Miscellany from New Owner

[Marlin F.]

What are the definitive publications/books on C2s in terms of history, development, variations, specs, etc.?

The passenger vent window on my 66 doesn't crank flush against the rubber seal. Is this something I can remedy easily? There doesn't appear to be any simple access to the mechanism.

How much 'power' should I expect from my power brakes? Maybe I'm too used to the braking on my M5, but pedal pressure on the 'vette seems unusually stout to bring her to a halt. Vacuum to booster seems sufficient and booster appears relatively new.

Is the 327/350 torquey enough to maintain city driving at 1,500 rpm? I guess more to the point, am I okay in 3rd gear at 35 mph? I'm afraid the sidepipes cloud my judgment about shift points!

Oil pressure consistently registers at 60 psi, which seems excessive. Is this a precursor to any sort of engine problem(s)??

Thanks for your collective wisdom!

[Tom H.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

A good book that covers some neat history and the development of the C2 is Noland Adam's restoration guide. Very good book.

[Jack H.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

Expect oil pressure to vary based on several variables:

(1) How recently was the engine overhauled?
(2) What tolerances were held during the overhaul?
(3) What kind of oil are you using (single weight, multi-weight)?
(4) What oil pump was used during overhaul (standard, high flow, high pressure)?

Number four is a variable that's often involved as some rebuilders aren't aware of the part difference(s) and others think the 'more the merrier' when they source the oil pump.

[Gene M.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

You did not say the rear end ratio. It could be 3.36, 3.55, or 3.70. Not sure what one equals the rpm you stated. The 3.70 should handle 35 mph in 4th. But will need a 3rd gear down shift to accelerate from there. I like 3rd with anything under 40 with my 3.36 gears. Oh yeah, stock tranny with the 3.36's will be a wide ratio.

p.s. what is m5?

[Donald O.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

You did not say the rear end ratio. It could be 3.36, 3.55, or 3.70. Not sure what one equals the rpm you stated. The 3.70 should handle 35 mph in 4th. But will need a 3rd gear down shift to accelerate from there. I like 3rd with anything under 40 with my 3.36 gears. Oh yeah, stock tranny with the 3.36's will be a wide ratio.

p.s. what is m5?

BMW M5, a pricey but fast 4 door sedan. A very nice grocery getter.

[Don H.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

What are the definitive publications/books on C2s in terms of history, development, variations, specs, etc.?
Thanks for your collective wisdom!

Marlin -
if you are not already aware,
the Corvette Forum C1/C2 General Discussion Board is a blog many of us frequently peruse and chime in on.
There are "permanent" posts at the top of the list of threads called "stickys" that have good info that people always ask about, and one of them is a list of good reference books like you asked about.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-and-c2-corvettes-4/

If you become a regular CF user, be prepared to read a lot of crap from anti-NCRS guys, who love to take shots at the point counters. Even the guys that take these shots are mostly NCRS members, but they like to pretend they hate the club. It's usually pretty humorous stuff. I take it all with a grain of salt.
Welcome to the club! This is a good group to be part of.

[Steven C.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

If you become a regular CF user, be prepared to read a lot of crap from anti-NCRS guys, who love to take shots at the point counters. Even the guys that take these shots are mostly NCRS members, but they like to pretend they hate the club. It's usually pretty humorous stuff. I take it all with a grain of salt.
Welcome to the club! This is a good group to be part of.

Don, one aspect I find intriguing is that the NCRS members on CF who are the "bashers" and blame NCRS for all the ills of mankind are surprisingly much less vocal on this discussion board. You almost never see these types at judging events. I do wonder why they are members if we are such unsavory people? Quite funny actually because their identity is hardly a secret.

[Don H.]

Re: Miscellany from New Owner

yes, most likely the major bashers do not care for judging their car, and may not have any interest in the meets, even though I look at them as a great opportunity to view a bunch of great vettes. Maybe they only want access to the literature and for sale ads.

If you are a newcomer to the meets as I am, and do not know hardly anyone, it can be a little intimidating to be amongst a bunch of "experts" and psuedo experts, or self described experts who have owned and played with these cars for years. Just like any club, I have found that the members do not generally approach a newbie and offer a warm welcome. They are more likely visiting with the people they have known for years. But my very limited experience at just a few meets is that if I make the approach, introduce myself, ask some questions, and generally join into the goings ons, I have been welcomed and treated well. And in a very short time I am learning a lot about my car that I did not know. And I find the members, old and new to generally be great car people with an extraordinary enthusiasm for corvettes.