1973 BIG BLOCK Corvette Runs For The 1st Time Since Being Parked in 1991

I love to get cars to run after being parked for a long time. I also love cars that are super original and this one is both. Time to get this old beast to run since it was parked in 1991.

[@rubyred93chev]

_Big block 454, air, and 4-speed 1973 Corvette coupe!!! What a find Ben._

[@scottbarker9058]

whats it got..250 or so horse-powers??

[@65stang98]

@@scottbarker9058 gotta bump those numbers up. one of these with 400 hp would be my dream

[@crawford323]

⁠​⁠@@scottbarker9058Oddly, the expert listings on data argue or rather show two different horsepower ratings for a 454 of that year model. The Corvette Black Book list this engine ( 1973 ,as installed in the Corvette ) at 275 hp will most others list the LS4 at 270. Interestingly enough the Corvette Black Book list the next year model Big Block, 1974, as 270. This data must be tied to the understanding the method of rating horse power, at the time, was at the end of the transmission shaft with all of the accessories attached. Does this include exhaust system plumbing etc? This was the beginning of the age of government strangulation of the muscle cars due to EPA regulations. Was there much or any actual "Long Block" differences in year models of basic engines? Did the '74 have the peanut heads? Also the compression ratio seems to be in dispute. Some refer to 8.25 to 1 and others refer to 8.5 to 1 compression ratios. We can agree either of those ratios is a crying shame. Even if the engine exists in a weakened HP form, the torque due to its massive displacement is listed universally as 390 ft/lbs at a relatively low rpm of 2500 though 5k. The cars were low geared and what I can gather at 70 mph the rpm we're somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 rpm. Also the other kick in the groin was this was after the oil embargo and Nixon's "let's drive 55!" Can you imagine sitting behind this monstrosity of an engine in a car shaped by the wind and limited to a maximum velocity of less than a daisy BB gun? Ok not a fair comparison, the car is 80 FPS at 55 mph. A bb would not make it out of the barrel at that velocity. So it is heartbreaking slow. As someone who drove a '66 Chevy 2 Nova with a 283 bored 30 over with cam and other goodies attached, I got 7 speeding tickets in 2 months before I understood the Country Mounties were serious about the 55 mph craziness. But hey I have memories and now I own a silver numbers matching BIg Block turbo atomic version of the same car Ben is twisting bolts on and there is no such speed limit now. The only difference is I am now a 18 year old trapped in a 69 year old body. Oh and gas prices.

[@crawford323]

@@65stang98What is your plan to bump those numbers up if one wanted not to re-cam and limit the modifications to restore-to-original. Another words to keep the original parts to be able to restore the car to original if so desired. I think most people who end up with a numbers matching car, like myself, who are retired or with budgets which are limited without the means to Jay Leno a car to its showroom glory struggle with this very question. Do you invest $5-10k to help it breath a little easier and give it some modern creature comforts or keep it original and possibly not really enjoy the luck fortune has given you? Your, can't get greasy, kids will sell it too cheap when you are gone anyway. It is a time aged dichotomy. It is after all not a split window big block.

[@artmchugh5644]

I worked at a Chevy dealership in Flint Michigan in 1973 , drove a few of these brand new! 😂😂😂😂🚗🚗🚗🚗🍺🍺🍺

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

One heck of a find there! And I have to say, You're one of the first people I've seen actually change the oil and filter before trying to start a car that's been down for years. Nice work, in fact you did pretty much everything I would have, gotten the valve covers off to replace the gaskets, a thorough oil priming, checking the ignition out. I would have added pulling the plugs just to get a look at them to see if there's any obvious old oil fouling. But man, a 454 with a manual, that car is going to be a blast to drive, and restoration won't be so hard because it's all original and unmolested. A perfect job to do.

[@fubufb420]

Right! A thorough go through beforehand is a must! Can't just crankin on an old engine! Poor motors😢

[@valengreymoon5623]

She's a definite candidate for restoration.

[@carguy4658]

Beautiful Car Ben. Happy Holidays to you, your family at home, and those who watch you here.

[@merlinwag]

That air cleaner is worth some big $$$ never get rid of it, lol.

[@chrisjones7869]

I revived a 74 L82 last year from dad's barn. I just replaced the nose on it before I put it away. Runs great only 44000 mls on it. Love the vids. Inspires me to keep going on it. God bless.

[@byronholt3993]

If we all SHARE this video Ben’s subscriptions will jump overnight. I’m sharing now because I want to see this channel grow so we will all see more Corvette content!

[@goldenknight007]

This is the best Christmas present we could ask for....now if only this one was in my driveway...

[@amundson1942]

My father bought a 73 Corvette in 74. Second owner. When he passed, I go it and kept it for several years. I then gave it to my son in Hawaii and he drives it a lot. All original parts and engine. It's painted the original yellow. 454 with an automatic tranny.

[@dicknixon2763]

They were ok. I had a 74 454 /4 spd around 1979 and a 1968 427 4 spd rock crusher at the same time and same bright yellow paint ironically. Two different motors for sure and the difference that 6 yrs of new smog laws implemented certainly made a diff I can tell u. The 454 being a truck motor was torque but the 390 hp 427 would pull that ,454 Everytime. Both were hella fun regardless and wish I'd never let go......but if I hadn't I guess I wouldn't have gotten my 71 440 GTX or 69 390 AMX,LOL. I will say that out of all that batch and subsequent ones that my personal and under appreciated fav was the 1969 AMX 390 which for those who don't know,wasn't a javlin without a backseat but a 3500 lb well handling little rocket that felled 455 transams with ease, and ate Porsches for breakfast.Thats the one I'd wish for again.

[@SlappysAutoRepair]

This guy should have waaayyy more subscribers!! Keep up the good work, Ben!

[@TheCorvetteBen]

I appreciate that!

[@jamesgrant9317]

He’s ok for a Texan! 😹

[@keitht7546]

I had a orange 73 roadster with a 454 and was a fun car back then. Great video

[@Simplyput3451]

The new owner was lucky to find a time capsule vet. I know you will do a great job for the owner.

[@lilibethdoherty295]

A 4 Speed big block is a double winner!

[@randyluca6339]

My friend had a black on black 73 Corvette also. It used to be green though. He drove it out to Arizona in the mid eighties from Ohio when he moved there, and sold it out there around 1990. It looked almost exactly like yours. Pretty neat video which brought back some good memories.

[@SD-pi9co]

I enjoy your videos. I restored a 1976 stingray when I was 17 - 18 years old. Learned a lot about cars but I would NEVER restore one again. I absolutely HATE this era of Corvette. They were gutless on power, handled poorly, rode poorly and used a lot of gas! But I still watch!!!

[@siobob1]

This 454 was the last of the Vette muscle cars.

[@johnhoye4535]

good for you, that’s a real find and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy ,thanks for the Christmas gift

[@dallenone]

You are a true and authentic car enthusiast. You're from Texas & I'm from Sebastopol CA. I love the way you present one of the best actually. Wish you had 1,000,000 subscribers you deserve it. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Cheers

[@straighttimestirrups]

Played golf in Sebastopol a couple of times. I’m down San Diego way.

[@donnie2533]

Great video glad you posted keep them coming thanks

[@brianpaulson6534]

20 years ago I bought a 1970 454 auto Corvette top ,org motor and transmission 355 gears . Built the motor Balanced and blue printed by Auburn Machine . It has a custom front end . Pushing 525 hp . Fun to drive. I found out the car was a track car in the 70s . Wishing I hadn't sold it. Great project have fun 😊.

[@D64-g8l]

Looks like a great restoration project. Cant wait to see more . Love the video. Thanks for sharing .

[@houseofno]

Gives me hope for my car (not a Corvette) - mine has been sitting since February 2007. Thanks for the video and Merry Christmas to all!

[@jimbo141]

Those first couple of coughs when you’re bringing an old engine back to life are more exciting than chasing cheerleaders.

[@perrymurdock7505]

Thanks for the Corvette video, Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@Duey333]

My '73 numbers matching numbers big block also finally got running and restored this year after sitting for 17 years. Great job getting that LS4 turning Ben. Happy Holidays!

[@rogergoodman8665]

To me it sounds like the noises are all valvetrain. Not all rockers are getting oil & several rockers were barely moving. Make sure no pushrods are bent & all valves move freely also. A 454 Vette with a 4 speeds is very cool!

[@robnamowicz8073]

One big problem I had was belts, when you get her going, air and everything, they love to throw belts. They gotta be right. Good Luck, they are easy and fun to drive. Oh, they say Zora didn't like the big block cars. When he retired, he ordered a big block Vette for himself, with an automatic no less. Gotta love the torque, he did! Oh, an aluminum radiator will really help. Just replaced my 'BeCool' that lasted 14 years. They are great guys, too!

[@wymple09]

Zora didn't like the big block in the earlier Vettes. This generation Vette is a whole different car.

[@davebutler2776]

My son had 78 it was dark brown orginal color was yellow painted it back yellow found his in a storage lot sat there 20 years got her completely restored.

[@johnccargill4665]

Ben I've been watching your videos for years and enjoy them

[@gs3504]

Nice surprise today!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[@c.s.s.1723]

Another unheard of find. I like the fact that you are talking the time and the extra steps to ensure you don’t damage this rare original. I think that the 4-speed 454 has to have some pretty low production numbers. Congratulations….!

