I'm seriously considering the purchase of a big block 68 that does not have its original engine. i'm not very knowledgeable on C3's but here is what I've seen on the car so far. It does have the 427 hood, 5,600 redline tach, single fuel line, big block radiator and shroud and the original trans and rear end. There is no build sheet on the tank. What else should I look for to help verify its heritage? Thanks

 

Well it's got the right parts so far to be a tri-power L68 400hp. The 390 and 400hp both have 5600 rpm tachs but only the 400hp has one fuel line. Should also have a 9/16" rear sway bar and 1 1/8" front bar. The securement for the halfshaft u-joints should be be with square caps rather than stamped steel straps. The rear end codes may also denote a "HD" rear which would have been used on the big block cars although don't think anything was different other than the yoke caps. That's about I all know of, good luck.

 

Thanks WFO76. I'll add that info to my list of details to check off. Here's another question re this purchase evaluation. Let's say all the big block components are on the chassis which by the way is NOT restored. The chassis has the rust scale (solid frame) and usual grime. I buy the car and a few years later I want to start a resto. I source an engine and all its hardware. Remember I have no docs on the car. Now I'm looking at the chasis. Do I restore it or do I leave it original? If I restore it, someone could see that as possibly a fake car because all the parts are shiny new. If I leave the chasis alone, the car would speak for itself meaning the parts are original to the car (rust and all). Anyone ---feel free to chime in what your thoughts are on this restore vs leave alone strategy. Thanks

 

You buying this as an investment to sell in the future and make some $$?? if so, stop right now and put the money in a gov't bond or mutual fund.
This is my opinion but I beleive to buy a car to drive and enjoy it. You can keep it original but know it is tainted already due to a diff engine. You can hunt down and find the correct engine but, trust me, things will break and have to be replaced, now you have a car with non-original parts. IMO I would do repairs and make the car safe, fund and last thru time. I bought a big block 68 vert last december but with an aftermarket 454 engine. I have since done a frame off resto with all aftermarket parts. I'm keeping this car forever and will enjoy every second of it on the road. No resale of this monster.

BTW, does it have 2.5" or 3" half shafts?

You need to figure out your intentions to come up with a game plan. If you want to enjoy the car then make it safe and replace what is worn & broke and paint the frame so it doesn't rust from under you. Its a tuff choice. Would you pay more for a car that is all original with rusty worn parts or a car that looks new and is functional & safe.
I know many will argue but its my opinion and I beleive in making my vette mine.

 

IMO - worth more fully restored.
Let's face it ... already molested ... even if you "fix" it back to original.
There is no way to prove the cars original configuration.
It will be worth more "shiney", but you may not recoupe the expenses.

To make the best profit ... spend as little as possible (just let it sit).
If you care about the vette ... restore it.

As stated, it is not your best investment choice.

 

NHvette said it all!

There's also the possibility that doing a previous owner's search turns up some documentation or an owner that can vouch for the engine change and the car's orgininality as a legit L68 (which it sounds like this car was originally).

One other thing, the radiator support is different in a big block car than in a small block.

 

Is there any chance of finding the motor?Was it a warranty exchange. If not, plan on building it as a hot rod, a good one...

 

Divine intervention.

Seriously, without further documentation with the car or from previous owners, you are not likely to ever determine how this car left St. Louis. All of the items in your post could have been factory or could have been added by previous owners.

If you want this car, approach it from the aspect that the car is not original and it might have been a factory big block.

 

Well, fellow Vette ownners, you've given me very good feedback and lots to think about. My intent is not to buy this 68bb as an investment but to bring it back to life as a big block and enjoy it for what it is. My peace of mind would be knowing that it has the correct big block parts on it and they look to be original to the car (IE condition). I've been in the exact same situation with a midyear fuelie car I have owned for 18 years. Bought it without the original motor or FI and no documentation and did the engine restore back to fuelie. It was a great adventure and I learned a lot in the process. Now I'm looking at this one (68) as another fun opportunity to have a great car. Anyway, keep your thoughts flowing. I haven't decided to buy this 68 yet. I'm going through a cost evaluation first (re cost of engine and components) to help me determine if I should buy or pass. Anybody have any opinion on the cost of building a numbers matching big block (late 67 casting date) oil pan to air cleaner (tri-power)? Thanks to all the above posts. I appreciate your feedback.

 

Now you're talkin.'


Ouch!!

Not mission impossible since I am certain you will be able to scare up the correct parts with appropriate dates, but the bottom line is apt to be very expensive.

Good luck.