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New Engine Start

Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling

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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/29/08 6:25pmMessage 1 of 13
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corvettedave
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Evansville`, IN - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 1972 Convertible, ontario orange, ps/pb/pw/air conditioning and 31,000 original miles.
Does anyone have a written document on how to wire up a new engine sitting on the frame to do a temporty test run.  I would like to try and start it and see if it runs before putting on the body.  It's been about 35 years since rebuilding my last engine, and hoping I still know how.  Do I just need to get the wiring harness and dash guages out to hook this thing up?  I'm working on a frame off restoration of a 72 convertible and just about ready to put the body back on.  Frame has been blasted, powder coated, completely rebuilt along with the engine and transmission.  Engine and exhaust is all bolted down and ready to fire.  Thanks, Dave...
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 5:05pmMessage 2 of 13
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kstyer
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
Not difficult really.
 
Run a battery wire to the distributor if it is a 75 or newer, or the to coil positive if it is older.
 
Connect a battery pos cable to the starter, and the negative anywhere on the engine.   You can do this with jumper cables.  Then short between the starter positive and the small "s" terminal.  It will crank and start.  Dont' need the gauges to test fire the engine.
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 5:24pmMessage 3 of 13
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acplus
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Orillia, Canada
Joined: 6/23/2008
Posts: 558
Vette(s): 1972, 1980
As kstyer said and to stop the motor running unplug power wire to distributor or coil. On your first start, leave the power wire to the distibutor or coil unpluged and crank over a few times to build the oil pressure, then connect your wire.
John
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 5:30pmMessage 4 of 13
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indy99
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Newport, MI - USA
Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 942
Vette(s): 1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.
I am watching this thread since I am looking to try and start on Sunday.

Corvettes and women are the same...You want to make love to them but they keep breaking down.
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 5:34pmMessage 5 of 13
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acplus
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Orillia, Canada
Joined: 6/23/2008
Posts: 558
Vette(s): 1972, 1980
On your 80 you will connect to your distibutor, but make sure you don't accidently connect the tach lead, standing on the driver's side it is the far right connector on the distibutor for +.
John
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 5:56pmMessage 6 of 13
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indy99
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Newport, MI - USA
Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 942
Vette(s): 1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.
I will be finalizing connections Fri. and Sat with a start on Sun.  One thing bugging me is the tru dual exhaust from MAM.  The passenger pipe is very close to the rear tire while the driver pipe is at leasr 6" away.
 
I have swapped pipes, tugged and pulled, looked at Cat. pictures and it seems to be no change.  I will call them tomorrow to see if they have any thoughts on this.

Corvettes and women are the same...You want to make love to them but they keep breaking down.
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 6:21pmMessage 7 of 13
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corvettedave
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Evansville`, IN - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 1972 Convertible, ontario orange, ps/pb/pw/air conditioning and 31,000 original miles.

Thanks...didn't realize it was so easy to fire up.....I hope to do it this weekend....I'll let everyone know how it goes...David

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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/30/08 7:17pmMessage 8 of 13
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Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22716
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Along with the above wiring of the new engine start, it might be good to install a temporary oil pressure gauge on there, unless your car(corvettedave) is an early model with the mechanical gauge/line...then it should be hooked up anyway, and will register pressure just fine. Gotta keep an eye on that life-blood!!


And....of course, had I paid attention to the first post, I would have seen that you are working on a '72...with a mechanical gauge... Adams' Apple2008-10-30 19:18:27

Joel Adams
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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/31/08 3:04amMessage 9 of 13
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fp_vetter72
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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 475
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible 2007 coupe
If this is an older motor, and the first time you have started it something else you need to pay attention to is the RPM. If the motor hasent been broken in and you have a new cam it needs to run at 2000 RPM for about 20 min, make sure you have a break-in supplement in the oil for a flat tappet cam, I also used Rotella T 10W30 for the break-in. If you dont take this step you will ruin the cam. 


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New Engine Start

Posted: 10/31/08 4:28pmMessage 10 of 13
a
acplus
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Orillia, Canada
Joined: 6/23/2008
Posts: 558
Vette(s): 1972, 1980
All good advise.
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