engine help!
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
engine help!
We have a 68 vette convertible with an engine which is not original. How do we find out what it originally had for an engine? We are restoring it and i have no idea of what was in it how do i find out?
Last edited by tecjr; Aug 27, 2006 at 10:34 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Small block was 327 (standard 300hp; optional 350); big block was 427 (standard 390; optional 435) The big block 435 was with the tri-power carburetion. There was also the L88 big block, but you would know if you had one of those in it originally.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
I don't think there is a way to know which option it came with unless you still have the tank sticker. You could check to see if it has a larger radiator. If it is original, it would indicate a big block. Chances are it was a small block, but it going to be really hard to tell unless you can locate the build sheet.
Anyone else?
Anyone else?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by sperkins
I don't think there is a way to know which option it came with unless you still have the tank sticker. You could check to see if it has a larger radiator. If it is original, it would indicate a big block. Chances are it was a small block, but it going to be really hard to tell unless you can locate the build sheet.
Anyone else?
Anyone else?
look at the radiator,
2.5 in half shalfts are SB usually unless ordered HD,
the u joint for BB had caps, vs straps for SB
sb hood vs BB hood
heater core box config
rear sway bar for BB ????
anyone else?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by sperkins
...You could check to see if it has a larger radiator. If it is original, it would indicate a big block....
I agree. Without documentation from previous owners or the tank sticker, you probably won't be able to determine conclusively how she was equipped when she left St. Louis.
Before you drop the tank looking for the sticker, remember it's been almost forty years since the car left St. Louis. If there's anything still there, it's likely to be illegible.
Welcome to the one-year-only '68 Owner's Club. We're all a little bit crazy.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,213
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I believe that big block cars have cap retainers with french locks on the rear end u-joints and small block cars have u-bolt type retainers. This is generally true, buy high performance small blocks may have the cap type retainers also.
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