A few days back I asked the question as to whether I should replace a missing heat riser. My L71 simply had a spacer. Since I've been trying to reinstall the engine and get things back to a somewhat original condition, I opted to go with the riser which I bought from Corvette Central. With the block back in and starter/solenoid installed, the heat riser will not fit in the configuration shown in the Assm. Manual - apparently with the lever towards the firewall. The only postion it will work is with the lever adjacent and about a quarter of an inch away from the starter body. I know this is wrong because of other cars I've had and you can't actuate the lever from the engine compartment to check it. It will flip over upside down (beveled portion up) and fit in the correct position but the other side is flat and that won't work either. It's as if it's made in the mirror image. Anyone else had this problem? Oh, the starter has the original GM part number so I don't think that's the issue.
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Re: Heat Riser fit
Tom,
Based on looking at original examples and photo's from Nolan Adam's book,I have come to the conclusion that the heat risers were clocked differently between small blocks vs. big blocks cars. On the big block motors the clocking position should have the weight towards the front of the car. Small block motors the weight is toward the firewall. My LS 5 has the clocking as described, it is very close but does clear the starter,bracket and block. The third and remaining position the weight will hit the frame. If you need a picture, in Nolan Adam's book there is a clear shot of a big block car still on the production line, taken from below.
Hope this helps,
Kevin -
Re: Heat Riser fit
On my 63 L-76, the lever was to the back side of the manifold down spout originally. I had a new one installed at a Corvette shop that put on a new exhaust pipe set for me and they installed the new one with the lever on the right (forward side). I believe this to be wrong as I had never seen it this way on any Chevy V8 to that point in time (1963). I'm about to do a flip of your procedure and replace it with a Fuelie block (spacer) as here in Florida we really don't need it (my choke won't even set most days). Also, I am told this may relieve the "stinky garage" problem (hot soak AFB). The other conservative school of thought says I should just wire it open to test the results first.
Stu FoxComment
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Re: Heat Riser fit
Most likely the 71 has the same difference as in the 67 judging manual which shows 327 counter weight points outboard. 427 points to front of car.Avatar--My first ever vette, owned 3X since 1977, restored 1993-2024. Top Flight Award 9/14/24Comment
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