silly questions?

[nut4crew]

Hi,
I own a '76 Corvette, and I have some general questions. First, I'm looking to install a hi-performance HEI coil, such as an Accel Brute Thunder. Do I have to worry about my lo-performance cap and rotor handling it? I've also got Bosch plugs and wires.
Also, I had to tow my car on a front end only trailer, and since I've arrived at my new base (I'm Air Force) I've noticed a lot more play in the steering wheel, whereas before it was nice and tight. How deep would I have to go to tighten it? I've done basic tune-ups and brake jobs and the easy stuff under the hood, but steering column is all new to me.
Last one: My headlamps don't come up completely when i turn the lights on. One will partially raise, and I have to run around to the front of the car to catch it before it drops, and manually drag the other one up. Pretty embarrasing when admiration turns to chuckles from people standing around. I checked a thread before dealing with headlamps but I would like to know how big of a project this would be. I have standard tools. Should I just take it into a dealer?

Thanks much for any help,
Catherine

 

[bossvette]

the headlights work by vacuum any of the Corvette retailers have hose and seal kits, Paragon, Volunteer Vettes, Mid America, Ecklers and many others. Many of them have instructions with them. It sounds like a leak somewhere.
Welcome to CAC and good luck, I got tired of "droopie" lights and put in fixed rectangular from a 96 Chevy truck http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?selected=367303

 

[GerryLP]

Catherine,


Check for hissing sound around the headlights when engine is turning. Usually droop cuase is seal replacement (refer to http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.asp?ZTM=cadefibg&GHOME=www.corvettecentral.com&TITLE=Corvette_Central)

About the ignition, HEI is nice, but if you're gonna change the distributor, then one suggestion I can think of is to replace the distributor with an electronic ignition distributor that uses a separate (the HEI has the coil installed on the rotor cap) ignition coil, and then enhance it with a MSD 6A module and MSD Hi performance coil. Jacobs Electronics also has some nice units (pro Street kit) that does about the same thing, but its thought to be higher end (therefore more cost than the MSD) component.

For the front end, raise the front until the wheels are off the ground. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop to stop. This will help you get rid of air in the system. Then turn off the engine and check the steering mechanism for looseness. A typical corvette manual gives you hints as to how loose is too loose. With the help of a friend, they can shimmy the wheel in and out by hand while you look underneeth to check for excessive play.

There are many experts here. Maybe some one else will post some more suggestions.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Hi,
First, I'm looking to install a hi-performance HEI coil, such as an Accel Brute Thunder. Do I have to worry about my lo-performance cap and rotor handling it? I've also got Bosch plugs and wires.

...... Should I just take it into a dealer?

You've already got as much HEI coil as you'll ever need or can make use of. Save your money for other projects.

Take it to the dealer? No. He probably hasn't seen a '76 Corvette in 15 years and wouldn't have clue about specialist repairs.

For the problems you've described, you'll find all the help you need here.

 

[corvetjerryd]

Headlight problem sounds like a leaky hose or a bad acuator seal. you'll need to check all your hoses first then try blocking off and swaping the acuator hoses around to isolate the bad one.It helps if you can get a hose diagram of the system.
As far as the steering problem you might check the 'rag joint' under the hood where the steering column attaches to the steering box. It may have come loose or got damaged.
The coil alone won't make much difference with a stock engine setup....
Hope this gives you a place to start.....