I bought my 1986 MC SS original from the dealer when I finished university as a gift to myself.
White, T-top, grey interior bucket seats no AC and now has about 120,000 km on the odometer.
I'm in eastern Canada and it was winter driven in 1986/7, but has not seen snow or salt since then.
The car is pretty much original (including the paint) and it still looks great considering its age.
It has not been driven much in the last 10 years but still starts with the first turn of the key - nothing fancy about the 305 L69 but it's reliable!
However the engine compartment is also original and looks like crap!
I replaced a cracked exhaust header about 20 years ago with a non-emissions compliant header and the air pump has not worked since then (capped the air injection hoses for that header and cut the belt to the pump).
I am in the process of pulling the engine with the intention of adding a few bolt-on upgrades (intake, headers, water pump, carb) and dressing the engine bay. Nothing over the top as I want to add just a few horsepower but keep it as a drive-able street machine.
I also want to ditch all the air gear that clutters up the engine bay and create a cleaner look.
Anybody out there that can offer some advice or suggestions on things for me to watch out for as I rebuild (especially around removing the air system), or suggestions for aftermarket bolt-ons would be greatly appreciated. I consider myself to be a decent shade tree mechanic but also recognize my limits.
Here is a pic of my starting point from a couple weeks ago.
Looking forward to chatting with folks with experience!
Thanks.
White, T-top, grey interior bucket seats no AC and now has about 120,000 km on the odometer.
I'm in eastern Canada and it was winter driven in 1986/7, but has not seen snow or salt since then.
The car is pretty much original (including the paint) and it still looks great considering its age.
It has not been driven much in the last 10 years but still starts with the first turn of the key - nothing fancy about the 305 L69 but it's reliable!
However the engine compartment is also original and looks like crap!
I replaced a cracked exhaust header about 20 years ago with a non-emissions compliant header and the air pump has not worked since then (capped the air injection hoses for that header and cut the belt to the pump).
I am in the process of pulling the engine with the intention of adding a few bolt-on upgrades (intake, headers, water pump, carb) and dressing the engine bay. Nothing over the top as I want to add just a few horsepower but keep it as a drive-able street machine.
I also want to ditch all the air gear that clutters up the engine bay and create a cleaner look.
Anybody out there that can offer some advice or suggestions on things for me to watch out for as I rebuild (especially around removing the air system), or suggestions for aftermarket bolt-ons would be greatly appreciated. I consider myself to be a decent shade tree mechanic but also recognize my limits.
Here is a pic of my starting point from a couple weeks ago.
Looking forward to chatting with folks with experience!
Thanks.
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