Hi guys. I have been visiting this site for years but this is my first post.

I have a 1970 SS396 that I bought in 1989. The car currently has a .060" over 454 with TH400 and a 3.73 12 bolt. I drove the car regularly from 1989 to 1995 but it has been semi-hibernating since then (priorities changed, got married, kids...).

I have the fever again to get this car back in shape with my limited funds and money. I need some help on what to tackle first (body, suspension, drivetrain, interior???).

Would it be best to post a description of the car in the general chevelle tech forum to get the teams input?:confused:

Hello there I am from the Lynchburg area, and welcome. I have a 70 as well with 454, and as long as you have that nice bit of horsepower, you off to a good start. Post some pics of the car so we can see!
Willie

Hello and welcome. Glad to see more 70 SS Chevelles in the area. If it runs, then the next step would be to make sure it's safe. Work on the brakes, suspension, electrical.

Do what you can when you can and it will get done.:D

.

Welcome! I'm in Richmond. I agree on safety first, then performance, then appearance. Have fun!

Thanks for the input. Just to let the members posting from Lynchburg, Richmond and Maryland know where I live, it's in Chesapeake. I will post some pics when I take some current ones. I do want to start on the suspension and brakes but I am not sure of the condition of the engine.

The last time I tried to start the car was a year and a half ago and it wouldn't start and I thought at the time it was because of old gas (it had fuel at the carb and spark at the plugs and the gas had been in the car for a while). Now I know the gas is real old and I plan to replace it.

My fear is turning a motor over that has not been spun for that long. I have heard stories of guys spinning bearings because of the lack of oil. Would I be ok changing the oil and filter then pulling the coil wire and spinning the motor over until the pressure builds or should I yank the distributor and prime the oil pump?

Thanks

Hey guys, any input on starting the engine after it has set idle for so long?

I also have been told that some of the valve springs (the ones that have been sitting there compressed) may not shut the valves as fast as they used to at high rpms. Is there any truth to that?

Thanks:confused:

Hello and welcome.:beers: