Engine Accessories With the new 350-cc engine installed in the 1968 Camaro, the next steps in the restoration of this classic are the installation of engine accessories -- including the alternator, carburetor, fuel filter and water pump.
Following are the highlights of these installations as shown in the episode.
- In the restoration, the position of the new alternator was relocated under the hood from the driver side to the passenger side to accommodate the necessary brackets, and to allow for the use of a shorter drive belt for increased reliability. Before the restoration, a long drive-belt and large-diameter pulley had been installed on this vehicle for racing purposes. Those parts were removed earlier. For the restored street-driver, the new alternator will charge the vehicle at just above idle for enhanced reliability in everyday driving.
- The point-style ignition system was replaced with electronic ignition, to provide greater starting reliability.
- The new carburetor installed in the vehicle uses an electric choke rather than a mechanical choke. The new carburetor is a relatively simple installation, and the electric choke simply requires a 12-volt power supply.
- The fuel pump (figure A) is a simple bolt-on installation. It is important that the pump is installed on the engine with the "finger" oriented down underneath the push rod inside the block.
- With the fuel pump installed, the fuel line can be connected (figure B). Prior to installation, the fuel line was already pre-bent to accommodate the positioning of the alternator.
- Once the fuel line has been installed and the connections tightened, the fuel inlet hose can be connected to the fuel pump. This is the hose that leads from the fuel tank itself.
- With the fuel pump and lines installed, the next step is to install the headers on the engine head, and bolt them in place (figure C). Loosely bolt the header first at either end to hold it in position as the gasket is positioned and the remaining bolts are installed. Once all the bolts are in, tighten them all down securely.
- The sparkplug-wire looms (figure D) are installed to support and hold the wires off the header, and protect them from the extreme heat of the new engine.
- The new chrome water-pump pulley (figure E) is installed and bolted on loosely. The pulley is not tightened down fully just yet, as the fan will be installed later.
- The alternator is installed next (figure F), connecting the lower bracket to the water pump first, followed the alternator itself and chrome shims that orient the alternator properly so that the belts line up properly when the whole assembly is installed (figure G).
- The top alternator bracket is then installed on the water pump and intake manifold, and the alternator fastened securely with mounting bolts.
- Once the alternator is mounted properly, the belts can be installed into the grooves of the pulleys (figure H). Adjustments are made to the alternator and brackets to ensure the proper belt tension.
- Once the spark plugs have been installed, this phase of the engine restoration is complete.
RESOURCES :
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
GUESTS :
Butch Capps
Mid-South Gear Specialists
1903 Rosewood Road
Knoxville, TN 37924
Phone: 865-524-4800
Classic-car and replica-car expert; automotive engine specialist.
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