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

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
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"
Thanks for the information. So how would someone claim to have
"matching numbers" on a car like this then? Here are a few
pictures of the car as it sits right now. It has sit in a garage for
the past decade or so.
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetteraerside.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettepartslot2.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettepartslot.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettehurstchifter.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetteinteriorbare.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetteguages.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettefrontside.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettehood2.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterotor.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettewindshield.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettespeedo.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterearunder.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterearquarter.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterear.JPG
Large pics changed to linksAdams' Apple 2006-09-21 18:23:35
"matching numbers" on a car like this then? Here are a few
pictures of the car as it sits right now. It has sit in a garage for
the past decade or so.
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetteraerside.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettepartslot2.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettepartslot.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettehurstchifter.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetteinteriorbare.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetteguages.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettefrontside.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettehood2.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterotor.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettewindshield.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vettespeedo.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterearunder.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterearquarter.JPG
http://www.photodump.org/stored8/68vetterear.JPG
Large pics changed to links
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.

Moderator
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' Apple 2006-09-21 18:30:45



Whatchootalkinbout, Ken???



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!!
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"
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.
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