1954 engine not original

[Donald M.]

My '54 Vette has a proper Blue Flame Corvette engine that is in and of itself an original complete engine. The problem is that it is not the engine that came with the car. How will this alone affect the judging of my car?

Don

[Edward L.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

If it is an original '54 engine that has never been decked, the only thing that could affect the judging is the engine build date. If the date is within 6 months of the car's completion there should be no deduction. If greater than 6 months, or if after the car's build date, you would lose 175 points. (approximately 4% of total score.

1956 and later cars where there were engine options, other factors that could affect scoring would come into play.

[Donald M.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Thank you, Edward. That's a definitive answer. Unfortunately, this is enough to deter me from proceeding down the NCRS path. On the other hand, I'm going to have one heck of a fine driver.

Don

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Thank you, Edward. That's a definitive answer. Unfortunately, this is enough to deter me from proceeding down the NCRS path. On the other hand, I'm going to have one heck of a fine driver.

Don

Don't be discouraged.

You can calculate the build date of your 54. From that info, you can "guess" what the casting date of the motor could be.

If it falls within the 6 month judging parameter, you'll be fine.

You didn't mention this, but all 54 Corvette motors have a "911" casting number in addition to the casting date and the engine serial number and suffix stamped on the pad.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Hi Donald,
This really shouldn't 'close the door' on the NCRS path for you and this car.
If the rest of the car is very nice and typical of production it could still score well.
In addition since you mention driving it, you could plan a pretty long drive to a meet and gain back some of those 'lost' points with 'driven' points.
Please reconsider!
Regards,
Alan

[Donald M.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Chuck, it is a 911 block, and it was definitely produced after my car's production date. So I lose the points.

Don

[Donald M.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Alan,

At the risk of bringing down on myself the wrath of the NCRS faithful (I say this in the spirit of good-natured ribbing and do not mean to denigrate the wonderful and valuable work NCRS does.) I have made other modifications. Specifically, HEI ignition (still 6v), rack & pinion steering, wire wheels, and radial tires. In my favor, I have (at great expense) restored the original gauges, clock, radio, wiper motor/washer, turn signals, courtesy lights, dash lights, and other minor electrical issues. None of the modifications I have made could not be restored as I have retained the stock ignition system, original wheels and wheel covers, tires, and all suspension parts. Oh, I also installed an after-market 15" steering wheel that I have had covered to resemble the stock wheel. I did this rather than destroy the rather nice stock, original steering wheel, which, of course, I have retained.

The car has a beautiful, flawless paint job, top drawer interior, and the mechanicals are freshly rebuilt. The body does not have a single indication of accident damage, and the frame is totally rust free and flawless. It is a wonderful car.

Don

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Don
as above the block should be a "911" block.
The suffix should be a 54 YG
The date code of the block is cast and sits in behind the starter.
As above if the date is close to the build date - should be - should be with in 6 months or so
The block was not VIN specific

[Alan S.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Hi Don,
As long as you restored/built the car the way YOU wanted, all is good.
Check out the Sportsman Award. It might be perfect for your car.
As you can tell I want you AND your 54 to begin attending events!!!
Regards,
Alan

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Chuck, it is a 911 block, and it was definitely produced after my car's production date. So I lose the points.

Don

You can lose ~270 points, and still get a Top Flight Award. With the 10 point bonus for the decal, fire extinguisher, and battery cut-off, that brings it up to ~280.........

4510-280 = 4230. 4230 divided by 4500 = 94%.

Chuck

94% is the lowest TF score. You could do it IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.

[Donald M.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Okay. I'm a player. Anybody know where I can pick up a dual pot intake system cheap?

Don

[Donald M.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

1954 Corvette #3803 - Top Flight 2012, Bloomington Gold 2012,
Triple Diamond Award 2012, Gold Concourse Award 2012, Regional and National Top Flight 2014
1954 Corvette #3666 - "The Blue Devil" - Pennant Blue - restoration started
1957 Corvette - FI 3 sp - Black and Silver

BTW Chris, I absolutely approve of you sig file.

Don

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Don
I have a couple twin pots and lids - I can offer to you
To find a complete system is not a cheap affair - sorry

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

BTW Chris, I absolutely approve of you sig file.

Don

Thanks !!! I need to update it....... 1953 #201 body work completed and in primer and 1953 Waldorf Motorama replica - body work started and 1959 270hp 2x4 car - body work started............ Love the C1's

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 engine not original

Don, My engine isnt original either. Mine is resurrected now after a 22 year restoration. Im strugling with the same issue. I live 15 miles away from the hotel of this years convention and was thinking about driving mine there to get some opinions to see if its worthy. Canvas top is going on June 22 and short of the radio its complete (finally). Stay the course.