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Topic: Any way to tell what the original engine is?

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/21/06 3:23pm Message 1 of 8
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West Chester, OH - USA
Joined: 9/21/2006
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1968 Convertible
Hey guys,
I recently purchased a 1968 Corvette convertible that is supposedly a big block car. After researching I cannot find a way to tell which motor was originally in this car as it is missing it. The previous owners are saying the 427 390hp, but I would like to be sure how to be certain. Here is the VIN on the car and I will try to get some pics up later of my new project, thanks for any help in helping the new guy.
 
194678s416262
Mickie



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Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/21/06 4:01pm Message 2 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Chevrolet did not identify which engine was installed in the car by the VIN # until '72. So, the VIN can't help.

There are some ways to tell, by the other components on the car, IF they are original to the car. Components such as the radiator, hood(does it have holes for the 427 emblem?) the tach(redline), rear stabilizer bar, exhaust configuration, fuel line location, etc.
Ther are others here at C3VR that are more knowledable on big block cars than I. I'm sure you will get some responses from them, and more info.


Joel Adams
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Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/21/06 6:05pm Message 4 of 8
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
I don't have an answer, but yours is in better shape than mine when I got it.   That car is going to be great!


Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/21/06 6:10pm Message 5 of 8
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West Chester, OH - USA
Joined: 9/21/2006
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1968 Convertible
Thanks! i can't view your pics though. Considering my dad owns a body shop and has restored a few cars in his day, hopefully it won't take very long to piece her back together. We do have a great amount of parts, but not knowing every part it is hard to tell what is missing.


Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/21/06 6:25pm Message 6 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
[QUOTE=kstyer] I don't have an answer, but yours is in better shape than mine when I got it.   That car is going to be great![/QUOTE]


Whatchootalkinbout, Ken??? You car STILL looks like that!
But...it is drivable, ain't it?!

I see the car does have the heavy dooty rear yokes on the diff., and it does have the big-block exhaust.(The pipes are "flattened" a bit where they go under the spring.) It also looks like the holes in the hood for the 427 emblem have been filled, but...hoods are easy to change, so that's not really a solid indicator of big-blockness.

Whew!! Looks like you have some work to do!!Adams' Apple2006-09-21 18:30:45


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/21/06 6:33pm Message 7 of 8
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West Chester, OH - USA
Joined: 9/21/2006
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1968 Convertible
Thanks, yeah we know there is a lot of work and money, but we are prepared for that. We had a family friend who has restored around 50 vettes from various years and he said this was the best body he has seen as far as stress cracks and original fiberglass.


Any way to tell what the original engine is?

Posted: 9/22/06 9:19am Message 8 of 8
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goldens bridge, NY - USA
Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498
Vette(s): 1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac
Get er done- this is a geat place for help,info and a place to cry
Welcome
Big Al 




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