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After several cross-country trips and sitting idle for a number of years, the 365-hp engine was sorely in need of attention.
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Most 1964 Corvettes with air conditioning had 250- to 300-hp engines, but Milton's was one of the few with a 365-hp mill.
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Even though the 375-hp Fuelie had the highest output, most Corvette buyers preferred this carbureted 365-hp engine because it's easier to maintain and service.
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During the engine restoration, Milton decided to add roller rockers to the valvetrain, good for about 10 more horses. Note, however, that contest judges actually deduct points if the valvetrain doesn't have the louder sound of stock tappets, so you may have to adjust the valvetrain to make more noise.
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Chevy orange is the correct paint for the engine block, but C&S likes to apply a coat of red oxide primer first because the paint sticks better and you don't need to use as much. Note that the oil filler neck had to be re-chromed as well.
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A body-off restoration costs about $2,500 more, but makes access to the mechanicals a whole lot easier. There are only about eight to 10 bolts securing the body to the frame, but the hard part is separating the two. You'll need about four or five helpers to do it right.
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Accessories such as the air conditioning, wiper motors and brake master cylinder often require rebuilding and/or re-plating. "You don't want to leave anything undone," advises Carlos Vivas, "or they may give you problems later on."
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The "Off-Road" exhaust was replaced with a stainless steel system (which costs points because it discolors). To imitate the original, Vivas coats a late-model aluminum system with magnetic paint, so the judge's magnet sticks to it as if it really were steel. He doesn't use steel since it rusts and can result in even more deductions.
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The restored engine is now back on its mounts. For details on the chassis and body resto, check out the next installment.
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