L88 engine value?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 340
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
L88 engine value?
I just picked up a 69 427 for my car and looking at numbers it's an LO suffix which is 430hp and correct for late build of 512 block. Has vin still on it, so could be potential jackpot for original car owner. Not sure what to do with block now that it's (I believe) an original l88. Are there any other things I can look for to verify? Has been rebuilt but not decked. Thanks for the help.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
That's quite a find. Since original engine L88's fetch a 10-20% ($50k-$100k)premium over cars with replacement blocks I'd estimate it could be worth $30-50K to the owner of the car the engine was mated to in St. Louis.
I suggest you ring Kevin McKay at Corvette Restoration. He knows where most L88's are located - and would love to know about where you found the block as the beginning to sleuthing where the original car may be - if he doesn't already know. He's restored a number of historic Corvettes now worth millions.
I suggest you ring Kevin McKay at Corvette Restoration. He knows where most L88's are located - and would love to know about where you found the block as the beginning to sleuthing where the original car may be - if he doesn't already know. He's restored a number of historic Corvettes now worth millions.
Last edited by 66L36Coupe; Jan 26, 2014 at 02:13 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
I just picked up a 69 427 for my car and looking at numbers it's an LO suffix which is 430hp and correct for late build of 512 block. Has vin still on it, so could be potential jackpot for original car owner. Not sure what to do with block now that it's (I believe) an original l88. Are there any other things I can look for to verify? Has been rebuilt but not decked. Thanks for the help.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Its just another 4 bolt main engine to everyone except the car with the blocks vin number....got to be out there somewhere...I suppose one could always make a L-88 car with a 69 core and a lot of work...could pay off however......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I think in this case it's a little more than just a 4 bolt main big block. 427s carry a premium over all other big block motors to begin with, and if you can prove it's a real L-88, then that's going to add more value. And of course, the most value will be to the guy that owns the car it came out of.
A 427 makes any old muscle car that much cooler. I wish I had one in my car.
A 427 makes any old muscle car that much cooler. I wish I had one in my car.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
What if you find the car but already has a 427 in it?....something is definitely wrong....the correct engine is in the posters possession......
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
for some purist to hock a kidney for it wouldn't it have to have the correct heads, water pump intake etc etc?
So you can rebuild and make a "new" L-88 and get like 50k for it?????
So you can rebuild and make a "new" L-88 and get like 50k for it?????
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 340
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
Just heads, no intake or anything above it, has oil pan, timing cover etc. I literally just got it, so didn't even check the heads and stuff for numbers yet. Suffix and date on vin pad match for build date. Don't think anyone faked it but who knows, any other ways to tell for sure? Didn't pay a premium so seller definitely didn't market it like an L88 to get more money. I'll grab numbers and stuff when I get back to shop.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 340
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
I think in this case it's a little more than just a 4 bolt main big block. 427s carry a premium over all other big block motors to begin with, and if you can prove it's a real L-88, then that's going to add more value. And of course, the most value will be to the guy that owns the car it came out of.
A 427 makes any old muscle car that much cooler. I wish I had one in my car.
A 427 makes any old muscle car that much cooler. I wish I had one in my car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 340
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...at=0&_from=R40
The engine suffix will be the clear identifier. I believe the 3963512 4-bolt block had no identifying features for an L88 - same as the L68 and L71 in 1969.
If the VIN pad does appear legitimate, I believe Al Grenning will be the man you want to contact.
http://ccas4vettes.com/pr01.htm
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
papisox, not to be nosey. How much did you pay and where did you find such a wonderful find. I have been looking for a reasonable 427, my car is missing the 427, but I have a 502 in it now. Thanks and good luck finding the owner, did you look on the C-3 registry.