1969 c3 427/435
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
A way to tell 400 from 435 at a glance. The 4 intake manifold bolts on top of the 4 pairs of intake runners. On a 400 hp engine, they are truly above the pair of runners. On a 435 engine, the kind of squeezed down between the tops of the runners.https://www.ebay.com/i/283412604132?...7179d6fffa2140. 435 hp. http://cranescorvettesupply.com/68-6...5-427-400-3x2/ 400 hp. Both are very valuable and sought after. The more original and documented the better.
Last edited by derekderek; Mar 18, 2019 at 10:42 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
Could be worth anywhere from $20k to $70k depending on:
1) Original drivetrain (motor, trans, rear)
2) Original GM Documentation (tank sticker, protecto plate, window sticker, etc)
3) Condition of frame and birdcage
As stated above AC was not factory installed if this is in fact a factory original L71. Dealers have been known to install it. But without documentation getting the big bucks for this car is not going to happen.
But without pics its hard to be sure of anything.
Good luck if you sell it.
1) Original drivetrain (motor, trans, rear)
2) Original GM Documentation (tank sticker, protecto plate, window sticker, etc)
3) Condition of frame and birdcage
As stated above AC was not factory installed if this is in fact a factory original L71. Dealers have been known to install it. But without documentation getting the big bucks for this car is not going to happen.
But without pics its hard to be sure of anything.
Good luck if you sell it.
Last edited by ed427vette; Mar 18, 2019 at 02:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thank you all for the replies. I haven't found the engine code yet, but the intake runners are in the 435 configuration, and the console says 435 as well. There is definitely an A/C system in it. When he bought it, it was used, and I don't think there were any window stickers, etc. The body plate says D06, trim 411, color 978. The VIN decoder year says 1968, but I'm unsure if that is manufacturing or model year. The registration says 1969. I'm still trying to find the engine stamp to get more clues.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 934
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
978 is a 1968 color, international blue with dark blue trim. If it is a 435 hp car it should have the 6500 redline tach.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for the tip, the tach redlines at 5400, so that must mean this engine is not original. Interior is tan/beige and I know it was repainted at some point to burgundy. I will get some pictures up as soon as I can.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Possible you have a 435 tripower intake on an oval port engine. Or on a pickup 454. That rectangle port intake will bolt on and seal on any big block 2000 and younger. And 502's newer than that. Check the pad in front of right head. There is engine code and build date. OTOH, if engine code and date, head, block and intake casting numbers and casting dates work with build date on trim tag, this will go a long way toward it being orig car with added AC. Also check alternator, water pump and the old exhaust manifolds. Also vin stamp on trans and rear.
Last edited by derekderek; Mar 19, 2019 at 07:29 AM.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 7,433
From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If the tach is a 5400 redline, then the car was never a 435 car
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
That's just a small piece to the puzzle. You are assuming the tach is original. The original interior code is Dark Blue. Now the interior is saddle. So everything has been changed Its easier to change an entire dash than it would be to remove each gauge. The saddle interior could have come from a car that had a 5400 tach.
We need to see more.
We need to see more.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 523
From: home
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thank you for the photo, I found that spot, but it is completely smooth. I cleaned it off and looked with a very bright flashlight but it is just smooth and shiny. With the upcoming weather I'm going to finally get some photos up. Sorry for the suspense, I've just been very busy lately.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You have a desirable, 1969 427, 4-sp car; most likely it has a 400 hp engine which has been modified to make it look like a 435 hp engine. But, the tri-power setup still gives it significant value.
All of those "new" parts are 'unused' but are no longer new. If they are in good condition, that's a plus; but condition of that car is everything when it comes to its actual worth. If you don't want to keep the car for yourself, your best choice would be to take the car to a professional detailer who could clean it up, cut/buff the paint and make minor touch-ups, get rid of the surface rust, and clean up the interior. You should NOT get it repainted or put a lot of money into it. With that car, you won't break-even with increased repair costs vs. gain in selling price...except for the top-notch detailing of the car.
Once you get that stuff done, take plenty of photos to include with another request for estimated value. Then place it in the FOR SALE section of this Forum to see how you fare.
P.S. Too bad that Dad lost interest in it and left it outside...
All of those "new" parts are 'unused' but are no longer new. If they are in good condition, that's a plus; but condition of that car is everything when it comes to its actual worth. If you don't want to keep the car for yourself, your best choice would be to take the car to a professional detailer who could clean it up, cut/buff the paint and make minor touch-ups, get rid of the surface rust, and clean up the interior. You should NOT get it repainted or put a lot of money into it. With that car, you won't break-even with increased repair costs vs. gain in selling price...except for the top-notch detailing of the car.
Once you get that stuff done, take plenty of photos to include with another request for estimated value. Then place it in the FOR SALE section of this Forum to see how you fare.
P.S. Too bad that Dad lost interest in it and left it outside...
Last edited by 7T1vette; Mar 24, 2019 at 10:34 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 147
Likes: 9
The car is a 1968 according to the VIN - you will have to get a corrected title/registration before you can sell it (but whatever you do DO NOT let the State replace the original VIN plate or ad a new one!)
1968 Corvettes did not have an engine identifier placard on the console - that didn't start until 1969. Your engine casting number is 3963512 which is a late 1969 or 1970 block and could be either 4 bolt or 2 bolt main (L71 vs L36/L68/LS5).
Edit: Double check the VIN and paint code. If its a 68 it will begin with 194378S and if a 1969 194379S - the "8" and "9" designate the model year regardless of which calendar year it was built. Also, 978 paint code is international blue, a 68 color. Could the trim tag actually be 988 - which is Burgandy (1969) or cordovan maroon (1968)?
1968 Corvettes did not have an engine identifier placard on the console - that didn't start until 1969. Your engine casting number is 3963512 which is a late 1969 or 1970 block and could be either 4 bolt or 2 bolt main (L71 vs L36/L68/LS5).
Edit: Double check the VIN and paint code. If its a 68 it will begin with 194378S and if a 1969 194379S - the "8" and "9" designate the model year regardless of which calendar year it was built. Also, 978 paint code is international blue, a 68 color. Could the trim tag actually be 988 - which is Burgandy (1969) or cordovan maroon (1968)?
Last edited by Dale427; Mar 24, 2019 at 02:55 PM.