L 89 Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 203
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From: Houston
L 89 Barn Find
I found what is suppose to be a 68 L 89 coupe through a friend of mine. I talked to the owner who has had the car for about 8 years and bought it from a guy who's owned it since 84. It has the original paint and interior. Shows 47,000 miles. There is no documentation and I was told that the fuel tank was replaced a few years ago because it was rusted from sitting so long , so no gas tank sticker. He also said that GM replaced the block way back when. Was supposedly used by GM as a factory demo or show car. It has original sidepipes. I asked him about the block stamping expecting a CE block. He said the stamping ends with IU which is correct for an L 89 but it doesn't have a serial number on the boss. I thought replacement blocks were stamped CE with no suffix letters. Anybody have information about replacement block indentification? My friend is going to look at the car tomorrow if it doesn't sell tonight. I know this is a C3 but it seems you C2 guys are a little sharper when it comes to Big Blocks. Thanks, Mike
Last edited by Jetrench; Feb 12, 2006 at 09:59 PM. Reason: Change Title
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,659
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From: Central Arkansas
Probably a block casting number (and casting date code if possible) would help some with your question. It would be a good idea to get the numbers and date codes if possible off the heads and intake if they are suppose to be original - have to pull a valve cover of course.
Dan
Dan
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington Michigan
If the block was replaced under the 5/50 warranty, it would have a "CE" number on the pad; factory replacement short blocks (either warranty or service) didn't have a suffix stamp on them. Sidepipes weren't available in '68 - only in '69. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 11
From: Houston
L89
Just got back from looking at the car. I put a $3500 deposit on it. I'll get it next weekend. Seems to be a real find. The stamped number on the block is CE968182IU. Casting number 3963512. Heads 3919842. Dates on heads 10-18-67 and 1-20-68. Car is an April build date. Intake number is correct. Transmission is an M21 with the car serial number. Tach is a 6500 RPM redline. Has TI module in correct location. Looks to me like the real deal. What are NCRS's views on CE warranty blocks? Thanks, Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
Originally Posted by Jetrench
What are NCRS's views on CE warranty blocks? Thanks, Mike
