Second time for Secondchance
 

Most of you may remember that I had a head gasket failure in April 2013 resulting in 380 mini-stroker build which was completed in June 2014.
Since March 2015 I have been losing coolant again despite multiple attempts at isolating the problem and attempted fixes problem progressively got worse. My drive up to Carlisle resulted in having to have the car trailered back to VA - Thanks, Mark and Dennis!!!

Last Saturday I had my car towed to Dempsey's in Clinton, MD. and pulled the motor with Dempsey, Rich and Charlie.
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http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...psuffyijen.jpg

Started around 9 am and we had the motor out by 3:28. That is with a sit-down lunch of barbequed ribs and chicken and joy rides for Brett - We are getting scary good at this!
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We had a special guest, Brett. To make the long story short, Dempsey found out about Brett, an autistic teenager who loves Corvettes, and invited Brett and his parents over to watch what we were doing and joy rides of Brett's choice. I must say, this must have been a very special day for Brett - Dempsey, thanks for having had an opportunity to be a part of Brett's special day!
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Private Corvette show for Brett!
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Yesterday, Dempsey disassembled the top end. It seems inboard head bolts may have been under torqued resulting in head gasket around #5 cylinder breaking up. I will be taking the heads with gaskets attached to the machine shop that had assembled the short block, discuss what we see and hopefully figure out exactly how and why it had failed.

Once I have both heads shaved we will be re-assembling the motor and drop in the car. I will certainly keep you all posted.

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

May I suggest using the Cometic MLS head headgasket upgrade that Marc Haibeck sells? This is basically LS-1 Technology using an all steel "Reuseable gasket"

Ive been running mine in my 380 for years now with Zero issues. Since your there I strongly suggest and I highly recommend it. GC


http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20W...d%20gasket.htm

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

For sure! I talked to Marc during the Carlisle event. I will be getting a set very soon.

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

Phil (PhllipsLT5) is also using these gaskets after he lost his head gaskets years ago after Marc did a lot of work on the car.

These days its the best way forward. GC

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

I was a test mule for Marc and years later in HOT AZ, lots of 1/4, 1/2, 1 & 1.5 mile runs, no leaks, only way to go

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

good luck! sounds like you found the root cause and are well on the way to the fix.

I admire the determination and for sure the wazoo guys are unique in their talents.

we are pretty lucky to have this segment of the brotherhood.

as I look at the LS guys the LS9 hg is getting slung on anything regardless of bore (sheesh)

my next build I'd love to try the AES liners, maybe we can talk Phil into it, he seems to want more for that big stroker before he even gets the rings seated :confused:

the LT5 stroker is just way too much fun.

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

Absolutely Ron. We have some of the best talents locally. Also, WAZOO gang are always so helpful and happy to pitch in. Had it not been for the WAZOO gang, I would have given up my Z a long time ago. Just wouldn't have been able to afford necessary refurbishing let alone all mods.:cheers:

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

That my man is the TRUTH! Cannot imagine having to take the Z to the local GM dealer..................

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

"We had a special guest, Brett. To make the long story short, Dempsey found out about Brett, an autistic teenager who loves Corvettes, and invited Brett and his parents over to watch what we were doing and joy rides of Brett's choice. I must say, this must have been a very special day for Brett - Dempsey, thanks for having had an opportunity to be a part of Brett's special day!"

This is pretty cool, my daughter has autism, and something like this means alot....very nice of you guys to do this!

Re: Second time for Secondchance
 

Charlie,
What are those blue things on your hands?
Nelson