http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I am looking at possibly buying this car, and would like to get some expert advice about some concerns ...

The seller claims the 1969 big block is pushing close to 500hp in this car and he claims the transmission is a M22.

Now, the numbers indicate a late 1965 transmission, of which there are no known factory M22's in a Corvette. It could be rebuilt, but he doesn't have anything specific and is very vague about it ... so I will assume it is not a real M22.

But what really bothers me is the rear end. In a previous auction, he had some pictures of the rear suspension. After I asked him a question, he took the pictures down, and won't show them. The pictures showed small block half-shafts (u-rings instead of caps).

At this point, I suspect this car was originally a small block that was customized to the way it looks today. The engine was obviously replaced with a big block, but I don't think anything was changed to the rear. I could not get a code from him, so I don't know if the gears are small or big block, but the half-shafts were definitely small block.

My questions are:
1. Isn't it dangerous to run small block gears with a monster engine like this? I've seen big block half-shafts totally torn apart from racing, so I can't imagine small block being a smart strategy.

2. Same questions with the gears? Should they also be big block specific?

3. If, by chance, the transmission is a M22, what specific factory gears are recommended?

It's a beautiful car(although somewhat pricey), and I can easily see a couple thousand $$$ to upgrade the rear to match the motor. Thanks for your help ....
(former member of the forum back for more ... (:-)

 

Hi.

Im not an "expert" but as far as i know the casting numbers tells you nothing about if it is a M20-M21-M22.

The only ID on the outside to follow is the stamped numbers on the rear of the maiincase right hand side.

But even this is not 100%, it may be a maincase from a M22 but the internals may be from M20 and M21 since these fits inside the M22 casing.

Hard to tell..

As i said, im far away from beeing an expert, this is only what i picked up from the internet when i myself was trying to hunt down a M22..

The car is realy beautiful.
However.. The only pickture of the chassie showing the front end doesnt show that the same effort been put into the "bottom end" as been put in to the realy nice looking externals.

//Ricky.

 

Best advice I can give is if the seller is misrepresenting the car to that extent and withholding basic info about the car... walk away. Unless you or someone you trust can thoroughly inspect this car before placing a bid it's just too risky. There's just way to many unanswered questions here. I bought my car through ebay but went to see the car in person before placing any bids and the seller was 100% honest and upfront with everything. Good luck.

 

You should post this in the C2 section

C3 SB and BB have the same transmission and rear, only the halfshafts are bigger.

 

Quite simply, this is a sb clone car that's had a bb stuffed into it with some custom bodywork and a paint job. I would be surprized if it does have an M22, because everyone thinks their close ratio M-21 is one.

The engine in a '76 pickup truck is "date coded" and L88 heads are CHIT by todays standards so all the nonsense regarding the engine is much ado about nothing. The casting number was used on 2-bolt 427 engines as well.

It does have the VB&P front monospring in it, which is nice as well as an electric fan. Judging from the pics, this is an older 'restification'. Not quite my cup of tea, but it appears tastefully done.

If you like the car, bid on it knowing the above. It is what it is & only worth what you (or someone else) will pay for it.

 

SB and BB differentials are identical inside- the only difference being the attachment method for the half shafts as you've already seen.

The half shafts themselves are also identical aside from the BB version being bead blasted. No difference in diameter, strength etc.

The remainder of the drivetrain was also the same between BB and SB.

Don't be fooled or impressed by the claim of an M22. When's the last time you heard of somebody destroying an M20 or M21 anyway?

 

It also has a SB radiator and expansion tank in the car. Honestly, I do not think the car is worth over $30,000. It is a modified small block car and the work on the underside of the car is no where near show quality. The most one is paying for in this car is the BBC, paint, and interior.

 

looks like another crash and custom . Saved from the crusher, overkill to make something out of nothing.

 

back then, the hot 427s had machanical cams and lifters..nosiey and require adjustment ever so often. Thye other poster is correct in saying the L-88 heads were hot then, not now. So many heads are better now. if the guy is hiding issues from you about your questions, just think what he isnt telling you about issiues only he knows of. run forest run. This price range, you need someone on your side that knows is/her stuff..buyer beware should be branded.

 

Don't let you emotions cloud your decision making. Are you looking for a C2 custom? If you are they are around. It make take some time to find the right one though. If you are willing to spend 30K+ on this and you are comfortable in that price range I think you can get something much nicer for a few dollars more. Besides why should you buy a car from some one who doesn't want to be 100% cooperative with you?