===========
spend 10 bucks for a general membership to the C3 registry (and its
very useful forums) at (  www.C3Vr.com ) ... I have no connection with
them BUT am a lifetime member... and only because I was able to get
correct answers when I needed them... Be advised that I'n cheap and do
not normally upgrade memberships unless I find them very very
useful...  The C3 Forum just happens to be exceptionally useful...

While you have your checkboob out also buy an assembly manuel from one
of the major vendors ...a much have if you even think about doing any
work on the car.. ya got to remember the first step repairoing almost
anything on early Corvettes is to dissassemble the entire car...

On your engine question,... I blew the original engine in my 72 in
1974 or 1975 and dropped in a 68 327 350 out of a wrecked 69 vette
which is still in the car but its getting a little tired so a ZZ4 is
on my wish list ..  IF I still had the original engine I would most
likely have it rebuilt (but not to stock) .  Since it no longer has
the original engine (and I am not a matching numbers type of guy) The
ZZ4 would be at the top of my list for a replacement engine...

Oh and one more thing... MOST C3's have extremely slow headlight doors
that take what seems like hours to open (IF THEY OPEN ) or have one
door pop up and the other remain closed... your problem is unusual ...
lol

Bob G.
64 72  98 & 99 Convertibles
76 & 79 Coupes
   (the 99 I just inherited from my brother who passed away in
November.my .wife claimed it because its an automatic ...LOL)

I know Chris Prowl wrote a
complete testing and diagosnostic pamplet for the headlights/wiper
doors etc that at one time was sold by Ecklers etc...someone on the
forum most likely has it or would sacn it and sent it to you...

Just happen to come across this partial online manual for 68-72 Vettes. It
happens to have the section on adjusting the headlight doors. Just be wary,
the doors are made of white metal and the adjusting screws tend to freeze
in place.

http://tinyurl.com/32f6ol

.Also i was wondering if anyone had any ideas on a

unless you know a *real good* engine builder that you really trust get a GM
crate engine and drop it in. It comes with a warrantee and cheaper in the
long run.No core charge.
Just buy a $49.00 engine stand from harbor freight and leave your original
in the corner for now

kickstart

Thinking back 37 years to the 71 454 Vette roadster I had, the headlights
would open quite quickly and clunk into position. Shutting them was quieter.
Certainly did not slam. The lights were vacuum operated (as I recall) with a
tank and quite a bit of tubing. I have been told that rebuilding the system
is difficult.