69 Yenko Camaro - Engine Coolant Leak
 

All - I acquired the Jim Pearse restored 69 Yenko Camaro a few months ago. It is a stunning car and he did a phenomenal job on the restoration several years back. I've grown tired of all of my cars just sitting in the garage and I'm making an effort to run all of them in my neighborhood 1-2 times a month. Nothing radical...just letting the cars get fresh air and time for the juices to flow. I got back with the Yenko this evening and coolant was steadily coming down the back side of the engine block. I'm guessing it is originating from a head gasket.

I love and collect old muscle cars, but simply put, I don't have the skillset to turn wrenches. I'm on the west coast of Florida in the Bradenton/Sarasota area and I'm having a hell of a time finding anyone I would trust to work on any of my cars. Do any of you know of any reputable mechanics or restoration shops in Florida? In addition to the Yenko, I've got a mixed bag of late 60's and early 70's muscle cars and I'm just trying to find someone within a 100-200 mile radius of my house that knows what they are doing.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations anyone might have.

Maybe call Chevelle Super Sport in Winter Garden. They are very deep into Chevelle's and may have a recommendation of an engine builder.
407-559-7759
http://www.chevellesupersport.com/


Coolant down the block could also be an intake to head gasket.

Without seeing it or more info, my guess would be intake gasket failure being more likely than blown head gasket. If that's the case could be a fairly simple fix.

There is the Sarasota Classic Car Museum not far from you that might be a source for a lead on a reliable mechanic to assist.

mehanic
 

Dave Mcgaffee from ohio moved to Fl. Fort Myers Beach. very knowlegable on these cars and a super guy. look him up on facebook.

Attend some local cruise in’s and start talking to guys. Someone will know someone else that can help you out. Sounds like intake gasket to me not a head gasket.
GL

I agree with the above posts. Sounds more like an intake gasket. You may ask the American Muscle Car museum about help with it. It's a private collection, but they have top notch staff that take care of those cars and they have a lot of Chevrolet/Yenko muscle cars. I'm sure if they couldn't help they would recommend a great shop to repair it for you.

Another vote for Dave McGaffee. Knowledgeable, trustworthy and a super guy!