bojangies46

I have a 69 that I think is just a bunch of parts put in it. The vin number is 194379s712479, which is I think is early december 68 or Jan 69. On back of block drivers side is GM 3970014, on pass side is T2, it has a holley 4150double pumper 800 cf with a winters 3972116 GM aluminum intake ,solid lifter cam, the heads are GM 35 3927186-L98 the heads have push rod guides is this the correct numbers for a 350-350hp ,I know the intake is not correct, or solid cam, the engine was rebuilt on the Lt-1 370hp specs, has 11 to 1 compression,lumpie idle, runs like a Bear with octane booster, is this correct block or what? The car has a original L-88 hood on it. Any help would be appreciated on what I got.

vettebuyer6369

You have an original L88 hood? Do you have pictures of this?

bojangies46

Hello Vettebuyer, I am new to the Vette world I am going by what people tell me --How do you tell if it is original L88

bojangies46

Thanks for info cant read numbers on passenger side, block was bored out .30---driver side door trim tag is F07 Trim 420, 974 paint

GD70

That block was used from 1970-76 according to "Corvette by the Numbers" book in both 2 & 4 bolt mains.

Mark_Milner

On the front of the engine on the passenger side about where the head and the water pump come close, there is a stamp pad that should look similar to this one.

If you can get pictures of it or tell us what is there, we can help you know what the engine is. However, the -0014 block was typically in early '70s Chevrolets. It is possible to be found in late '72 and early '73 Corvettes, but I believe it is not very common in those.



If you take a picture, you will need to use the macro function in your camera. You may have to shut off the flash, as sometimes they wash out the picture and you can't see anything. Be sure to check the picture and take another if in doubt. Then upload it to a website and post the IMG link here.

bojangies46

I cant read any numbers the block was machined to 30 over does the machine shop mess up numbers when borring blocks

Mark_Milner

The numbers are cut off only if the deck was cut. That doesn't happen in a standard rebuild, but in a performance rebuild or if the block had been overheated and warped the deck. This is why a large clear picture will help, as most can tell by the cut marks if the block is decked, original, or what.

bojangies46

Thanks Mark -the story on engine is was built by RICH THOMAS in ST LOUIS MO -THOMAS built race engines in the late 70s and 80s this engine was built in 1980 and the kid that had the car put 2500 miles on it and then got sideways and tore up front end, my brother worked at a corvette place and when the car came in the kid sold it to him, my brother fixed front end and put 600 miles on it, then it sat for 26 years,I got it from my brother for 2 grand witch is what he paid for it in 1980, the car has 65000 miles on it I will try to take pic this afternoon, trying to figure out if storys are true

bojangies46

Thanks Frank, you helped me out alot-----JON

bojangies46

Mark heres pics of block pad as you can see no numbers had to scrape paint off,I think it had a performance rebuild, runs like a BEAR THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO-----JON

Mark_Milner

On the right side of the right (lower) picture, it almost looks like faint numbers/letters, but hard to tell. There also looks like some old, worn factory broach marks, although the left side seems obliterated by someone using sandpaper sideways to look for numbers (probably me long ago I can't tell you the number I used a pocket knife on! ). There is also signs of pitting, like it has rusted at some time and then been cleaned to bare metal again.

But if any factory broaching is seen, the numbers should just jump right out. So maybe this is an OTC short block or bare block.

Decked blocks tend to be really sharp on the edge, and this one doesn't look that sharp. Also, the circular cutter marks are usually seen, unless someone uses a belt sander to hide them and try to create "broach marks" which doesn't appear to be the case here.

So really, if it runs, then it is great. Any original configuration or installation is a non-issue since you can't identify it as a Corvette or Camaro engine which might be worth a few dollars. So just enjoy it and drive it. It isn't the original and it isn't an NCRS correct one, so you get the pleasure of having NOM freedom.

Drive and enjoy.

rihwoods

The head casting 3927186 was used for both 350/300 and 350/350 hp in 1969/1970...

Rich

bojangies46

Thanks Rich for info did they come factory with screw in studs and pushrod guide plates-----JON

vettebuyer6369

I thought it might be a big block as opposed to an L88.

Tough to be too sure in pictures, but the design looks pretty good, especially the underside configuration.

Can someone tell you if it if press molded as opposed to hand laid?

0Road-Race Vette

The hood looks press molded to me.

bojangies46

Vettebuyer--I got this car from my brother last year and he worked at a corvette place in St Louis Mo and he said it was a original L-88 hood, are these hoods something special, I know corvette only made few L-88 engines in 67,68,69 but I didnt think the hoods were a big deal, you see the them on alot of cars, maybe repoductions?---THANKS JON

bojangies46

ttt

Mark_Milner

The hoods are and aren't special in themselves. They are because they are part of an L88. They aren't because like the engines themselves, they were readily available over the counter for years. But at Chevrolet prices as opposed to Eckler prices and others.

So many you found back then were aftermarket for price alone. Many you find today are aftermarket because of availability.

And price is a heavy factor now, too, as people with real L88 cars need those hoods for correct restorations and people building clones need them, too, for accurate clones. After all, you wouldn't want a buyer to detect it is only a clone, now would you?

But after yesterday, they all became completely worthless due to a new law passed, so if you want, I can tell you how to ship it to me and I will dispose of it in a "green" manner.

bojangies46

HA HA Thanks Mark, I think I will just keep the hood with the car and drive it but thanks for the offer and all of the info you gave me on the car, later on I have to start a new thread about the big wing on the back, which I hope conforms to the new laws THANKS AGAIN -- JON