69' big block restoration, help.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 269
Likes: 1
From: Jonesboro AR
69' big block restoration, help.
This is for anyone who has an original big block car or has information about an original big block car. I have a 69' roadster project car that I'm going to be starting in a few months. The only things I know for sure about the car is that it was originally Can Am White, Red interior. And it was a 4spd car. I also know that the motor in the car is not original and my build sheet on the gas take is long gone. I believe the car was an original big block car, but I don't know how to prove it. To those of you who know the characteristics of the big blocks, may be you can tell me some things to check on the car to see if it really is. I know that with no documentation I should just build it back like I want but I just would lilke to know for myself. I've heard about checking to see if there is a return line or not. I don't have that. Also I've heard something about the tach being diffierent? Don't know if thats true or not? Any information would be helpful, also if anyone knows if there are any other places a build sheet might be. Sorry for the long post but I would just like to know.
Thanks
Kevin
Thanks
Kevin
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Build sheets have been found all over the place in these cars, but most commonly (from what I've heard) either under the carpet or stuffed up between the speedo and the tach behind the dash.
There are lots of little clues about big-blockness, though I don't remember most of 'em myself--someone will post them. I can tell you that the base L36 big block has a 5600RPM redline, a rear sway bar, a "big block" hood, and of course a data plate under the shifter that says what it is.
JB
There are lots of little clues about big-blockness, though I don't remember most of 'em myself--someone will post them. I can tell you that the base L36 big block has a 5600RPM redline, a rear sway bar, a "big block" hood, and of course a data plate under the shifter that says what it is.
JB
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
It should be in the VIN, right? I beleive a Z somewhere in the VIN indicates BB.
Let me google, I'll be back in a minute, unless someone more knowledgeable comes along first!
I know in '74 the Z code was for BB.
djlangford
Let me google, I'll be back in a minute, unless someone more knowledgeable comes along first!
I know in '74 the Z code was for BB.
djlangford
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by djlangford
It should be in the VIN, right? I beleive a Z somewhere in the VIN indicates BB.
Let me google, I'll be back in a minute, unless someone more knowledgeable comes along first!
I know in '74 the Z code was for BB.
djlangford
Let me google, I'll be back in a minute, unless someone more knowledgeable comes along first!
I know in '74 the Z code was for BB.
djlangford
JB
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
You are right, I found this...
1965 to 1971: All Corvettes in this time frame start with 19467 or 19437. The 1 shows it is from the Chevrolet Motor division. The 9 shows that it is a Corvette model. The 4 is for the V-8 engine. The 67 is for Convertible and the 37 is for Coupe. The sixth place is for the last digit of the model year. The S is for the St. Louis plant. In addition, the last 6 numbers are the production sequence numbers.
1965 to 1971: All Corvettes in this time frame start with 19467 or 19437. The 1 shows it is from the Chevrolet Motor division. The 9 shows that it is a Corvette model. The 4 is for the V-8 engine. The 67 is for Convertible and the 37 is for Coupe. The sixth place is for the last digit of the model year. The S is for the St. Louis plant. In addition, the last 6 numbers are the production sequence numbers.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: MA
I believe the 350/300 redlines at 5300 and the 350/350 at 6000. The big block 427/390 redlines at 5500, and the rest at 6500.
The rear axles are also different. Big blocks use a heavy duty rear axle with bigger u-joints, small blocks are smaller.
Joe
The rear axles are also different. Big blocks use a heavy duty rear axle with bigger u-joints, small blocks are smaller.
Joe
Last edited by cicconjo; Mar 26, 2005 at 08:13 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
If there is no fuel return line running parallel to the fule line from the tank, then it was definitely a big block car from the factory. If it is a 5600 or 6500 rpm redline, then it was likely a big block car. If it has a rear sway bar, threaded cap axle yokes in the differential, it was likely a big block car. If the car has a 27" wide radiator that does not have a cap, but rather has an external supply tank, then it was likely a big block car.
These are all I can think of off the top of my head.
Shannon
These are all I can think of off the top of my head.
Shannon