[@rubyred93chev]

_A 4-speed 454 in yellow with air conditioning has to be even more rare. Of the 25,521 coupes manufactured by Chevrolet this year, as you add in four speed cars, LS4 engine cars, paired with A/C, then opting for yellow, I would bet the total production has to be a staggering 1 to 2 percent(maybe even less)._

[@mjbruno5233]

That knock though.

[@asteverino8569]

And that knock ✊🏼 tho. Anyway, great to hear it run. Liked the front and back cameras. Merry Christmas to you, Ben and to your family.

[@lydiapawlak8564]

No oil has been in this engine for years

[@georgemattar1182]

Awesome find. I have a 73 silver coupe with 4 speed. I put a fiberglass front bumper on mine. Fits better than the original urethane.

[@samperras]

Can’t wait to see the next instalment

[@wymple09]

Prime a long sitting engine with a 2 stroke oil mix. I would have poured the last quart of oil down over the valve train as well. Love the big blocks.

[@fubufb420]

Love the black on black. Soo dark and mysterious! 😅 I always thought a black C3 was a batmobile when I was just a little tot...😂😂 Expected the Batman to jump out and start beating bad guys! 💪✊😂😂

[@snoroof58]

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thanks for all your videos this past year!

[@daviswall3319]

Love a C3, especially with big block, 4spd and at least one chrome bumper!!! Good job Ben

[@JK-xz1lt]

🙀🙀 Such a beautiful vette. I'd kill for a 78-81 with a manual transmission.

[@grabir01]

I also have an LS4 454 corvette with 4 sp. Very rare. Most were autos. IF the motor rotates, use some pre mix fuel and dribble into the carb to get it running as the premix will lube the pistons and jugs real good. Maybe take a bore scope and look at the jugs.

[@fastglassman624]

There were two Corvette yellows in 1973, Code 952 is a non-metallic yellow. Code 953 metallic is probably the original color for this car. Recommended interior colors for Code 953 were black, or midnight blue. Paint code and trim code will be stamped on a stainless steel plate high on the driver-side front door jamb just below the windshield. Motor oil since the 1990s has been missing the ZDDP needed by these old flat tappet cam engines. I would use nothing in classic cars, including C1, C2, C3 Corvettes, but conventional motor oil formulated with the ZDDP they need. It will cost owners a little more, but worth it for the low miles they're driven.

[@johnhouseholder7682]

Let whoever is knocking out,lol.thanks john from arizona

[@daviddavis697]

I owned a 71 big block. These are ferocious beasts but luxurious and comfortable.

[@byronholt3993]

YES! Corvette content!

[@brianhall8097]

Thanks for the content cool looking Corvette have a happy and merry Christmas Ben

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

Nice score, you have good luck in finding sweet vehicles

[@zackgeorge2575]

Wow great vette and video, Thanks!

[@tomlewis3658]

Wow, this Vette looks really solid & complete. What a great find. And at around 15:50, I saw a blue 1956 (I think) Buick outside in the driveway. With your 55 Pontiac and 56 Cadillac and all of your Vettes, it seems like you just need a (preferable mid-50's) Oldsmobile, for a full house of the GM car brands of that time.

[@TheCorvetteBen]

1954

[@billfunk3168]

Looking forward to future videos Ben. Numbers matching 454 very rare car. I hope you can restore this 73 to as nice as your wife’s. I had a gold 73 same black leather interior deep pile carpets wood grained door panels. I am really looking forward to watching you restore this very rare Corvette.

[@ronalds2080]

Beautiful vette Ben I love that year.

[@geoffquinn3109]

Nice 73 BB survivor. I know that is a cool car. Merry Christmas my friend

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Merry Xmas Ben. Love the videos.

[@NEAFarmKid4010]

Great find. I'd never be able to afford a big block, 4-spd all original car lol

[@vincentfisher4748]

Great find! Even by 73. a 454 with a 4speed was a rare thing because of the energy crisis and high insurance rates .IMO I would return the paint back to the original yellow gold color it looked really good 👍 on that car .

[@armedinbama]

Could you imagine daily driving a big block Vette during the Jimmy Carter era? That guy was a straight BALLER! 🖕😎🖕

[@kbtruck65blair64]

Congratulations. Merry Christmas Ben and best wishes for your family.

[@johndonlon1611]

Another cool find ! Why not find a kid in the neighborhood that can help do stuff like turn the key, hand you parts, hold the camera, etc.? You get help and he/she learns something.

[@Toguro-oy3ld]

I primed my Olds 455 w/ a drill the same way, smoked it.

[@bern1228]

That is a wonderful find, a beautiful beast.

[@grumpyoltimer7523]

Excellent find Ben!

