The Time is Now......

[Roadster]

The time is now to really get into the ZR-1 and my other Vette projects. And I will be able to do that in 4 months and 3 days as I am retiring on July 9. After 40 years, 8 months with one company and driving just over 1 million miles OTR in that time, it is time to call it quits.
I will now be able to accomplish the following without any time restrictions what-so-ever.......this will be a very good feeling....:dancing


My current "Bucket List"
1- learn more about the LT5 by reading all of Cliff's threads & posts.

2- learn how to use my Tech 1 and understand all of the parameters regarding the LT5 and everything pertaining to the C4.

3- have reading time everyday with all of the Heart Of The Beast mags now that I will have the time to do so.

4- continue paint correction on the ZR-1 to make it as best as possible, keeping it as a true survivor.

5- change all of the fluids and install the Hurst shifter.

6- attend some WAZOO gatherings in the future.

7- get the 74 back together this year.

8- finish up the 82 and get it ready for a possible sale.

9- make sure that I drive at least one Vette every possible day that I can.:)

10- although this is listed last, it is the most important and that is to enjoy more time with my wife, our daughter, son-in-law and our grandsons and the grand-dog. :-D

To say I can't wait is an understatement.....I am looking very forward to this time in my life. Everyday is one day closer.........:dancing

Tom

[edram454]

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. I know what you mean about wanting to live life a little bit after 40 years with one company. I have 39 years with mine and I cant wait to get out too. Enjoy your ZR-1 experience.

ed ramos #3028

[We Gone]

Congrats =D>

[Roadster]

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. I know what you mean about wanting to live life a little bit after 40 years with one company. I have 39 years with mine and I cant wait to get out too. Enjoy your ZR-1 experience.

ed ramos #3028

Thanks Ed, I was debating on whether to stay another year to build up my pension & SS. But honestly, it's not worth the difference in the additional funds I would receive. I have it in my head that retirement is just around the corner, and can't wait....:-D Besides my wife was always whispering the "R" word in my ear before leaving for work:)
Can't believe where the time has gone, we both have put a long time in with our companies. Hope that your time is approaching soon......

Congrats =D>

Thanks Steve, as mentioned above, the excitement is contagious. My family is very happy that I am doing this sooner than later.....
I think for the first few months I may stay in bed til 10AM......:dancing to get back some of the sleep I have lost since being out on the road.

[RussMcB]

Congratulations. Sounds like a great new job - Full Time Car Appreciater.

When I read your list I thought, "He's gonna need to retire twice!" :-)

[Roadster]

Congratulations. Sounds like a great new job - Full Time Car Appreciater.

When I read your list I thought, "He's gonna need to retire twice!" :-)

Hey Russ, I like that "title":) I will have a lot to do, believe me, I will be busy. I also have quite a collection of magazines from years gone by, that I will be able to finally read and enjoy them. Also have an automotive toy collection, everything from Hot Wheels to RC's and some items in between, which includes car parts that will be going up for sale. Between this and keeping up with the Vettes, it is a "job" I will enjoy to the fullest.
But I think the biggest excitement will be is getting to know and still learning how to drive the ZR-1 to its full potential. With all of the knowledge on the forum and the other material I have for the LT5, I am hoping to get a good grasp with this engine.
I also am very excited to get my "454" back together with a new roller cam and heads, along with the rest of the vehicle to be able to also appreciate BB power. I'm on the fence on selling my 82, it has been a great "dd" for the last 4 years. But it may be time to let another Corvette enthusiast enjoy a C3.
I feel very fortunate that I am in the position to have made this decision now, for I always wanted to retire while I still have the interest and desire to pursue my car hobby, rather than continue to work at a much later age and not be up to accomplishing any of the goals stated above.
I just hope that I don't polish and wax my vehicles too much like I did with my first car, my '66 Impala.....:nono:, I waxed the paint right off that vehicle and had to get a repaint........:o

[ghlkal]

To say I can't wait is an understatement.....I am looking very forward to this time in my life.


Excellent! I'm glad you'll soon have the opportunity to spend the time doing what you really want to do :-D

[RICHARD TILL]

Tom, Congrats on the retirement. Did it myself three years ago after 27 years with the same company. I miss the people but not the job. Am curious about the BB. I have 6 of them and three have Bullit rollers. A 475, 498 and a 496. You won`t believe how much quicker it`ll wind up with a roller.

