I am looking at a 1969 that is reported to have started as a 427. It has the right hood and radiator but nwo has a 350 crate engine in it. How can I tell if it REALLY came from the factory with a 427?

What does the ID plate on the console say? It should say what engine and HP rating the car came with, though that certainly could have been changed.

Does it have a rear stabilizer bar? If yes, that is a clue it was a 427. What does the tach redline at? If 6500, then it was a 435hp 427 (L71 or L89) If it redlines at 5600, then it is a 427 390hp or 400hp. The small block tachs redlined at 6000 for the 350hp 350 and 5300 for the 350 hp 350.

Mark

If you have access to the PROTECT-O-PLATE, look at the second line down from the top. The first row of code letters/numbers lines up with the right-hand edge of the card, so you don't see anything directly above the second row on the left.

There will be a code (letters/numbers) that identifies the engine source, date and type. That is the first number on the left side. It will look something like this:

F0930AN

The last two letters identify the engine/transmission and some options.

If the first letter of this pair is an "H" or "G" it was a 350. If it is an "L" or "M" it was a 427.

If you find the pair of letters, I can tell you what engine it was with some other details.

Jim