believe that I can finally make that purchase of my dream. There a few things that I hope someone can help me with. I don't intend on buying a museum piece. I would like to drive it on the weekends and summer nights down the shore or into the mountains (live in Jersey). Is the car too much of an animal for day drives, 6,8 or 10 hour drives? I have heard that the 427 runs very hot. Is there a problem with stop and go driving? If everything is in perfect working order I would expect the car not to overheat, is this a fantasy or shouldn't everything be all right? What about fuel for the car? Does it require fuel additives for octane or lead? Looking to fill that new garage some fiberglass. Any help, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Billy

[Craig S.]

Re: Need help making purchase '69

Billy - I say go for it! The tripowers come in both the mechanical lifter 435 versions and the tamer hydaulic lifter versions, and if you are concerned about potential use of additives or detuning you can always opt for the lower compression model. I am building up my 66 427-425 to factory original specs, and if I have to deal with fuel additive or av gas mix to me it's a small price to pay to feel the original power of these cars....Craig

[Larry Barickman]

Re: Need help making purchase '69

I drive my 69 427/390 daily here in Floriduh. I have factory A/C and I never have any problem except in the hottest days (97+). If I am moving the temp is around 180 but if I get in a long line of stopped traffic which is common around here the temp wil go to 220. I doesn't boil over or get hotter. AND that is with the A/C running. I will go back to around 200 but will not go lower once it has gotten warm as I stated. The temps I talked about are ONLY on those extrme days. Even if there is cloud cover it seems to do better. I don't know if how it would do somewhere like Pheonix or Needles,Ca????

I have The original radiator and clutch fan. One thing You do need is ALL of the seals and air dams around the shroud and radiator and the correct U shaped hose the eliminate any possibility of the hose becomming a "high spot " in the cooling system. If that happens, it will vent coolant and the system will not work properly.

[Thomas C.]

Re: Need help making purchase '69

Bill, I would make sure that the car you buy does not have the 4.11 rear. Mine does ,and with side exhaust also I would not want to do 10 hours in it. I also would recommend having a very knowledgable corvette (NCRS) appraiser look over any car you buy. Even if you just want to drive it, buying a quality car is a better investment.

[mike hom]

Re: Need help making purchase '69

I would second Tom's comments. My car is a little older(65) but has 396/425, 411 gears, and side pipes. It is loud (and I like that) but the constant droning at 65 mph (3250 rpm) gets old a lot sooner than 8 hours.

As far as overheating, I had a condition similar to above where the car would get to 220-230 on a hot day if in traffic. I had to change the radiator last year, and after installing a new Dewitt's job, it runs a MAX of 180, no matter what. I would not worry about overheating if the timing is correct and the cooling system is functioning properly (good water punp, efficient radiator and all seals in place). I would venture to guess that most 35 or so year old cars with the original radiator, etc, will run on the warm side, unless meticulously (read anally) maintained. Go for it and good luck.