[Roadster]

Excellent! I'm glad you'll soon have the opportunity to spend the time doing what you really want to do :-D

Thanks you, thank you.....just counting down the days......:dancing

Tom, Congrats on the retirement. Did it myself three years ago after 27 years with the same company. I miss the people but not the job. Am curious about the BB. I have 6 of them and three have Bullit rollers. A 475, 498 and a 496. You won`t believe how much quicker it`ll wind up with a roller.

Thanks Richard, appreciated.......
My 74 Vert is the LS4. From what other 74 BB owners stated awhile back on CF, is that the 454 runs out of breath above 4500 r's. Even though the engine has only 10,254 miles on it, I torn most of it down. So what I intend to do is:

1- leave the bottom end in tack
2- install a Lunati roller cam and roller lifters
3- install new chain & sprockets
4- install closed chamber (100 cc's) 68 427 "215" heads which are completely done w/larger valves
"2.19" & "1.88's"
5- find out what would be the correct head gasket to use to bump up the compression at least one full point.
6- install a 69 427/390 factory aluminum intake
7- install the original Q-Jet that has been rebuilt by Lars
8- will probably keep the TH400 which will be mated to the original rebuilt 3:08 gears. thought about the 700r4 or the 200r4, but the TH400 will be fine for my driving pleasure.
9- just take my time, read more info, ask a lot of questions, to make sure everything goes back together correctly.
10- enjoy my first BB Vette whenever it gets done, hopefully this year.

[dredgeguy]

Congrats Tom and looking forward to seeing you in Wazoo land.

[WB9MCW]

Soundz like a great decision - we only have so much time on the earth to enjoy the toys. It is not who has the most toys that is the winner but the guy who enjoys his toys the most is the true winner.

[Roadster]

Congrats Tom and looking forward to seeing you in Wazoo land.

Thanks Charlie, looking forward to some great learning experiences with the WAZOO group for sure.
Putting the ZR-1 back on full insurance this Saturday in time for its first road trip on Sunday. Going to visit some old high school friends who are over an hour away. Will feel great to get the ZR-1 on the road again.:-D

Soundz like a great decision - we only have so much time on the earth to enjoy the toys. It is not who has the most toys that is the winner but the guy who enjoys his toys the most is the true winner.

Thanks, I like the way that you worded that thought. I may have to borrow that from time-to-time.......:)

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Congratulations!!!! Life is short so enjoy every minute of it. It sounds like you have a great plan there.

Aloha,
Craig

[RICHARD TILL]

Roadster, I hope that you have forged pistons with deep valve reliefs. Small dome, flat or dished? I`m guessing cast. At about .570 lift on the cam and you`re in danger of valve to piston interference. On the 3917215 heads you`re your limited to about .550 lift before danger of retainer to guide clearance problems. Mill the guides down and machine them for positive seals. Need at least .060 clearance to be safe. Don`t worry about those heads not being able to breathe. It`s the same closed chamber head that was on the earlier 396`s & 427`s. The 489 i have with the Bullit .709/.709 roller has a set of oval port 781`s with 2.190/1.880 valves. Edelbrock with 1150 Dominator. MSD dist. and 6AL box. It runs 10.20 in the quarter @ 6300 rpm wot. With a three second 150 shot it`ll run a 9.70 @ 6700 rpm wot. A Fel-Pro 4.370 bore gasket compressed to .039 would be a good choice unless you could find a Victor tin metal gasket. In the early 70`s i would spray them with aluminum paint on both sides and apply asap. Hope i haven`t been a bother. Not trying to steal the post. Best of luck in retirement.

[Roadster]

Congratulations!!!! Life is short so enjoy every minute of it. It sounds like you have a great plan there.

