1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

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CalJim
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by CalJim »

Very nice!
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1988Callaway#16
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by 1988Callaway#16 »

Looks great! Did you buy your car with it set up for the hardtop or did you convert it with 89+ parts? Thanks! Kevin
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

I updated the windshield header brackets with some NOS 89+ parts that I came across and I'm still shopping for the
B-pillar mount brackets. Haven't driven it yet with the top on because of that, can't wait to feel the difference.
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

I've searched all the archives and can't find a consistent answer to this one: what should fuel pressure be at WOT full boost? My car feels very strong, but has a bit of a flat or rough feeling at > 4krpm. I installed a fuel pressure gauge that I can kind of see while driving and see around 36 psi in this condition. It seems constant across RPM range, not dropping. The picture below doesn't show the fuel pressure we'll, but shows it is making boost.
Screenshot_20211017-080500_Gallery.jpg
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by SurfnSun »

Is it by chance that your clutch is slipping? The best way to tell if your fuel pressure is correct is to put it on the Dyno with a wide band.
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

Now that you mention it, yes the clutch slipping is a strong possibility. My mind hadn't gone there yet but that is kind of what it feels like. I was more focused on trying to confirm it wasn't going lean. Also agreed a wide band O2 would also help. If it's the clutch, I'll find that out when I do the trans pull for the overdrive rebuild.
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

The transmission pull project has begun! I was really concerned about getting the exhaust out, it's one of my least favorite jobs on any car project. Amazingly, this one came out with zero issues! Low mile Texas cars are the best! All the fasteners came loose with no drama and even the slip joint on the catalyst section slid right out. It was obvious nobody has been in here since it left Old Lyme, extremely happy it's off.

Now I need to think about whether I'll put it back stock or not? Has anybody done a cat delete lately? I assume full custom is the only option?
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by SurfnSun »

I would either eliminate the cats or go 3" bullets with metallic substrate. There's a ton of power and spool to be had by going large custom exhaust
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

The rebuilt overdrive unit courtesy of Brian at SK Speed is reassembled to the T10 and back in the car. No, I didn't paint it myself, that's what SK does as part of their process. I wish I had known, I would have asked him not to...
Brian is a cool guy and fun to talk to, he's passionate about these things.

Honestly, the install process wasn't as bad as I had read on the various forums. I still have to button everything else up, but I think I'm past the hard part (C-beam is on and bolts are in). I did reseal the T10 too while this far into it, there was some evidence of leaks around the shift shaft seals before.

I'm thinking I'll probably leave the original exhaust for now until I get some more miles on it. Knowing how easy the exhaust is to pull, I can always do it in the future.

It will be ready to hit the roads as soon as the snow and salt are washed away!
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by *89x2* »

Looks great!!!

Have you thought of adding the ZFdoc Beam Plates?

http://www.zfdoc.com/c4beamplate.htm

I added these to my one car and they are a huge help in rigidity. :thumbs
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

I haven't gone that route yet. The beam plates could be a future upgrade though. I'm aiming to get it reliable as a fun street car as top priority, it will never be a track day or autocross car. I have other more modern toys for that kind of fun.

I'll keep updating as I get it back on the road. It's good to know there's a group of people who appreciate these cars!
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

The transmission install and shakedown are now complete. What a difference a properly functioning overdrive makes! I also finished updating all top mounting hardware (header brackets, frame brackets, and tonneau latches) to properly mount the hardtop. I've put on a few hundred miles of driving this spring, including some highway cruising. These cars love to run when sorted. Looking back at all the small tasks I've had to do to get it to this point, it was worth it!

The only thing I'm aware of remaining on the mechanical list is the cruise control accel feature doesn't latch when released. Plus, I'll probably have some paint work done to bring it up to standards.

The car is mostly stock B2K so far. Now that it's sorted out I can start thinking more seriously about potential upgrades!
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by 1988Callaway#16 »

Are you going to be able to come to the 35th anniversary of the Callaway Corvette in Carlisle, Pa. In August? It would be great to meet you and see your car. Thanks! Kevin
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

It's been a while, I posted the car for sale earlier this year when my C8 was incoming. Instead, I bought a lift and kept it! As I drove it more, I was starting to smell some oil occasionally and noticed the intercooler ducting was all wet with oil on the driver side. Looks like the shaft seal is bad on that turbo.

I've been dreading this job for a couple months now, but I did it today and it's not as terrible as some have said. Drop x-brace, exhaust, etc is easy. The hard part is obviously the four header flange nuts. I was able to get them with a combination of 17mm tools. A straight socket for the one easy one, a swivel for the kind of easy one, and a crowfoot socket for the other two. One key thing was to take the wastegate actuator off to get access, that helped a ton. Two of the studs came out of the header rather than the nut coming off. I'll extract the others and put some new studs in anyway.

Now I need to get in touch with Rotomaster, or if there are any other suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them!
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by SurfnSun »

The good news is that Rotomaster has started rebuilding these units again. I know of a few owners that have recently had rebuilds.

I’d give them a call and get both of the turbos refreshed. :beer
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by sjandras »

SurfnSun wrote: Sun Oct 15, 2023 5:07 pm
I’d give them a call and get both of the turbos refreshed. :beer
I'm debating pretty hard. I do think the pass side turbo is likely much more difficult to get out by the looks of it and it is bone dry.... Any words of wisdom on relative effort to remove?
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Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by SurfnSun »

I wish I had some. Been too long for me.
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