1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe review from North America

Harmonic Balancer failed at 58,000 miles.

Front Brake caliper leaking.

Most Engine gaskets leaking.

57,500 miles AC belt failed and took out lower radiator hose.

Wrong HEI type distributor installed in car - tachometer (mechanical) would not work.

Oil gauge not working when purchased.

I purchased this car as a pleasure vehicle, weekend toy. I found it in Atlanta and flew out to buy it. After a through inspection I found it to be sound mechanically and decent cosmetically. It is numbers matching motor, trans, diff and has most of the original parts including the AM/FM radio. I negotiated a fair price ($19K) and drove it 1,000 miles home. The seller wanted to ship it (corvette specialty dealer) but I wanted to drive it. Plus it was going to cost $1,500 to ship.

It got 19 MPG on the trip. Very uneventful and the car was surprisingly comfortable. Not bad for a 35 year old car.

I don't drive it on long trips anymore, but, a lot of little ones and have only put 2K on since last October when purchased.

Part of that is due to the AC belt breaking and damaging the radiator hose. I replace both, but very cramped to get the lower hose on the radiator.

I have also replaced the HEI distributor with a Accel dual point model and now have the tachometer working again. A the same time I replaced the plugs and wires. That took the better part of two days as the wires are routed inside heat shields and through the motor mounts. The oil pressure gauge did not work and a replacement was $80 so I took a look at the old one. Some corrosion had formed on the gear that moved the indicator needle. So I cleaned that up (WD-40) and got it working.

One Saturday I started the vette with plans for a nice drive and heard a squealing noise. Sounded like a belt, upon inspection I found the balancer had separated at the rubber ring and the outer counter weight was rubbing on the timing cover. Over the next few weekends I replaced the balancer, timing chain, all belts, hoses, oil pump, most engine gaskets, the rear main seal and cleaned and repainted the motor. Now she's running great! No leaks ether!

I need to fix/replace the caliper as one is leaking, so I'm not driving much for now. I do start her up an listen to that sweet rumble.

I also need to replace all the suspension bushings as they are dry rotted.

I have found it was built on July 4th 1971. I still have lots of little things to do on it, but I plan never to sell and I already promised Daddy's "race car" to my 3 year old son. So I have time to get her "right".