I posted this in the classifieds and was advised to put it in here too, Thanks.

I currently have a 427 L88 motor in my 69 Camaro Z28 X33.

The motor reads 3963512 on the back. The pad is stamped T0626LO.

This motor has never been restamped. I have two other big blocks decked and the difference is easy to spot.

I believe 99% that this is a true L88 motor but I never want to make any mistake.

It was represented as a over the counter motor purchased new in 69 to go into a brand new 69 427 Vette when the guy could not find a true L88 Vette.

I am tempted to sell the motor if there is someone who would be interested for a price fair to both sides. I could pull the motor after someone drove it even.

I have driven the car 25 miles and have video online for people to see.

Motor does not smoke, no black in the oil, never been bored, pull the valve covers and it is cleaner than the outside.

It has a 1480 dist but not the original carb.

074 heads, solid lifters, 7115 crank, 7/16 dimple rods etc,

If there is enough interest I will consider selling it alone.

What is it worth??? Help me out, what would be fair?

Fair to both buyer and seller, opinions? Thanks.

Video shows motor in May 2009 driving in 69 Z28.
http://www.youtube.com/davescamaros

 

Dave,

I would be interested in the engine. Could you please tell me the casting date of the block. That would help in determining my interest. Thanks.

 

Does it have a vin derivative stamped next to the LO ?

How do you know it has never been restamped?

 

Early Shark,

I need to be sure on the numbers, let me check.

Joewill,

This is an over the counter L88, no Vin. Did you check the link I provided showing high res video of the LO stamp?

I have three big block motors, two are resurfaced, this L88 is not. Big difference just looking at them.

 

Early Shark, are these the right numbers? Hard to read, Thanks

L 18 8

 

Dave,

Yes, thank you.

 

L 18 8 and T0626LO seems a bit strange to me.

L 18 8 is a casting date of December 18th, 1968.

T0626LO is an assembly date of June 26th (of 1969, I assume)?

Certainly possible, I have seen stranger things, and L88s are strange beasts, just a bit puzzling.

Anyone have info on the spread between casting date and assembly date for L88 engines?

 

This was an over the counter motor thru the parts department.

Have you viewed the video?

 

Yes, sweet ride!

Still has me puzzled about the date spread. Not saying it is wrong, since I don't know enough about L88s to make an informed observation.

Just wanting to learn more about L88 date spread?

 

I believe the date spread may be too wide for a knowledgable 512 block buyer to pay L88 money for that engine. On the other hand, there were strikes around that time and there may have been stockpiling of blocks in order to keep production going. with that said you may find a buyer looking for a dec 68 512 block that would pay more to put in his date correct car.. vette or otherwise.

it looks like that stamp does have to some degree a little paint on it.. it should not... and I don't see any broach marks... it would make me bring in experts to look at the stamp before I would even consider paying more than a regular 512 block would bring..

I still don't see how you can be 99% sure it is the original stamp unless you brought in an expert and then you knew the entire history of the block ( and not just the last 2 owners)... comparing it to decked pads is not apples to apples?

if you can claim that the engine has all L88 internals, then it is ultimately a L88... but I can go out and build a L88 spec engine from any old 512 block... and I can claim to have the same L88.

what price? it would still be a engine sold as is without a warrantee and a L88 usually sees lots of high rpm ( although you say it has not )
and usually is close to toasted anyway.. it is hard to get big money out of a used engine... I would guess 2500, more if it had doc to prove what it was...

 

Several years ago at Corvettes at Carlisle, I saw an L88 short block with an asking price of $15k. I have no idea what kind of shape it was internally, if it sold or what it might have actually been sold for. I don't remember it being rebuilt but it definitely looked used.

It only takes one person with the money and desire to by it.