Hey guys, well on to tackling to what I feel are the last set of immediate mechanical problems. I have a pretty extensive oil leak somewhere-about 6 to 7 1/2$ size spots on the pavement- and I have crossed off valvecovers as the culprit. The oil seems to be right where the head and block meet, from there it seems to trickle down and drip off the starter, torque converter cover, and even a drop or two from the tranny pan/crossmember(probably blown by the fan). Any ideas as to where it is leaking? Intake? Oil Pan?

My other question/concern is this: How can you tell for sure if you have a coolant leak? Of the few times my car has smoked, it has been blue( atleast thats what it looked like in the rear view ) and it doesnt smoke just sitting there in the driveway idling. My oil doesnt look like it has a tinge of green to it, nor does it look like chocolate milk(atleast I dont think). The one thing that does bother me though, after doing a test from this site that said to check for coolant leaks by revving the engine with the rad. cap off and to look for bubbles, I saw what looked more like a white froth/film on the surface of the coolant that increased a little with the rpm. Now this has me totally paranoid- do I have a coolant leak, or is a little froth to be expected, and should I only be alarmed if I had actual bubbles coming up from the fluid? Thanks for all those that reply

Rear intake rail gasket is looking likely.

I get a thin skein of white foam floating on the top. Is that what you have? Compression was fine.

Damn, with my luck it probably is the rear rail, oh well, nothing like spending the day bent over the fenders of your ride....but about that foam. Yes, I have a thin layer of foam/froth of white in the rad. fluid, but does this indicate a coolant leak? Glad to hear Im not the only one with this occurence, hopefully someone else can shed light on this....

but on to another topic altogether: Has anyone ever heard of quick time performance or doug thorley electric exhaust cutouts? Man, do these things sound bitchin - open headers at the touch of a button. A bit pricey tho- $315 for the quicks and $435 ( i think) for the thorleys. Anyone have any opinions on em? which one is better?
Anyways, thanks for replying 427l88, maybe someone else can answer us on the foam...

I would try pressure testing the system that should tell you for sure if there is a leak.

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1964 Chevelle 454
2003 Silverado HD