Aloha,
Craig

Thanks Craig.....everyday is one day less:) I know, it will be here before I know it......:dancing

Roadster, I hope that you have forged pistons with deep valve reliefs. Small dome, flat or dished? I`m guessing cast. At about .570 lift on the cam and you`re in danger of valve to piston interference. On the 3917215 heads you`re your limited to about .550 lift before danger of retainer to guide clearance problems. Mill the guides down and machine them for positive seals. Need at least .060 clearance to be safe. Don`t worry about those heads not being able to breathe. It`s the same closed chamber head that was on the earlier 396`s & 427`s. The 489 i have with the Bullit .709/.709 roller has a set of oval port 781`s with 2.190/1.880 valves. Edelbrock with 1150 Dominator. MSD dist. and 6AL box. It runs 10.20 in the quarter @ 6300 rpm wot. With a three second 150 shot it`ll run a 9.70 @ 6700 rpm wot. A Fel-Pro 4.370 bore gasket compressed to .039 would be a good choice unless you could find a Victor tin metal gasket. In the early 70`s i would spray them with aluminum paint on both sides and apply asap. Hope i haven`t been a bother. Not trying to steal the post. Best of luck in retirement.


Richard, no problem what-so-ever. Your times form your build are great, sounds like a very strong motor.
I am not an experienced engine builder by any stretch. So your thoughts and suggestions are very well appreciated. I think I will have to "tap" your brain even more as time goes on, if you don't mind!!! I need to get the specs on the cam, can't remember off hand, and the pistons are the stock LS4 units which are in the pic below.
I think that they are 8.25:1
And thanks again for the well wishes.....

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p138/SSROADSTER/IMG_0408.jpg (http://s127.photobucket.com/user/SSROADSTER/media/IMG_0408.jpg.html)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p138/SSROADSTER/IMG_0411.jpg (http://s127.photobucket.com/user/SSROADSTER/media/IMG_0411.jpg.html)

[RICHARD TILL]

Those are flat top cast pistons in an unhealthy engine. Needs re-ringed unless your valve guides and seals are nearly gone. With 2.190 and 1.880 valves you`ll quickly have clearance problems. What are your expectations of the rebuilt engine and budget? What was done to the Q-jet when rebuilt?

[Roadster]

Those are flat top cast pistons in an unhealthy engine. Needs re-ringed unless your valve guides and seals are nearly gone. With 2.190 and 1.880 valves you`ll quickly have clearance problems. What are your expectations of the rebuilt engine and budget? What was done to the Q-jet when rebuilt?

This engine only has 10,254 original miles on it. It was owned by an older couple from CT. They just used it around town for their 34 years of ownership. The Vette was never really out on the highway or taken on long trips. Hence, why it probably looks like it does. The cylinder walls still have the crosshatch pattern in them.
What I am looking to do is have a non-smog motor that will run up to 5500-6000 r's with no problem. Just looking for a good driver with some power. I may take it down to the track once or twice to see what times I would turn. I can use the "215" heads or sell them and use one of the two sets of "781" that I have. One set is the original set, the other set are redone and ready to go with regular size valves.
I welcome your recommendations, if I use the "215" heads, what pistons would you recommend??? Or use the rebuilt "781" heads and not touch the bottom end. The crank spins freely, and I have not taken off any of the bearing caps to check the bearings.
The Q-Jet was rebuilt by Lars, as mentioned before, and it set-up according to the cam and heads I told him that I was using. Nothing radical. I don't want to spend a whole lot of $$$, but I do want to make sure I do this correctly.

The cam specs: Lunati.....
Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller. Great mid range torque and power. Likes 2000 RPM stall converter and works great in towing applications with lower gearing. Largest for inboard/outboard performance marine use.
•Advertised Duration (Int/Exh): 272/280
•Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 221/229
•Gross Valve Lift (Int/Exh): .575/.575
•LSA/ICL: 112/106
•Valve Lash (Int/Exh): Hyd/Hyd
•RPM Range: 1800-5800
•Includes: Cam & Lifters (#72431-16)

This is the spring pressure that is set on the "215" heads.
"For the Lunati roller I need 135 lbs on the seat and 340-350 lbs Open.
The Isky springs already installed on my #215 heads are 135 lbs seat pressure and 350 lbs open pressure"

Another member from CF recommended that I up the spring pressure slightly for this set-up.......

Again, any recommendations are more than welcome & appreciated..........

