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forward and backward. If you can't drive it, let it run for a moment, and then re-start it. Look for main
bearing oil leaks (behind the harmonic balancer) or oil pan leaks. Leaks aren't common unless the car
has high mileage.
Although you will not be using the Corvette transmission or torque tube, if they show signs of being
hit, the impact may have translated to the crankshaft. Once again (if possible) start the engine and
check to see if the harmonic balancer or any of the pulleys wobble or if the engine shakes violently.
If the block has been painted, it is a good indication that the engine was re-manufactured or has had
some work done to it since the Aluminum Corvette block was never painted at the factory.
The front spindles and rear spindles should be clean, dry, and have decent rotors and calipers without
much dirt accumulation.
Check the aluminum upper and lower control arms to be sure they are not bent or have large stress
cracks.
Make sure the rear tie rods are not bent. However, if they are damaged they are easily replaced.
Take a look into the throttle body of a low mileage car. There will be some black carbon immediately
behind the plate when it is opened. A throttle body with 50,000 miles of use will have a film thickness
equal to that of a piece of paper.
Porsche Parts
Check the G50 transmission tail shaft for smooth, unrestricted movement back and forth as well as the
ability to pivot clockwise and counter clockwise. Also, if you can obtain the correct pressure plate,
slave cylinder, throw-out bearing, and clutch fork with the transmission this is a plus.
You will also need to obtain the Porsche starter, which should be bolted to the G50.
Disassembly of a Corvette Donor for Parts
General Motors designs all of their cars for rapid and accurate assembly. These cars come apart
quickly and easily if you remember to look at it from the assembly point of view. The engine, torque
tube, and transmission are actually bolted to the front and rear cross members, raised into place from
below then fastened at 8 points (4 locations front and rear). Think of this job as a reverse assembly
line and it will go faster. The Factory Service manual has quite good step-by-step disassembly
instructions for each assembly. We have tried to be helpful here but the Service manual or any other
quality manual will make it that much easier. Many manuals licensed by GM use excellent GM
drawings, schematics and diagrams. For example, in the Corvette Service Manual every assembly
with an electrical connection has a specific section named "Connector End Views." The Connector
End Views section has scaled diagrams of what each connector looks like, what each lead in the
connector is for, and the color of the wire for each lead.
When in doubt, don't throw it out. That one little OEM bolt could save you a trip to the auto parts
store.
Doors
In order to remove the windows and mirrors, you may have to move the window up and down
to access certain bolts. Therefore, you will need to leave the battery connected for the
following steps.
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508-291-3443
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