[@flatworm00]

This could be a great car! Super find

[@craigcollins8841]

Wow, that is one great surviver. I have watched all your video's since I have inherited my Late Fathers 1982 Base Corvette. It has a 1995 LT1 and has no start issues. Gaining knowledge on the electronics and narrowing down the root cause and I think I found the culprit. Keep the Vid's coming and Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from Craig in Cost, Texas..

[@roeltovar8601]

Love your channel, happy New Year Ben, may God continue to bless you & yours

[@prodkey]

Well done - as usual!!! Have a great Xmas with your fam.

[@seanbrimhall4163]

Love this channel! Hoping to see more vids on this '73!

[@briandale8386]

Nice , looks like fun to work on

[@tonybosworth5382]

Heck yeah! Nice big block project. Merry Xmas!

[@brokenbonegarage8910]

Great one Ben, I have a 72 and same valve covers. Mine was also complete but frame was shot, Canadian winters killed the frame LOL Merry Christmas.

[@paulmac9634]

Great car, great vid, merry Christmas Ben!!

[@that_thing_I_do]

I've never seen that type of oil filter change-up. Cool.

[@buchmannray]

Merry Christmas Ben, great car.

[@mzaccagnini7179]

Thats definitely worth restoring. Keep it original.

[@richardbullock9552]

nice job Ben, & a keeper to find in that shape& originality....bbc's rule..how much? retired mechanic & still playing

[@nicksnarski5973]

Those are OE gaskets silver colored cork,also I see 73 on the cylinder head .Nice score.

[@dennisbrooks240]

That yellow was one of the more rare colors, if I remember correctly. To return to the original paint would make it much more valuable?

[@scottmaz4063]

What a great find

[@Poopdogsays]

From what I can tell from the video, that motor has 858 heads on it which are 65-67 396-427 closed chamber rec port heads. Might wanna check the block and pad numbers, it may not be the original motor. But its still a big block 4 speed car, which is cool in its own right.

[@tayzer22]

It just looks like straight up all business.

[@e.z.hernandez6378]

Found my all original 68 coupe 4 years ago. All original with air and power everything. Took a lot to get her going but she’s alive. Not a big block though, she’s a baby 3 speed 327.

[@rustyjeep2469]

Wow what a find. I would definitely keep that one, do a driver quality resto & keep it as original as possible. The original color is cool but I'd have to stay with the black myself. 🖤

[@jimmybanta4520]

Beautiful

[@raymondmumford6255]

Great video Ben

[@johnschutt9187]

Great video. Thanks!

[@josephfine3394]

When you start a carbureted engine, it's not like fuel injection, you have to pump the accelerator a few times to keep the pump inside the carb active. When it starts you need to give it a few pumps to keep it going until it warms, because choke rarely works properly if car has been sitting. With fuel injection you can just sit there because it's pressurized.

[@dennisbrooks240]

Didn't the 73 have the same chromed distributor cover that my 74 did? It was to reduce noise in the radio?

[@johnw3638]

That's the proper way to resurect a sleeping engine. Nice job. One additional thing I would have done is pull the plugs and squirt a mix of light engine oil, Marvel mystery Oil in the cylinders. Looking forward to the progress. My 73 coupe was that ugly orange sprayed black before I got it, and looks just like yours

[@serpentza]

Looks awesome!

[@markwarren7959]

Shit yeah! Bring back the original color!!!!!!!!!!

[@grabir01]

Nice car. Very rare.

[@epasternak4206]

Id love to find this year in this condition to work on. I have a 75 i found that is 100% original with minor surfuce rust, no damage of anykind. I am the second owner.

[@crawford323]

You know the odd thing about pretty much any horn system is the horn has to be grounded though the steering column and that means also through the bearings. If the special electrical conducting grease has dried a caked up, there might not be a good ground. You might have to pull the steering wheel and replace or repack the first bearing in the steering column.

[@markbaker8004]

My ‘73 Coupe (sbc) is almost all original and in better shape…in Canada! Everything works. Garage princess! No winters.

[@RetiredRhetoricalWarhorse]

The Stingray is about the only corvette I'd even want to own... not that this decision would depend in the slightest on my choice but on the fact that the budget would not allow for it anyway.

[@BladesRKing]

Had a 396 bored to 402 and ran a Crane cam and Rhodes Lifters in it, “the tappets that tick”. What a pain trying to get the right gap on the rocker arms when they always made noise 😂

[@bloodybones63]

Those 396s would make a little noise, anyway, I feel your pain.

[@TheCgraham18]

Solid candidate to restore

[@eddiebelvedere2400]

Nice going Ben.

[@mlchristopher]

Super cool car.

[@ckstaff]

I believe you will have fun with this one. I sure would. Anything from 68 to 73. Perhaps the tack cable is broke and that is why it is unhooked.