Thanks Chrome... I didn't even know that foam barrier existed... tho I thought I saw something behind the block.
Do I need to remove the wiper door mechanism to access that? I hear that is a royal pain.
Yes, I plan to get medieval tracking down that leak.
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Say... looking at the perished rubber at the top of the shock mount. Is that a good indication that these are old shock absorbers? Would they need to be replaced? And are they junk quality? The corvette's ride is very "spongy". My plan is to replace all the control arm bushings with polyurethane or del-a-lum and add a fast, new steering box (Borgeson). A set of HD front and rear anti-sway bars can wait. Do these shocks play a significant role in the sponginess, or should I not worry about them just now.
Yes, that foam barrier is very important to stop the extremely hot airflow from the motor heating up the trans tunnel and the rest of the floor area. Don’t forget there is still another molded piece, covered in reflective foil contoured to fit up to the tunnel with clips. All necessary to address the extreme heat transfer to the cabin.
You don’t have to remove the wiper door but it makes the job easier.
Since these are not oil filled shocks you can’t judge replacement by any oily film around the shocks, any bounce test doesn’t work all that well, so the condition (which includes the rubber grommets), date code (if any), model series will help decide if any change is needed, but since you don’t know any history of these shocks on this car and with the spongy ride - it’s a very safe bet money will be well spent on a new set.
Rich