Hi JohnZ,
Thank You for answering my many questions on the Chevrolet Corvette.
The original RPOL36 Turbo Jet 427CI 390HP was blown. The dealer (Curhan Chevrolet - Randolf Massachusetts) replaced the engine with short block in the fall of 1967. Unfortunately the Corvette is now non-matching for the engine assembly.
Originally I should of refused the new Corvette.
I was twenty years old and the dealer told me to put top oil in the engine to fix the piston slap. I only realized the piston slap noise when the engine was cold.
When ordering this Corvette back in July 1966 wanted to build the Corvette for more performance but my father would not let me. I was lucky to get RPON11 out of the dealer. The dealer told me I couldn't get an inspection sticker with off road assembly exhaust system in Massachusetts.
The other options wanted were RPOL71, M22, and 4:11.1 with G81.
Found out later that M22 was not available unless the option was RPOL88.
The worse problems on the Corvette was the piston slap, water entering the transister ignition electronics that was mounted rearward of the right side headlamp, severe windshield water leak, early paint cracking/checking on the top of left fender due to the body twisting under high stress and a whistle some where in the holly carburetor.
One day in 1966 we had severe rain storm in Massachusetts. Both foot wells filled with water to the sill plates.
To drain the foot wells had to pull the plastic plugs in the plastic reinforced floor ( one on each side)
Eventually items were repaired.
RPOL36, M21 and 3:36.1 with G81 was not the way to go. Should have put the top production code "AO" 3:70.1 (Special Performance) with the L36 engine. 4:11.1 was not available with L36.
The N11 option made the Corvette sound great, and second gear was super powerful.
Although I thought the Corvette was fast, ran a 427 Chevrolet Massachusetts State Police Cruiser back in the day. I did win the race but not by much.
