Southern Oregon 68

The vin code 194378S428466 The car has no engine or transmission but has all the other big block components.Such as heavy-duty differential. Are there records of the vin to denote what 427 this car came 390 hp or???

chazde3

Wow, can't get much closer to the end of 1968 production. Only 100 1968's built after yours. Unfortunately, the only way you would know what your car originally came with would be if your tank sticker is still intact on top of the gas tank.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

derekderek

The Vin will only tell you if it is a 6-cyl or v8.

7T1vette

I'm not sure what a "heavy-duty" differential is??? Posi-traction was an option for all C3's, as were other ratios.

You need to assess those features on your car that might tell you more about how it was configured when originally built: tachometer red-line setting; manual or automatic transmission features; etc, etc. These items, if they appear to be original to the car and not "added later", would give you a better idea of what you HAD. If you can't find a build sheet stowed away in either [normal] location in the car, that's all you can go on. (Did you get any old photos of the car?)

KingRat

If you can see the rear axle ratio code it will tell if the car is a big block or small block. The assembly date will give some evidence to if it is original to the car. Also, if it has U-Bolts or Retainer Caps for the U-Joints.

suprspooky

Welcome to the 68 money pit support group, as a 68 vert owner (nom ce block 427 435hp) the comments above are spot on (tach red line, diff code, good luck with tank sticker) and will point to original big block car as long as you know the history of ownership. These things are addictive and expensive, having just finished a 560hp build of the ce block I'd point you towards building a small block (cheaper, better exhaust choices). In case you don't know what ce is, this was a replacement block from GM. In the case of my car it was a warranty repair back in 1969. Have fun and good luck.

derekderek

What other BBC components? Exhaust? Alt and p/s and brackets? Water pump and/or pulleys? Do you have any of either engine at present? Was it auto or 4 speed? Radiator? The front springs are stiffer on big block cars. As superspook said, it will go together cheaper and easier with a small block. But mucho funner with big block.

OldCarBum

1972 was the first year to incorporate the "454" into the VIN code.

derekderek

But at least you can tell it wasn't a six.

Hammerhead Fred

See if the tune-up emissions sticker is still mounted in the engine compartment right next to the driver's side hood latch.
If it's there it contains a one letter identifier in the bottom right section. That code will give you an idea of what was in there.

OldCarBum

Big or small block.
At this point you are free to install what ever you want.
Several advantages for a small block, like room in the engine compartment, weight balance and it "can" be less expensive to build a small block motor, however there is nothing like driving a big block with its massive torque down the road.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.

ralphspears

If it has a single steel fuel line it was a 400 or 435 hp

Easy Mike

There is no option information in the VIN. You will need factory documentation to determine how the car was originally equipped at St. Louis.

xpoc454

The cooling system if its original might be a way to identify something also.

Don 68

The HD differentials were for the 427 cars. My 68 has the 3:08 rear end AW code that was for the 427 cars. I could be wrong but I don't believe mine started life as a 427 car. It had a 350 in it when I bought it in 1986. The 3:08 rear end for the 327 cars has the AL code. I don't know what the difference between them, maybe someone else knows.
Don