I have 1968 roadster conv, manual steer, manual brakes,4 speed. It has rear sway bar and larger front sway bar with a big block radiator.The color is yellow (red right now) this car has been restored frame up and I would like to put the right motor in it.I have found an engine that might possibly be the one that belongs in the car. Any help would be greatly apprieciated so I can get my car back to original form. My vin# is 194678S426446.
It is a late model 68. I don't know if this is supposed to be a tripower or single carb or what horsepower 427 it should be.

From what I can tell based on the VIN number your car was most likely assembled in late July or early August of 1968. If the trim tag plate is still mounted on the driver's side front door pillar you should be able to get a lot closer to the actual date. There should be a 3 character code for the body build date beginning with either an "L" (for July) or an "M" (for August) followed by 2 numbers. So, for example, if the code is L25 that would mean that the body was assembled on the 25th of July.

To have a "correct" engine it should have an assembly date that is shortly before the body build date. If you have found the build sheet for your car you should be able to tell exactly what engine setup was originally in your car. But if the build sheet is AWOL you just have to guess. Engine codes didn't get included into the VIN number until later in the '70s or early '80s.

Hope that this helps some.

Hi
I'm in the same boat.
My very early 68 is a big block too, but unfortunately has a non numbers matching big block installed.
I found out, that the high power big block 4 bolt mains should have following casting number
3916321
This number is found at the back of the block near the clutch, visible from top.
This casting is for L71, L89 and L88.
The 390 and 400 HP version I think where 2 bolt mains and different castings.
Hey, if you know of a block Casting like above, casted date H or I ( like H137 ) ( yes, my car was build in Oct 05, 67 )
or complete engine any state, let me know.
Thanks Gunther

Hey all . There are a few things to look for when trying to determine what engine came in your Vette . Please tell us what the red line is on the tach , see if there are one or two fuel lines (look on the front right frame rail inside the engine compartment) , determine the rear end code , determine the trans code , let us know if the vette has air conditioning , inspect the front brake calipere (do they have single or dual pins to secure the pads ?), can you find numbers on the shocks , is there an overflow tank , radiator shroud , what is radiator tag info , is there a T.I. amp mounted on the left front fenderwell (under the headlight , on the front side of the wheel well ( or are there 3 holes where the amp was mounted) , determining what ignition wiring harness you have will be another clue . Thes ar some things to look for and determine -- let me know what you find , george

George is right on. If you can get him answers to his questions, he can eliminate several engines. For example, if your car came with air conditioning, that eliminates the L71, L89 and L88, as you could not order air conditioning with those engines. If you have a rear sway bar that looks original, then that is a good confirmation that the car is a 427. Also count the number of rear leaf springs. If seven, you have the heavy duty suspension. If 9 springs, then its standard. I have a Late 1968 Coupe L71. Gotta get my cars picture posted.

Mark