C2 Oil Pan

[Donald T.]

Re: April 65 L-79

Thanks Mike and Joe. That's great advice! Joe is thorough and very informative as usual! The relay rod and frame does not show any sign of power steering or damper. However, the relay rod was rebuilt and idler arm replaced prior to my ownership, so it's certainly not untouched. Who knows how it was delivered. I think I will take both of your advice. I'm going to leave it as is until I find a reasonably priced used original. You are correct that the car functions fine without it, so it's not a big deal to worry about this later.

Thanks!

[Mike M.]

Don Off topic question

Don does your car have a idler pulley belt and alt. belt. I'm just wondering because some did and some L-79 didn't. My has the idler pulley.
Mike

[Mike M.]

Don Off topic question

Don does your car have a idler pulley belt and alt. belt. I'm just wondering because some did and some L-79 didn't. My has the idler pulley.
Mike

[Donald T.]

Re: Don Off topic question

Mine does not. However, that may not mean anything. The engine and heads appear to be original with correct casting, date codes, and VIN does not appear to be a restamp. However, Bubba was working his magic at some point. When I bought the car it had the wrong upper and lower pulleys. The water pump pulley didn't even line up correctly with the alternator pulley! So even if it had an idler pulley at one point, Bubba would have tossed it for sure. Others might be able to provide more insight if any L79s were delivered with the idler pulley.

[Donald T.]

Re: Don Off topic question

Mine does not. However, that may not mean anything. The engine and heads appear to be original with correct casting, date codes, and VIN does not appear to be a restamp. However, Bubba was working his magic at some point. When I bought the car it had the wrong upper and lower pulleys. The water pump pulley didn't even line up correctly with the alternator pulley! So even if it had an idler pulley at one point, Bubba would have tossed it for sure. Others might be able to provide more insight if any L79s were delivered with the idler pulley.

[Wayne M.]

'65 L78 w/steering damper ( Recall May '65)

Per GM Recall Campaign, notice dated 13 May 1965:

"There were 47 Corvettes w/396 engine, with a damper on the steering linkage. It was determined that an interference condition could result between the steering damper and the oil pan. Serial # lists were provided to dealers with instructions to remove the damper assemblies. All but one of the affected cars were corrected, according to our records".

There were 20 N40 L78's produced, but apparently no interference was experienced, as P/S was available on most C2/C3 big blocks.

This info from a Brian Futo article in Corvette Restorer Vol 10, #1 (Summer '83).

[Wayne M.]

'65 L78 w/steering damper ( Recall May '65)

Per GM Recall Campaign, notice dated 13 May 1965:

"There were 47 Corvettes w/396 engine, with a damper on the steering linkage. It was determined that an interference condition could result between the steering damper and the oil pan. Serial # lists were provided to dealers with instructions to remove the damper assemblies. All but one of the affected cars were corrected, according to our records".

There were 20 N40 L78's produced, but apparently no interference was experienced, as P/S was available on most C2/C3 big blocks.

This info from a Brian Futo article in Corvette Restorer Vol 10, #1 (Summer '83).