working on the engine?

[entropy454]

Upon my research of a vette to purchase, I noticed the engine compartment is pretty tight. Made me wonder, how hard is it to do normal tasks like changing the spark plugs on a 68-72 vette with power breaks and ac?

thanks for the info

 

[6880 Mike]

Brake booster won't give you much trouble; AC compressor always seems to be in the way.

 

[LVMYVT76]

Changing plugs isn't very hard to do, even with hedders. The work behind the dash can be frustrating if you haven't done that kind of work before. sometimes its easier to come up fron under neath on some cars, just jack up the car and slide under, reach up and go to work.

 

[stepho1975]

I'm not sure about that old, mine is a 75 (heads, power brakes, a/c), but changing the plugs on it is a breeze, especially compared to my 93 z28 camaro. Now those plugs were a nightmare to change.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Whether it's easy or difficult to change them, people tend to do it too often. Even cheapo plugs last 30,000 miles these days.

 

[Crimson Thunder]

I'm not sure about that old, mine is a 75 (heads, power brakes, a/c), but changing the plugs on it is a breeze, especially compared to my 93 z28 camaro. Now those plugs were a nightmare to change.

I second that!Good thing you only have to do it every 100,000 miles.The plug wires are a real P.I.T.A. too.

 

[Vette79]

Some things like replacing the washer fluid pump is a real PITA but I love it. You learn to become more creative.

 

[Hib Halverson]

The question didn't specify if the engine in this car was an SB or a BB nor did it mention A/C, but in general

IMO---
easy: SB V8 no air
sort of easy, BB V8 no air (usually you have to get #8 from underneath.
harder: cars with air.

That said, C3s are easier than C4 with SBV8s (Gen 1 or Gen 2) but harder than C5.

 

[Evolution1980]

Hey entropy454, welcome to the

IMHO, the differences between the 68-72 is relatively minimal overall. Besides the obvious difference in small block / big block and various options, they are about the same. HOWEVER...the '68 had a lot of "1968 year only" parts. I'd suggest focusing on a '69-'72.

If specific engine options aren't that critical to your purchasing decision, and "they all pretty much look the same", then I'd stick with a 1972. Maintenance-wise they are all going to be about the same. It wasn't until they started piling on emissions stuff that it really started to get cramped under the hood. You're pretty much in the clear with a '68-'72.