I would use a trimmed acid brush with acetone to soften that plastic and it should come right off. Careful about drips but that would be my go to for removing that.
@newblackgta The first SP350/385 failed at 20k miles. No oil pressure, and metal flakes were found. Chevy dealer was kind enough to replace the engine under warranty (I didn't buy the engine from that dealer). Second SP350/385 failed at 40k with rod bearing knocking. Dealer did not want to deal with it a second time even though still under warranty from the original date of 1st purchase (I don't blame them). I think the quality of the Chevy Performance crate engines is poor and the quality quality control is poor.
@@MrCORVETTE1990 Wow, thanks for sharing. I've been looking to put a ZZ6/350 or the SP350/385 in my 91 C4. This really makes me think twice. That sounds like a nightmare dealing with that. That's crazy.
@lexcaliber I have scoured the planet and there's not a whole lot. There's a couple of sellers on ebay up in Oregon that appears to have the proper pump. '85-'86 is different from '87-'91. The pulley and spacers are different. Be sure you get the correct casing also. And finally, be sure that the bolt holes are not stripped. Alternatively, rebuilting is the other way to go. Good luck!
Hi. That's great you're considering buying an older Corvette. I think it's a personnel choice as far as which generation to get. The key is finding a Corvette with low mileage and documented history of what the previous owner(s) have done with maintenance and repair so that you can continue with just "preventive" maintenance. Good luck!
I've REALLY been wanting to buy an older corvette lately. Is there any specific model and year that you would personally recommend that would last me as long as I do the preventative maintenance to it like you? Thanks
Gordon, where in California do you live? I’m one of the content editors at CorvetteForum, and I’m based in the South Bay of Los Angeles. I’d love to interview you about your C4. Cheers.
Is this 800k without any rebuild on the drivetrain? If so that’s really impressive even if it’s all highway miles from cruising. I won’t say it surprises me to see this thing rack up miles like a big rig diesel though. Old SBCs are about as reliable as they come.
Original transmission and original differential, never been rebuilt. Original L98 engine replaced at 525k miles; ZZ4 failed at 40k, L31 failed at 160k, SP385 (1st) failed at 20k, SP385 (2nd) failed at 40k. Hopefully this 2nd L31 will get me to a million miles!
Agreed. Remanufactured ECMs are hits or misses. Eventually, they put out inconsistent signals, especially when I try to get the car SMOG'd. I've gone through many. Too bad GM does not make new ECMs.
Does it have the original engine and transmission? I feel like you have the highest mileage vette in the world. What maintenance have you done to get it this far?
The front and rear wheel bearings have been changed many times including ACDelco "Gold" "Silver" etc. They're all really aftermarket unless you can find OEM. Moog seems to last the longest.
I've watched a few of your vids. Imo, buying another L98 out of Firebird or Camaro to keep for parts might be worth it. I see them come up for a few hundred bucks every now and again. I'd rather buy one of those old factory assembled engines from the late 80s-early 90s L98 than anything assembled today.
I thought about swapping in an LS once upon a time but that would be a bigger project to mate the transmission, ECM, etc. in order to get everything to work properly. And then...I have to take it to the SMOG referee to pass the inspection test. And then....I have to take to the DMV to register it as a new car. It's a real big hassle to say the least.