[BYEBYE2U]

Tom
You have the right idea about bumping comp. but unless you mill the "215"s ALOT you will not see a point
Use a set of TRW/Speed Pro H693CP with a .230 dome that will give you 10-1 with your 781 heads
Look for a slightly bigger cam in duration around 225-235 degrees of duration on the intake @.050
Do not exceed 240 duration with power brakes !
Definitely bump spring pressure up at least by 20+ lbs
Mill block n heads flat n drive over to Astoria NY n we will assemble engine
Got Fel-Pro gaskets n oil pump waiting for you
Congrats on retirement

[RICHARD TILL]

About 30 years ago i installed a .578/.578 solid lifter cam with the same pistons and rectangular port closed chamber heads. 2.190/1.880 valves. Heads were shaved .030 . The valves hit the pistons. No money for new pistons so i took a die grinder and afro-engineered the valve reliefs. It looked awful. Was in a jet boat and would turn 5500 rpm`s @ wot. Ran it one summer and replaced with forged TRW`s. Dome height was about .250 . BYEBYEU gave good advise on a cam. @ .050 duration a .230 cam will just begin to lope. @ .240 it`ll be more than just a lope with an increased idle speed and decreased vacuum. If you don`t have enough intake manifold vacuum, it wont close the power valve. Then it`ll be rich at idle and the exhaust will burn your eyes. Replace those pistons and use Melling M77 oil pump. Fro-Pro gaskets. Some of those heads had exhaust valve rotators and aluminum spring retainers. Both belong in file thirteen. Good insurance is to upgrade the 3/8 rod bolts. Lets build a monster that will survive.

[Roadster]

Tom
You have the right idea about bumping comp. but unless you mill the "215"s ALOT you will not see a point
Use a set of TRW/Speed Pro H693CP with a .230 dome that will give you 10-1 with your 781 heads
Look for a slightly bigger cam in duration around 225-235 degrees of duration on the intake @.050
Do not exceed 240 duration with power brakes !
Definitely bump spring pressure up at least by 20+ lbs
Mill block n heads flat n drive over to Astoria NY n we will assemble engine
Got Fel-Pro gaskets n oil pump waiting for you
Congrats on retirement

Thanks, and will keep you in mind for the engine assembly......:)

About 30 years ago i installed a .578/.578 solid lifter cam with the same pistons and rectangular port closed chamber heads. 2.190/1.880 valves. Heads were shaved .030 . The valves hit the pistons. No money for new pistons so i took a die grinder and afro-engineered the valve reliefs. It looked awful. Was in a jet boat and would turn 5500 rpm`s @ wot. Ran it one summer and replaced with forged TRW`s. Dome height was about .250 . BYEBYEU gave good advise on a cam. @ .050 duration a .230 cam will just begin to lope. @ .240 it`ll be more than just a lope with an increased idle speed and decreased vacuum. If you don`t have enough intake manifold vacuum, it wont close the power valve. Then it`ll be rich at idle and the exhaust will burn your eyes. Replace those pistons and use Melling M77 oil pump. Fro-Pro gaskets. Some of those heads had exhaust valve rotators and aluminum spring retainers. Both belong in file thirteen. Good insurance is to upgrade the 3/8 rod bolts. Lets build a monster that will survive.

Questions for the two of you.......

1- I checked out the pistons from Summit and they are reasonable.
Since I already own the roller cam that I mentioned above, can I still use those "215" heads with the new pistons and that cam without any complications?

2- Can I use that roller cam with the stock pistons and one of the "781" head sets that I have without any complications?

3- Will the roller cam that I have create a vacuum problem, and if so, will an additional vacuum tank correct that problem?

4- I may be doing away with my vacuum headlights and go electric, since I have all the parts to do so. If that be the case, will the vacuum from the factory reservoir be sufficient enough for the motor to perform properly?

Again, thanks for any opinions and advice......:-D

[BYEBYE2U]

Using the H693cp pistons you will go up to about 10-1 comp. with 781s
215s will raise comp. to 11-1. More comp. equals more HP n lil more heat..
Higher compression creates higher piston speeds n of course vacuum
Don't put the 781s on your combo. : You'll drop 1 point of comp. n at that point you can run a turbo or supercharger
They do sell a electric vacuum pump that will help out your brakes n headlight actuators:
Our ZR1s have a pump like that...