C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Value Question

Old Sep 28, 2019 | 07:42 AM
  #1  
bsagert702's Avatar
bsagert702
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default Value Question

Greetings:

I am a new owner of a 1969 Corvette Convertible and from what I was told, and as indicated on the shifter console, states the car is an L88. The original engine was apparently lost many years ago. The Muncie 4 Speed Transmission is with the Car. I am installing a new GM 427 Motor and a new 765R4 Automatic Transmission (keeping the Muncie) as I am a handicapped Driver. I realize the value is no where near an original L88 but 1. how do I find out if the Car in fact is an L88, and 2. Is there still value if it is an L88 or based on the new motor and trans? The Rest of the Car is in pristine condition. I appreciate your understanding of my naïve knowledge of this matter so be gentle and I respect your guidance and opinion if provided. Thanks.
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 08:15 AM
  #2  
leadfoot4's Avatar
leadfoot4
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
Default

IF, and it's a huge IF, your car is indeed an original L-88 car, I strongly suggest that you do NOT modify it in any way. It is far too valuable to rework it. I'm pretty sure that a collector would be willing to pay BIG BUCKS to have it, and you could save yourself a lot of work, by just buying a "regular", all ready completed, big block car with an auto transmission. It might take some detective work on your part, but I strongly suggest that you fully investigate it first, before cutting up a piece of automotive history.

Having said that, if it's not an L-88 car, but just a clean '69 that has had a "console plate swap", then have at it, and enjoy your adventure.

BTW, how did you happen upon this car?
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 08:32 AM
  #3  
KingRat's Avatar
KingRat
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 1,191
Default

Originally Posted by bsagert702
Greetings:

I am a new owner of a 1969 Corvette Convertible and from what I was told, and as indicated on the shifter console, states the car is an L88. The original engine was apparently lost many years ago. The Muncie 4 Speed Transmission is with the Car. I am installing a new GM 427 Motor and a new 765R4 Automatic Transmission (keeping the Muncie) as I am a handicapped Driver. I realize the value is no where near an original L88 but 1. how do I find out if the Car in fact is an L88, and 2. Is there still value if it is an L88 or based on the new motor and trans? The Rest of the Car is in pristine condition. I appreciate your understanding of my naïve knowledge of this matter so be gentle and I respect your guidance and opinion if provided. Thanks.
The L88 data plate you describe can be bought for $12. Does your car have an original L88 hood? Does your car have J56 brakes? Is your Muncie an M-22? Is the differential coded for a 427? What is the redline on your tach? Did you check for the build sheet on top of the gas tank? There are many clues to look for in determining if your car was one of the original 116 1969 L88's. There are markings from the factory to look for too.

Last edited by KingRat; Sep 28, 2019 at 08:37 AM.
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 08:37 AM
  #4  
bsagert702's Avatar
bsagert702
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

Thank You for your guidance and advice. I'll check all the areas and indicators and let you know.
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 08:38 AM
  #5  
bsagert702's Avatar
bsagert702
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

Thank you. I'll check all the indicators and let you know. Yes on the hood. I appreciate your guidance.
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 08:54 AM
  #6  
Nowhere Man's Avatar
Nowhere Man
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,136
Likes: 9,447
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Default

does your car have a radio?
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 09:02 AM
  #7  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by bsagert702
...how do I find out if the Car in fact is an L88...
Is there any factory documentation with the car? copy of the order form, sales record, window sticker, tank sticker, car shipper, Protect-O-Plate?

Congrats on the 69.
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 10:59 AM
  #8  
bsagert702's Avatar
bsagert702
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

No radio no a/c. But the prior owner put in an aftermarket radio which I'm removing.
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 11:19 AM
  #9  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

interesting...if its a car you like and have had forever make it to your liking. When you go sell it let them fool with it
are you putting an lsx 427 in or the GM 427 crate?

only saying cause he just bought it..now if some guy came along didnt start crying about stuff being changed and offered the right money where he could get a nice auto car and have plenty left over then maybe?

The fact he may own one in itself is kinda cool. Its just a car, insure and enjoy
What bugs me about the rare ones are they never see the road again

Last edited by cv67; Sep 28, 2019 at 11:40 AM.
Old Oct 3, 2019 | 03:42 AM
  #10  
bsagert702's Avatar
bsagert702
Thread Starter
5th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

I greatly appreciate all the responses and guidance you all have provided to me as a new, and I admit, naive owner. I appreciate not getting completely obliterated and respect your kindness and patience with me. Here is what I found out so far as far as numbers. My mechanic didnt send all the pictures I asked for but here is some numbers off the transmission. Based upon your wisdom and expertise, I am doubtful this car an L88, but it would be fun if it was. Again let me know your thoughts and much respect.





Old Oct 4, 2019 | 07:30 AM
  #11  
joewill's Avatar
joewill
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
Default

The odds are pretty much overwhelming that your car is not an original L88. If you can prove that it was, it would be very valuable to you. Especially a convertible..
But, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof..
Those pics are not definitive, they are only muncie case castings.. need more pics!

you can easily hop up your 427 to equal the performance of a stock L88, as well as purchase the equivalent performance parts in the aftermarket.
Old May 17, 2023 | 08:53 PM
  #12  
Brickmaster's Avatar
Brickmaster
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 466
Likes: 125
From: Freeport , New York
Default

Originally Posted by joewill
The odds are pretty much overwhelming that your car is not an original L88. If you can prove that it was, it would be very valuable to you. Especially a convertible..
But, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof..
Those pics are not definitive, they are only muncie case castings.. need more pics!

you can easily hop up your 427 to equal the performance of a stock L88, as well as purchase the equivalent performance parts in the aftermarket.
I think people get too hung up on all this numbers matching Bs these are high performance cars that were meant to be modified. I so tire of hearing all this numbers matching bs I would PERFER a much improved day 2 tribute car to a museum piece origional. Just my opinion
Old May 17, 2023 | 09:07 PM
  #13  
ed427vette's Avatar
ed427vette
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
Default

Originally Posted by Brickmaster
I think people get too hung up on all this numbers matching Bs these are high performance cars that were meant to be modified. I so tire of hearing all this numbers matching bs I would PERFER a much improved day 2 tribute car to a museum piece origional. Just my opinion
You are responding to a 4 year old post.

Get notified of new replies

To Value Question



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:20 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE