Big block or small block?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
First check would be the partial VIN on the stamp pad, should match the car. A tank sheet if available would list the big block as an installed option. Other clues are the tachometer, redline is different for big block, caps instead of U bolts fastening the half shafts to the differential. Rear sway bar, larger radiator, and a big block hood. The tank sheet and/or an original invoice, maybe a POP, are the best indicators of authenticity.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Since the big block was an options package, any or all of the package could have been installed by a previous owner.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
in the absence of any documentation, there is no way to confirm. even with documentation, it could be faked. there are about 30 characteristics that differentiate small block cars and big block cars, all can be purchased in the after market.
the more of these 30 you have, then the more faith I would have that the car is what the owner thinks it is.
there is high motivation to fake 69 big block cars, and a good percentage of them are faked.
unless you are really into the numbers game and know what you are doing, then the best advice is to buy the best condition car car for the money and save the numbers game for your next car.
I played the numbers game in ignorance years ago and it caused me grief. Since then I have decided not to play the numbers game even though I know the game much much greater.
the more of these 30 you have, then the more faith I would have that the car is what the owner thinks it is.
there is high motivation to fake 69 big block cars, and a good percentage of them are faked.
unless you are really into the numbers game and know what you are doing, then the best advice is to buy the best condition car car for the money and save the numbers game for your next car.
I played the numbers game in ignorance years ago and it caused me grief. Since then I have decided not to play the numbers game even though I know the game much much greater.
Last edited by joewill; Oct 8, 2011 at 12:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 290
Likes: 20
From: MEMPHIS TN
Wow what great information, thanks everybody for the input so far, I have found numerous cars that I like but have a small blocks in them, NOM is not an issue to me so maybe I can buy the car I like and install A BIGBLOCK.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you are not paying a premium price for a "guaranteed, numbers matching, completely factory-built and fully documented all-original car", who cares if it is factory installed or not. Just make sure the installation is done well and that it operates and performs as it should.
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