OLD Modified Corvettes

[Shotgun 61]

Originally Posted by Tom Broome

TLDR

So, basically it was a destroked 287.

The 283 bore size was the smallest bore that could (barely) accept the 2.05/1.60 valve combination popular in the 23 degree heads of the time. If an engine builder wanted live on the edge, they could take a 350 block and offset sleeve all eight cylinders with chrome-moly sleeves and have greater clearance between the intake valve and cylinder wall. You might even then put a larger intake valve in the head. If that allowed the port to flow more air, you might find some power. They might even go to the trouble to make a deck plate to accurately locate the bores off the head dowel locations.

I wouldn't know anyone who would go through that much trouble....Would I?

I know somebody who did EXACTLY that......................and his name is Jerry Ault. A LOT of work. Jerry was a magician when it came to engine building. I actually found one of his old race engines last year and I "plan" to put it in the car this winter along with a Doug Nash 5 speed, but my back surgeon may have something to say about that.

[lynn engels]

i will come help if you let me sit in the car

[RonP]

Hi Rick Brown,
I hope all is well!
I remember a few years ago, your one crewman had a book that showed several Corvettes that raced in Modified in the 1970's. Do you happen to have the title to that book?

This was at Norwalk, I'm guessing between 2014-2018 when he had the large hardbound book about Corvettes with him. Unfortunately, I did not write down the title in the notepad I normally keep with me at the track.

See you at Norwalk and stay safe!!
Thanks, Ron

[Greg Gay]

Rex,

Fantastic car. I remember reading all about it. The two best periods/classes in drag racing were early '70's Pro Stock and late '70's Modified Eliminator. A few questions: The all black version appears to have different rear wheel openings. Is that correct? Did they run the injection or the carbs first? Did they run F/G with the 277, and just add weight to make H/G, or did the run a bigger engine in F?

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Greg

[Shotgun 61]

Originally Posted by Greg Gay

Rex,

Fantastic car. I remember reading all about it. The two best periods/classes in drag racing were early '70's Pro Stock and late '70's Modified Eliminator. A few questions: The all black version appears to have different rear wheel openings. Is that correct? Did they run the injection or the carbs first? Did they run F/G with the 277, and just add weight to make H/G, or did the run a bigger engine in F?

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Greg

Hi Greg and thanks for the kind words. I'll answer what I can. Early on the rear fenders were rounded slightly to accommodate the slicks. Once they installed the narrowed Dana 60, the fenders were repaired and have had the stock appearance ever since. Jerry has always run Crower injection with the exception of one time he was persuaded by another famous racer to switch to carbs. The car slowed down and he switched back to injection. He knew how to make the injection run. He started in F/G and I think due to some NHRA changes he went to H/G, but I don't know all the details.

Thanks,
Rex

[Tom Broome]

Originally Posted by Shotgun 61

I know somebody who did EXACTLY that......................and his name is Jerry Ault. A LOT of work.

And...If...Those eight sleeves happen to get installed just a wee bit offset away from the crankshaft centerline that there might be some ET to be found.
Again, I'm not sayin' I know anybody that's gone to the time and extremes to do that. But I might.

[outlaw]

Anyone know what the sleeve offset was? I’m guessing about .090.
Terry