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I just acquired an engine that has me somewhat baffled. The block suffix is HP, and the casting date is G 10 8 on the 3914678 casting, so I'm assuming it's a 69 350/300 for A, B, F and X bodies with a manual trans (I can see wear on the bushing, so it obviously was a manual trans). But, the intake manifold (dated F 20 8) has the oil filler tube that should have discontinued in 1968, although I've heard some very early 69's may have still had the filler tube. It has 186 heads dated H 2 8 and H 3 8. But, it also has the brackets for the ignition shielding like on a Corvette. The distributor is missing, so I don't have info on it. It also has what may have been a block heater on the drivers side rear freeze plug. Anybody ever see an animal like this? What else could tell me if it actually came in a Corvette?
Last edited by bowtie0069; May 9, 2021 at 12:54 PM.
no one list the HT suffix code as any 68 engine. but i have heard it is a 68 327 same as the 65-67 variants. it also shows as a non-corvette 350. i think this is the first 350 block so a bit more interesting than an 010. the vin deritive may be helpful in deciphering what it is-was... date codes imply it is an unmolested late 327 or early 350. you are new here. welcome. what is it going in? we are not the purists who scream "No Novas, Camaros or Chevelles!"
Last edited by derekderek; May 9, 2021 at 01:41 PM.
Derek, I have no plans for it at the moment, was just trying to determine if it was basic 350 or...?? As Paul above mentioned the HP suffix does show up as an L79 327 WITH A/C in a 68 Corvette. The manifold is what threw me because at first I saw 69 only, but it shouldn't have the fill tube, then I saw where the same casting number was used on at least 3 different manifolds. It is starting to appear it's a 327. Guess I'll just add it to my stash of multiple 327s, 350s, 305s and the lone 400 that's in my Nova.
I just acquired an engine that has me somewhat baffled. The block suffix is HP, and the casting date is G 10 8 on the 3914678 casting, so I'm assuming it's a 69 350/300 for A, B, F and X bodies with a manual trans (I can see wear on the bushing, so it obviously was a manual trans). But, the intake manifold (dated F 20 8) has the oil filler tube that should have discontinued in 1968, although I've heard some very early 69's may have still had the filler tube. It has 186 heads dated H 2 8 and H 3 8. But, it also has the brackets for the ignition shielding like on a Corvette. The distributor is missing, so I don't have info on it. It also has what may have been a block heater on the drivers side rear freeze plug. Anybody ever see an animal like this? What else could tell me if it actually came in a Corvette?
As others mentioned, this is an L79, 327-350 HP with AC. Is there a VIN on the pad? That would clear any doubt.
As others mentioned, this is an L79, 327-350 HP with AC. Is there a VIN on the pad? That would clear any doubt.
18S428340 is the VIN on the pad. It also has 3883235 DS and 3876846 DJ water pump pulleys, and 3911013 BW crank pulley that is part of the A/C-P/S combo. The Q-Jet looks to be for a 300 h.p. engine (7028207 DA), but I'm sure it could have come on there due to a screwup. The 30570 A water pump is cracked and I'm not sure it is correct anyway.
It doesn't rotate easily, so I'll tear it all the way down and see what surprises await me!
Last edited by bowtie0069; May 10, 2021 at 06:34 PM.
Today I pulled the heads and discovered it is still a standard bore, but 2 holes have had water in them. Looks like it will clean up with a hone. It has the domed pistons ,so I assume it's a real L79.
The heads still have me puzzled--they are 3927186 castings, but I can't seem to verify their use on a 68 L79. And, they look like 2.02/1.60 valves in there, yet my research says the big valve heads all had screw in studs and guide plates, which these do not.
It does have the longer sump oil pan.
In my searching, it seems only the 2.02 valved 186s on higher HP cars(like Z28s) had screw-in studs. Not so with the 1.94/1.50 versions like a 327/300.
Took the engine apart today--it has the large journal forged 327 crankshaft that some say doesn't exist, f
orged pistons, 151 cam, Standard bore, original, standard size bearings dated May 1968, 186 heads with 2.02 valves...I'm about 99.99999% sure it's a real 327/350 1968 4 speed Corvette L79 engine that has never been apart.
I have a friend going to try a VIN search to see where the car may be. Maybe wrecked? Looking at the outside of the engine, I was thinking it had a million miles of neglect, but inside it's in pretty nice condition. .006" crank end play, .011" between the rod journals--I can't see why it was removed. Timing chain has gobs of slop, but...?
Trying to decipher this engine!
