1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Discussion of Corvette based Callaway Cars including: 1987-1991 RPO B2K Callaway Twin Turbo Corvettes (C4); Callaway SuperNatural Corvettes (CL-1/CR-1); Callaway C12; Supercharged Corvettes; Callaway C16; 6th Generation Callaway Corvettes (SC560, SC580, SC606, SC616, SC620, SC652); 7th Generation Callaway Corvettes (SC627/SC757); NEW Callaway C8 Corvettes - and more!
sjandras
4-PSI
4-PSI
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon May 17, 2021 10:01 pm

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!
sjandras
4-PSI
4-PSI
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon May 17, 2021 10:01 pm

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!
User avatar
1988Callaway#16
5-PSI
5-PSI
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2018 10:50 pm
Location: Bellevue NE

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
sjandras
4-PSI
4-PSI
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon May 17, 2021 10:01 pm

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!
Attachments
20231015_131912.jpg
20231015_131832.jpg
20231015_130422.jpg
User avatar
SurfnSun
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 2331
Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:44 pm
Location: Central FL
Contact:

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
sjandras
4-PSI
4-PSI
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon May 17, 2021 10:01 pm

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?
User avatar
SurfnSun
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 2331
Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:44 pm
Location: Central FL
Contact:

Re: 1988 B2K 064 coming back to life

Post by SurfnSun »

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