1969 435 Tri-power Reliable

[KeithN]

I'm looking at purchasing my first Vette (although not my first classic).

I've decided upon three criteria:

1. Big block
2. Convertible
3. Stingray

Also, must be reliable as I will drive it at least once/week.

I've narrowed it down to 1969, as it's a year that meets my criteria and I like the looks of the year. It seems that the 427/435 tripower would be a hot car to have, but I'm concerned about the reliability of the 3 dueces. With reliability being key, I don't want to have to be constantly tweaking these to keep them in tune.

Is this carb setup (and car in general) reliable, or should I stay with the single carb 427's?

thx

Keith

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Keith,
tri-powers have a bad rep for tuning. carb tuning is a rapidly dying art. there are only a few guys that really know how to tune tri-powers. good news is once they are done, you'll most likely not have to touch it for some time. if you run with an older Vette, swap out the points ignition for an HEI style distributor. HEI will do wonders for reliability. chances are the dwell is out of whack and someone played with the carb(s) to compensate, so most point cars will not run to good unless the owner was very kind to her. when looking, do a compression test to see what condition the motor is in. cylinder pressure should be around 150psi with no more than 25psi varience between the highest and lowest cylinders. if you get a '69 T-P hold onto it, resale prices are climbing, Brian

 

[paintdaddy]

I agree.You wont have a problem if you find someone who can tune them right.It will be reliable if you dont run it hard all of the time.

 

[1BAD80]

I agree with the other 2 post. You can get a synchronizer to help tune the carb's in, very easy to do. If you need help my friend just done a complete restore on a 67 with tri-power and had no problem. They said the same on cross ram intake's with 2,
4 barrel's and I have no problem in tuning them. A vacuum gage is your best friend for tuning. PICS in my photo album.
f needed I can give his email address privately, so you can ask him. I also have some site's for how to do it yourself.
George

 

[SwaveDave]

I agree with the other 3 posts. The tri power engine is very desirable on a Corvette and is a good investment. It isnt the only BB C3 Vette that is in demand though ; the higher compression BB engines with 4 speed are all in demand, good investments, and delightful to drive--- that means 1968 thru 1971 .

Some simply boltons can boost your performance easily. Just keep the original equipment you take off your engine.

Dave

 

[iron cross]

Tri powers are very desirable setups, especially the 435 HP models. They work great as long as a BUBBA stays away form them. The end carbs do not have pumps in them and they work best with the vaccum linkage intact. The aftermarket linkage makes them perform horrible and over the years some of the resale cars are screwed up this way. They are :cool Good luck,