Topic: Engine mystery
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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Joined: 7/3/2010
Posts: 65
Vette(s): 1974 coupe. 350 CID with Turbo 400 trans. Decal says 8.5:1 compression. Needs paint and AC replaced but don't plan on full restoration. Car runs strong. No big problems so far. 67,000 miles on Odometer, probably rolled over
My 74 has a 350 SB. I do not know the block number because the Block has been decked and the numbers were not restamped. I have found all the number from different places on the block and the Block is from the right period of time but I cannot pinpoint the year.
I'm not concerned about "Matching Numbers".
I would like to know what the motor has in it. Cam, compression ratio, Horse Power, etc.
The motor runs good, no problems. (so far) It was apparent when I bought it that it had been rebuilt but the previous owner (only had the car 1 year) said it had been rebuilt right before he bought it but he did not know what they did.
Is there any way to determine what the motor has without tearing it down?
Also is there any way to track the record of the car, previous owners, etc?
I'm not concerned about "Matching Numbers".
I would like to know what the motor has in it. Cam, compression ratio, Horse Power, etc.
The motor runs good, no problems. (so far) It was apparent when I bought it that it had been rebuilt but the previous owner (only had the car 1 year) said it had been rebuilt right before he bought it but he did not know what they did.
Is there any way to determine what the motor has without tearing it down?
Also is there any way to track the record of the car, previous owners, etc?
It has been over a year since I started. I had to quit the project so
the car just sat in the garage. I was able to get started again in May 2012. As of July 27 2012 I have done the fiberglass repairs and applied Slick Sand High Build Primer.
http://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/14401_14500/14470/Doors-off-(Copy)201261111476r.jpg
http://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/14401_14500/14470/Doors-off-(Copy)201261111476r.jpg
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Check the VIN of the car...if the fifth digit is a "J", it left the factory with an L48 195hp engine. If the digit is a "T", it left the factory with an L82 250hp engine. That's assuming it's the original engine in the car.
Other clues...painted stamped valve covers would indicate an L48...finned aluminum valve covers would mean an L82. A cast iron intake manifold would be for an L48...aluminum intake means an L82. Of course, any f those could have been replaced or swapped out for aftermarket somewhere along the line.
There's also specific numbers on the heads, carburetor and distributor that can tell what engine the car has...everything assuming it's original to the car.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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