Survivor engine rebuild, paint or not to paint?

[Alan S.]

Re: Survivor engine rebuild, paint or not to paint?

Hi Steve,
At this point I don't envision that "freshening" the motor hurts your car in any way.
Make SURE that as part of the 'freshening' the block doesn't somehow get decked which depending on how much material is removed would likely destroy the stamps on the engine pad.
While you're learning about the NCRS and how you might want to be a part of what it does SAVE EVERYTHING. Almost everyone has a tale about 'something' that got away and they wish they had it back.
If you don't already have them I suggest that you purchase the 70-72 Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, a copy of the 1971 GM Assembly Instruction Manual (referred to as the AIM), and the GM 1971 Chassis Service Manual. I think you'll find a wealth of information in each and DIFFERENT information in each. All 3 are available on this site at the 'Store'.
I saw a tiny picture of your car on your Profile Page and at that size it looks like a nice car! There's a lot to like about a 71 BB coupe!
Regards,
Alan

[Steve P.]

Re: Survivor engine rebuild, paint or not to paint?

Thanks Alan, already have the judging guide from my last 71, and you are so right to KEEP EVERYTHING!!! I'm pretty sure from the info that has been posted that my car would not be a great candidate for the bowtie catagory as over the years ages things have been done. But would very much still like to keep as much of the originality as is possible and switch focus to flight judging (if I can ever find out where to get that done here in BC?)as it appears that this is perhaps where this car fits best? You guys have all been great with the info!! Thanks a ton! Steve

[Duke W.]

Re: Survivor engine rebuild, paint or not to paint?

If you want to submit the car for NCRS Bowtie or Bloomington Survivor judging, don't do anything now. It doesn't matter if it smokes. Just start the process with the car as-is.

When you're done, then decide what restoration work you want to perform. Chances are, Like Joe said, that the oil leaks and consumption can be corrected with the engine in the car. When you go to change valve seals you can determine if the valve guides are worn and need rebuilding, which means the heads will have to be removed. Then you can measure cylinder taper wear and determine if the block needs to be rebuilt. There will likely be some measurable wear, but not necessarily enough to justify a full rebuild unless you want the engine "as new" to drive another 100+K miles. If you only plan to drive a few hundred to a few thousand miles per year, the block and heads may have a lot of service life left with new valve seals and leaky gaskets replacement.

Keep in mine that there is a phenomenon called "project creep" that many of us are familiar with, like planning to replace valve seals and ending up pulling the engine for a full rebuild. Then once the engine compartment is cleaned of all the years dirt and oily residue you realize it looks worse than when you started and the only way to get the frame looking nice again is too.... remove the body... and so it goes.

Duke

[William C.]

Re: Survivor engine rebuild, paint or not to paint?

Thanks Alan, already have the judging guide from my last 71, and you are so right to KEEP EVERYTHING!!! I'm pretty sure from the info that has been posted that my car would not be a great candidate for the bowtie catagory as over the years ages things have been done. But would very much still like to keep as much of the originality as is possible and switch focus to flight judging (if I can ever find out where to get that done here in BC?)as it appears that this is perhaps where this car fits best? You guys have all been great with the info!! Thanks a ton! Steve

Don't do ANYTHING until you have some more time with the car. If the car has been stored for a length of time, an oil change and a little driving may "fix" some of the ailments, then take a minimalist approach to keep it safe to drive with the lowest amount of disturbance to the "Patina" Then see what you really have to focus on...

[Steve P.]

Re: Survivor engine rebuild, paint or not to paint?

Thanks Duke, yes, all to familiar with project creep! Although I've heard it called a great many uncomplimentary things! As I've stated I've redone many cars, and 3 other corvettes but have never gotten any of them to the point where they may be worthy of doing okay in a judged scenario...till now! So as the new guy to this world of guidelines, rules and judging, I'm sure that I'll be the purveyor of many more questions! So thanks to all who've help with info! I appreciate it! Steve