I have a complete, out of the vehicle and very low miles 1967 427 engine. It is a “JE” code which tells me L71. I’ve been reading conflicting data on these engines. Everyone says they’re 435hp, solid lifter manual transmission with a 3x2 carb/intake. What’s throwing me is that I have also read that these L71 came with either cast iron or an optional aluminum cylinder head. I thought the L89 was the only aluminum head engine in 1967. Help me understand what engine I have and what it might be worth. The gentleman that owns the car this engine came out of told me to make him an offer on his car in hopes that it can once again be correct as it left the factory. The car is a yellow coupe, black stinger and black interior. Documented 40,000 car. This engine that I have for it was removed very early in its existence and it probably has less than 5,000 miles on it. Help!!!

 

What are all the numbers on the engine, that is the engine casting number, the VIN derivative, and the cate codes, both the stamped build date and the casting date.

Also, what are casting numbers of the heads and the casting dates of the heads. Are you able to tell if they're iron or aluminum? Not trying to be condescending here, some can't tell.

Lastly, why is this engine out of the supposed original car, if it's so low miles? Or alternately, how can you be certain this engine goes with this car? Is there a "documented' reason the engine came out of the car, and how did you dome to get it?

 

L89 suffix codes are IU, and JH (smog)

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1...e-block-codes/

 

The heads and intake are off the block so I need to dig them out to see all that head info. This engine is buried under my dad’s basement steps and has been since he bought it from the owner of the car back in the late 60’s.
The gentleman that currently owns the car lives 20 minutes from me and my father and I have known him for decades.
in talking with him this week he told me the car was sold new at Tate Chevrolet in Gettysburg PA (or thereabouts). It was back at the dealership for a routine service based on the recommendation of the owners manual and was parked outside over a weekend. The car got boosted and the perps took it for a joy ride. It was found abandoned in a nearby farmers field and the heads & intake were stripped off it. Our friend learned of the car and bought it from the original owner immediately following the theft incident. He plucked the 427 block out of the car and sold it to my dad. In its place he put a radical 350 that is in it to this day. Sooooo......I guess unless there is some designation on the car or block there’s no way to know if it had cast iron or aluminum heads. My dad does have a set of freshly done cast iron heads for it as well as the 3x2 induction setup.
so there you have it. Should I buy the car and reunite it with this engine? If so should I use the cast iron heads my dad already has done or do I look for aluminum heads? What to do, what to do???
Oh, and yes, the VIN stamp on the block matches the vehicle VIN plate.

 

JE suffix code had cast iron heads. the car will be worth it put the original block with the correct heads and intake on it. I live eight miles from Gettysburg, and don't recall the name Tate Chevy. but a quick google search came up with Warren Chevrolet then Tate Chevy

 

Here’s something I found that confused me on the cylinder head materials:

 

The only difference between the L71 and L89 are the heads and suffix code

 

I don't really know but L89 may have been an option on top of L71. In other words a car with aluminum heads would show both codes on the build sheet. But since Nowhere Man said the engine suffix codes for an L89 (IU/JH) were separate from those for an L71 (JE) this may well be incorrect. Forget the aluminum heads unless you have proof the car originally had aluminum heads. Lacking proof of originality, slapping aluminum heads on it won't make it any more valuable, maybe even less so.

 

Dan seeing how they only built 16 L89 in 67 seeing a real tank sticker or window sticker from one would be like finding the holy grail. But I think it will show L71 on the engine line of the tank sticker and then on the bottom of the sheet it would say L89 with conversion or something much like the L36/L68 call out. But the suffix code is what counts for the cylinder head type

 

To answer an earlier question.....yes, the engine pad stamp and the vehicle VIN plate do absolutely match.

And from what I've been reading these L71 & L89’s are radical little sweethearts! Not quite as nuts as the L88 but they must be a real blast to mash your foot into. I could only imagine that a convertible would be really fun with one of these big engines.

 

So what made the L88 different from the L71? I’m guessing different pistons to get the higher compression but what about things like cam grind, head combustion chambers, distributor, intake & carbs, exhaust manifolds, etc? I’m just trying to understand what the exact differences are.

 

Heads were different (Aluminum), pistons (as you noted - to achieve the 12.5 compressions ratio), intake manifold for a 4-barrel carburetor instead of the tri-power set-up, camshaft was different, the distributor cap and the distributor was different, the spark plug wires were different, the vacuum advance can is different, and no PVC system on the L88. There were other changes as well such as the air cleaner system (built into the hood), the lack of a fan shroud. Exhaust manifolds were the same (although I believe all 67 L88s had headers come with the car uninstalled - someone correct me if I am wrong), and the blocks were both the same 4-bolt mains.

 

The L72 has a bit of chop in it's idle but it's not really a radical motor and did just fine on the street. L88 is definitely getting a little radical for the street in stock form (no fan shroud, no vacuum advance, big duration cam, high compression). but the L88 was pretty choked up without headers also.

 

Headers were not shipped with the car. They became available OTC from GM at some point, but maybe not in '67. L-88s were shipped with manifolds and standard or RPO exhaust systems in order to get the car down the line and shipped.

Since this was a pure racing engine, it was assumed that racers would prep the car for racing including a proper racing exhaust system, either from the aftermarket, custom designed, or GM when the Kustom-manufactured header/open side pipe system became available through service parts.

Duke

 

I have the same L71 (JE code), in my Nomad. It has the correctly dated 3x2 intake and carb set-up. I did go with a roller cam when I went through the motor, and that motor runs incredible well. Especially so when all six barrels are kicking it. It creates quite a rush!

If you have the means available, I would do everything in my power to get ahold of that car! It sounds like there's a good possibility that the build sheet may still be under the deck lid sitting on top of the fuel tank.

I'm actually kind of surprised that the current owner isn't pestering you to get the motor back, but if he's willing to sell you the car...…..what are you waiting for?

Pat

 

So I know I started this thread over a year ago, but just wanted to give an update. I did finally acquire the subject vehicle and it is a documented L71 (JE code), side exhaust 48,000 mile 984 Sunfire Yellow car. The original engine is being reconstructed using correctly date coded OEM parts that I've been lucky enough to find. Only gong with one change......I'm installing an Elgin E906P cam in it with the heavier L88 valve springs. Thanks to all who have inquired about this car and who are assisting me with valuable info on how to get the engine compartment back to the way it should be. Once I have the 427 back in I'll post pics of the engine bay.

 

Congrats on the purchase, would love to see a close up pad pic and when the car is united with the motor.

 

Beautiful car. Good luck with it!

Steve

 

My DREAM car. A Yellow side pipe 435 Coupe. My dream car. You lucky SOB (I mean that in a nice way)
Love it love it love it. Congrats. Enjoy and you, by law, HAVE to post more pics of the car. Sorry, it's the law.
ARA

 

Also, perfect stance on that car. Guys spends months trying to get their stance look half as good as your car's stance. Love it.