Eureka! It runs.

[Kurt B.]

Today is a Happy Day in Massachusetts.
After 7 quiet years, today my 68 L79 327 motor which has been meticulously restored to factory original finally started and ran like a new Rolex watch.

I cannot adequately express the appreciation I have to all of you gentlemen who have provided so many answers to my many questions (some probably seemed pretty dumb) over these many years. I am very greatful for the guidance and encouragement so many of you have provided which allowed me to reach this day. To say I am euphoric would be an understatement. I took the day off from work to get this motor started and then promptly called my wife at work and let her listen to the exhaust of a "real" car. She thinks I'm crazy, but then she married me so she can't be that smart.

Now maybe I can get it into the body shop and get the body (which has been stripped) painted in the correct LeMans blue and maybe drive it before I check into a nursing home.
Thank you to all of you for making this a happy day. This car hasn't run this well since I purchased it over 30 years ago. There's joy in Mudville today.

Kurt Bunting
68 Coupe NCRS 26406

[Wayne K.]

Congrats Kurt and stay with it *NM*

[Warren F.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

There's nothing like a happy Corvette owner!!!!

[Joe C.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

Kurt:

FANTASTIC!!!! ENJOY!!! I don't want to rain on your parade, but I assume that you know the proper cam run in procedure. This is very important.

Joe

[Steve Pettit]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

Kurt,

It is a wonderful feeling, isn't it? I recently got my 66 BB up and running and called my buddy and just held the phone to the muffler. Now we have gone through the front end and put all new suspension components, brakes, and rebuilt the steering gear and it runs tighter than it first did when I first drove it 31 yrs ago. This is a great place to turn to for advice and encouragement.

Steve

[Craig S.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

Kurt - it is a great feeling insn't it? Make sure to run in the cam properly.....Craig

[Kurt B.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

I don't know any specific procedure.
Someone on this board suggested I let it run for 45 minutes or so at 1200 RPM and then another 10 minutes at 500RPM which I did. Then I drained the oil and changed the filter.
I can't drive the car to brak it in as the body is in primer, bumpers have been removed, headlights and tailights and hood removed from body and it is not registered.
I could put a plate on it but any police officer who sees it would stoip me for sure.
Can you tell me more about this cam procedure please.

It runs great after it starts but it is hard to start and timing is set at 6 advance. Battery is a brand new Delco from Restoration Battery. Could battery not be strong enough for a new and tight motor?
Thank you,
Kurt

[Henry J.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

Kurt, your obvious happiness makes ME feel good! I had a similar experience this past summer with a new big block engine for my 68 convertible. It's a great feeling, alright!

I'm certain that you've worked very hard to earn this reward. Enjoy every second of it!

[Paul B.]

Another '68 Lives.................................

Congrats Kurt-Love 'em '68 L-79 cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dave S.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

Kurt,

Congratulations. I'm from Massachusetts and owned a near new 68 LeMans Blue L79 coupe in 1969. I traded my 66 grey roadster for it at Mirak Chevrolet in Arlington. Mass. in the summer of 69 just prior to the introduction of the 69's. I don't have the VIN or any paperwork from my car but it could have been mine. Who knows?? Enjoy.

[Kurt B.]

Re: Another '68 Lives.............................

It is going to be a champagne night tonight for sure.
I am in such a euphoric state, I can only imagine how I will feel when I get it painted and reassembled and drive it on a sunny day with the t-tops removed. Who says you can't relive your youth.
I am so looking forward to getting that speeding ticket. Imagine the dumb look on that police officers face when this 56 year old guy jumps out , shakes his hand for giving me a ticket and begins telling him how long and hard I worked to get to that point. He will probably have me committed or maybe tear up the ticket, you never know.
Kurt

[Jim T.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

Congratulations and enjoy the sound of your L79. Kurt, what did you do to get it to start reference your previous post about nothing happening when you turned the key?

[Richard Hayes]

Break-in procedures

What a great feeling!!! I just ran my 327 for the first time last week.

Check the link- for first time start up- break in procedure.

Richard




Engine Start-up

[Patrick H.]

Congratulations!!! *NM*

[Kurt B.]

Re: Eureka! It runs.

I am embarrassed to tell you why it wouldn't start and there appeared to be no juice.
I had forgotten that I installed a KILL switch in 1972 and I had accidently turned it off. It occurred to me as I was getting ready to go to work and I flew out to the garage, hit the switch, and it turned over. Wouldn't start but turned over, so I replaced the coil, condensor and points and it fired up as soon as I turned the key.
Boy do I feel stupid, VERY HAPPY,,,, but stupid.
Too soon old and to late smart is an old expression that comes to mind.
Kurt