Progress

This is the new engine for the 74 corvette. The engine it came with was assembled from a non-original block and the original heads. When I pulled the engine apart, I noted significant scuffing on the #8 cylinder wall. So, I ordered a crate 260 horse 350 from Jegs in Ohio. They were able to beat my local Chevy dealer's price by almost $300.00 for the exact same GM part number. I gave them my credit card number and 2 days later the delivery man was wheeling my brand new engine up the drive.

I am dressing the engine with as many stock original parts as possible. The original air cleaner has been media blasted and coated semi-gloss black, as have the pulleys and A/C brackets. I did make a concession to appearance (and weight) and replaced the stock cast-iron intake with an Edelbrock Performer.

Rock Auto supplied the fuel and water pump, the valve covers are the originals, and the exhaust manifolds are stockers from Ebay.

1974 L82 Barn Find

As close to a classic "Barn Find" as I have seen in awhile, this 1974 L82 corvette turned up in the local Craigslist. After a couple of my messages were not returned by the seller, I sent a note indicating that I had cash and that I was local. Magically, I got a response within hours.

The car is a 4-speed, Saddle Leather Interior, with air. Interior and exterior trim match the trim plate on the door post. I think the dark green - saddle combo is one of the more classic color combinations in the corvette palette for the 1970's.

I'll be pulling the engine to detail it and to complete the clutch replacement that sidelined her in the first place.

I need to order a new urethane front bumper prior to a trip to the local body shop for an exterior touchup. The interior is original but solid, and needs a good scrubbing and probably a new set of carpets.

K66 Distributor - Factory Manual

A few pages from the Jaguar XK-120 Shop Manual, scanned from my library.

Attached are a few of my favorites. The XK is probably my favorite engine design of all time.

B25-J - Kalamazoo Air Zoo

A couple of snapshots of a B25 J Model at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. The museum has an incredible collection of restored warbirds, as well as a really well-done exhibit which explains life on board the International Space Station.