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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 09:23 PM
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Default C3 basic question

Hey Guys
I am normally inhabiting the C4 forum, but a certain 1977 L48 C3 has caught my eye. Here's the basic question:
Some engines are painted blue, while others, seemingly the same year ,are red. Which is the correct color?
Thanks
Steve
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 09:52 PM
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chevy orange and corporate Blue

I think the change was around 77

Steve
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 10:33 PM
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I'm not 100% on this, but I see some '77's for sale that have the red motor, and some are blue. A work friend of mine has a '77, and his is blue.
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 10:48 PM
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I believe...but not for sure...early '77s had the orange and the late production models were blue. They made some changes mid year...moved the alarm switch from the fender to the door was one...
You will see quite a few '77 parts listed 77E (early) or 77L (late)...
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 10:51 PM
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So far you have an "I think" "I'm not 100%" and an "I believe"....wait for a definite answer before making a decision.
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Old Apr 23, 2008 | 11:11 PM
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What color is on the engine in the '77? Chances are that is the color it came with. Unless you are wanting to have NCRS judge it, either Chevy orange or GM "Mark of Excellence" blue will do.
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Old Apr 24, 2008 | 01:13 AM
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Default Corvette Black Book 1953 - 2008 Quote

Between August 23 and September 7, 1976, Flint Engine changed from orange paint to blue for the Corvette engine. Thus early production 1977 models were orange, later production were blue.

Cheers,
Pete
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Old Apr 24, 2008 | 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by PeteZO6
Between August 23 and September 7, 1976, Flint Engine changed from orange paint to blue for the Corvette engine. Thus early production 1977 models were orange, later production were blue.

Cheers,
Pete

That's it. Early '77 was orange, late '77 and up were blue.
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Old Apr 24, 2008 | 10:26 AM
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You folks are te BEST. A whole hearted thank you for the help

-AND the wife gave the go ahead for another one---I used to wrench on late 70's C3s in the early and mid 80's-I know they are a lot of work to keep running, but I forgot the particulars. I love these cars
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Old Apr 24, 2008 | 11:45 AM
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Actually, the mid/late 70's & later C3's are probably the lowest maintenance Corvettes ever made. The engines and transmissions are reliable, they have electronic ignitions [long-life on plugs/no points], etc. If you buy one that needs a lot of work, you will be busy for a while...but after that, it's all pure enjoyment.
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