lilesv

I bought a 1966 roadster in April 1972. Engine number is VII07HE - Flint engine; November 7th; 1965 327/300 m/t. This jives with the car's manufacture. It's supposedly the original engine, according to the original owner.

-BUT- NCRS says the engine code must start with an "F"

Could VII07HE be the original engine?

Appreciate any advice!

Mike67nv

What is the engine casting number and casting date code? Is there a VIN derivative stamp on the pad?

ricks327

I thought the stamp pad engine plant code switched to "V" in 66 but stand to be corrected. My small block 67 has a "V" code.

Velox

No, not the original engine to a 1966 Corvette, just my opinion. Would like to see a photo of your engine pad, the VIN derivative, the actual stamping image, also block cast number and date, all this would help to identify origin as HE suffix found with other 60s small block Chevys. But for a 1966 Corvette, no, not original, not with a V engine assembly plant code. The only acceptable plant code for a 1966 Corvette small block would be F and this changed to a V for Flint Corvette small block engines in 1967

lilesv

GM 3876476-N

GM131 A 3736505 1038

No VIN # on ID pad

Thanks!

65GGvert

GM 3876476-N

That's the rear axle.

65GGvert

It would be hard to explain an early 66 with a V engine code. Not sure how you know its Nov 65 from that info, but I would not be convinced by seller that it is the original engine. A Nov 65 engine would be, for example, F1107HE

Here's my theory based on wild speculation. IF that's the correct stamping for the engine, someone put a 67 300hp engine in and didn't bother to stamp the VIN. Perhaps a warranty replacement?

lilesv

Here's one, more to come.

Thanks!

lilesv

Now THAT makes sense. Have no idea how to research to find out if that was the case, though!

Krystal

WOW!!

.....and this is why I won't pay up for a car based on it's having an "original" numbers matching engine.........unless it was TRULY a collectible with gigantic appreciation potential. Seems to me you could make the argument to do so for a '67 427 car easily......... but none of the much more common small block cars would make the cut for me.

Good luck with this....... you might have an original engine here......but even if you do......you now have a new dilemma to resolve.

How much extra do you ask for "Matching #s" original when you have a Fluke number for the year 1966 that makes any future buyer nervous about paying up?

Since you bought the car in 1972......... it wasn't an issue when you bought.........but the next buyer sure has a problem if you ask for the extra cash a matching #s car can often command.

jrs 427

If the buyer is a " number cruncher specialist " he is sure to find other picky points to reduce the value. Does anyone ever buy a vehicle on condition ? Way too much emphasis placed on a stamp number set. Just an excuse to haggle price. If the rest of the car is sound its all that matters. Tire kickers to the end of the line.

lilesv

True, true. But how do you sell a car that's been in the family for forty-five (45) years? It's sure not a low mileage car - I put 266K on it myself. B'longs to son now; he grew up in it. He's doing a frame-off but since he can't prove the engine, he's making small modifications. For instance, coating the differential case, stainless brake lines, etc. It ain't going on the auction block anytime soon

lilesv

More...

Mikado463

does the original owner have a reason to lie to you that you suspect ?

I'm confused, again, if you have a direct line to the original owner what more do you need ?

jrm5657

If it doesn't have your VIN number stamped on the pad, then it is very, very unlikely to be the original engine. Sounds like a 67 engine that was replaced sometime in the early life of the car. Depends on when the original owner purchased the car, could have been swapped out by the dealer before it was sold, you just never know.

You have enjoyed the car for many years with this engine, hopefully your son will do the same!!

Bill Pilon

However, keep this in mind with the ethics and moral fiber that exists today even if it had the VIN stamped on the pad there is more than an even chance that it is not original to that car.

In the Corvette world of restamping, fake tags and fake date coding is considered normal activity, in the real world some of those actions would be considered fraud.

Bill

Powershift

The engine casting #657 was not even available until very late in the 1966 model year (May-July 1966). It was a 1967 model year block casting.

Block for a 1965 model car was #870 and #174 for most of 1966 model year.

Larry

68hemi

This and the post it quoted is all true.

This is NOT the factory born engine without the V.I.N. and of course the facts stated regarding the casting numbers, dates and stamping. If the original owner says it was in the car when he bought it then it was replaced by the dealer prior to sale likely as a warranty replacement.

lilesv

Can't think of any reason for the orig owner to lie - I paid $1200 for the car and would have paid that with or without the original engine. I had a direct line to him in 1972, but there's no way I can remember his name after this many years...

Old age ain't for sissies

93Polo

In 1972 who thought the original motor would add so much value?

As posted above, I hope you and your son enjoy the car. I am kind of happy my 70 Chevelle SS396 is not an original motor car, as I am free to modernize the driveline without any thought of modifying a survivor.