1968 L71 427 435hp
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
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1968 L71 427 435hp
Hello guys,
I have a 427 engine that has been in my family since the mid 1970s . It's allways been referred to as a L71 Corvette engine. The problem is... It had a lot machining done to it in the early 1990s .Any numbers on the deck pad were machined off.
My question is..
What is it good for now? Is it only a super good Hot Rod engine, or is it still an engine that could be used in a Corvette restoration?
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/pts/6202310219.html
I have a 427 engine that has been in my family since the mid 1970s . It's allways been referred to as a L71 Corvette engine. The problem is... It had a lot machining done to it in the early 1990s .Any numbers on the deck pad were machined off.
My question is..
What is it good for now? Is it only a super good Hot Rod engine, or is it still an engine that could be used in a Corvette restoration?
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/pts/6202310219.html
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Youll hear lots of opinons on that one
Looks like someone tried to take a grinder to the heads at some point.
Had a 390hp 427 that was stolen (from bodyshop of all things)yrs ago cant believe what they cost these days.
Looks like someone tried to take a grinder to the heads at some point.
Had a 390hp 427 that was stolen (from bodyshop of all things)yrs ago cant believe what they cost these days.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
You could try to raise the numbers on the pad with acid. The grain disruption from the stamping goes down a ways and will often show with acid applied to the pad. Otherwise, there is nothing that proves it was ever an L71.
Mike
Mike
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
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Could you point out the grinding on the heads. I guess that I missed that... Thanks
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 11
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
It would be a longshot and some would disagree with the restamp. It could still be a period correct engine for a NOM 427 car.
Mike
Last edited by v2racing; Jul 3, 2017 at 05:54 PM.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
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Would someone be better off replacing it with an engine like this that has the correct castings numbers and dates ?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Your car has exactly the same value now as it had before the block was machined.....TO YOU! You know the history of the car and no one else really knows any different. Until you attempt to sell the car to someone else, don't fret over it. If you don't care, no one else should, either.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
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Your car has exactly the same value now as it had before the block was machined.....TO YOU! You know the history of the car and no one else really knows any different. Until you attempt to sell the car to someone else, don't fret over it. If you don't care, no one else should, either.
I guess my question is.. Is there any possibility a Corvette guy would have a use for it? Or is it only good for what it's been doing for the last 40 something years?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If the engine is still serviceable and in decent condition, there are likely LOTS of folks who would be interested in it. But, it would only bring in Big Buck$ if it still had its original identification stampings AND the owner of the very car it came from wanted to build the car back in "original condition".
Since it no longer has those stampings, it's just another nice BB Chevy/Corvette engine.
Since it no longer has those stampings, it's just another nice BB Chevy/Corvette engine.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
OP unless someone just HAD to have that # I dont think its a big value killer but that guy wont be looking at yours anways
Theres only so many 427s running around period; to lots of us thats acceptable I mean come on its almost 50 yrs old how many have never been cracked apart. To others that number is everything
If I had a few extra bux Id love to buyit from you my original plan was to stick one in my Abodywould still like to.
I just cant wrap my head around thousands for an old block, others will in a hot second.
Theres only so many 427s running around period; to lots of us thats acceptable I mean come on its almost 50 yrs old how many have never been cracked apart. To others that number is everything
If I had a few extra bux Id love to buyit from you my original plan was to stick one in my Abodywould still like to.
I just cant wrap my head around thousands for an old block, others will in a hot second.
Last edited by cv67; Jul 4, 2017 at 02:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
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If the engine is still serviceable and in decent condition, there are likely LOTS of folks who would be interested in it. But, it would only bring in Big Buck$ if it still had its original identification stampings AND the owner of the very car it came from wanted to build the car back in "original condition".
Since it no longer has those stampings, it's just another nice BB Chevy/Corvette engine.
Since it no longer has those stampings, it's just another nice BB Chevy/Corvette engine.
I've had the intentions of joining this forum for awhile as I do own a 95 roadster.
I guess, I could post my 68 427 engine in the c3 for sale section?
I'm in Missouri and if someone thinks they could use the engine for their covette project...The price is very negotiable, I only have it because my nephew was selling off heirlooms to fund his new project. I gave him a lot for it, because I love my nephew. I just want to find it an appreciating home and retrieve some of my money.
Thread Starter
Cruising
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Parts section I guarantee someone would snap it up
Gonna be a mo or so before I have play $ but would jump at the chance to get one . Would be fun to do a something that looked like it came outta Traco rather than al the bling.
Know a 454 block would work fine but want the real thing
Gonna be a mo or so before I have play $ but would jump at the chance to get one . Would be fun to do a something that looked like it came outta Traco rather than al the bling.
Know a 454 block would work fine but want the real thing
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
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From: BC
In 69 and 70 the #3963512 block was used for both 427's and 454's. Exact same block right down to the casting number.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 15,836
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From: Fairfield, VA
I'm in Missouri and if someone thinks they could use the engine for their corvette project...The price is very negotiable, I only have it because my nephew was selling off heirlooms to fund his new project. I gave him a lot for it, because I love my nephew. I just want to find it an appreciating home and retrieve some of my money.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
thanks.
Thread Starter
Cruising
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I've considered putting it on eBay with no reserve and just saying "letter rip, tatar chip"!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,708
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
I posted this engine in the c3 parts for sale section. I had trouble posting the pictures, so I added a link to my cl ad that has pictures of the casting numbers, dates and ect. If anyone has questions, feel free to call or text me.
I've considered putting it on eBay with no reserve and just saying "letter rip, tatar chip"!
I've considered putting it on eBay with no reserve and just saying "letter rip, tatar chip"!
