Not Original Motor
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
Not Original Motor
I purchased a 69 vette knowing the engine was not the 350/300 original motor. However a condition before I bought it was for the vendor to asssure me it was a vette engine. Through the help of forum members it is very evident the engine I have is a 1973 350 from a truck. Suffix code is TJC
Is this worth raising hell with the vendor or does it make a difference in the long run since I knew it was not the original motor.
Thanks
Is this worth raising hell with the vendor or does it make a difference in the long run since I knew it was not the original motor.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
I would think that the 20/30 series truck engines will have 4-bolt mains and the same basic hardware that the original 300hp would have had, so if that is the case it would be no big deal. Many hi-po builders seek out the truck blocks.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
I have a 4bolt truck block in mine. The casting numbers for blocks usually span a variety of cars. There isn't much reason to scream for a Vette engine, unless it was alleged to be a HIPO with internal goodies like forged crank, pink rods, high compression heads, solid lifters etc. Most everything else is pretty run of the mill and easily interchanged. You would be surprised at how many pickups I have heard about with "Vette" motors.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Canton MI
I have a truck block in mine, as well. If its not original anyways, I'm not sure it really matters WHATS in it (truck, other vette block).
Just my opinion...plus now you don't have to worry about blowing up a numbers matching car
Just my opinion...plus now you don't have to worry about blowing up a numbers matching car
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
I pulled my matching numbers block to rebuild and am in the process of dropping a 4 bolt main truck block into my vette. I wouldnt be mad at all as long as you were not expecting a matching numbers vette. A lot (maybe most, but not positive) of the vette engines were 2 bolt mains so the truck block I would say is better. (not to start the debate over 4 vs 2 bolt mains, I have heard both sides hahaha)
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
The problem is not with the engine it is with the vendor misrepresenting it as a Corvette engine. If this vendor sells Corvettes then he knew it was not a Corvette engine. He misrepresented it on purpose, if he didn't know what it was then he should say so. He figured you wanted a Corvette engine so he told you a lie. He just figured that you weren't smart enough to figure it out yourself.
I would be pissed and let him know it. Also let us all know who it is since that is very dishonest. I would demand compensation of some sort. If you let him get away with it he will just screw someone in the future.
I would be pissed and let him know it. Also let us all know who it is since that is very dishonest. I would demand compensation of some sort. If you let him get away with it he will just screw someone in the future.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Now that it is in your vette, it IS a vette engine. 
Seriously, the suffix codes says that it is a 4 bolt. If this is true, it is probably 2 more bolts per main cap than the original small block had.
At this point, if you knew the engine wasn't original, I wouldn't worry about it. No one will know it was truck engine, but you.
If you are upset that the dealer told you it was a vette engine, you could always get the dealer to pony up some cash. Here in Illinois, that constitutes Consumer Fraud, and the dealer could end up paying some money if he knew his statement was false.
Seriously, the suffix codes says that it is a 4 bolt. If this is true, it is probably 2 more bolts per main cap than the original small block had.
At this point, if you knew the engine wasn't original, I wouldn't worry about it. No one will know it was truck engine, but you.
If you are upset that the dealer told you it was a vette engine, you could always get the dealer to pony up some cash. Here in Illinois, that constitutes Consumer Fraud, and the dealer could end up paying some money if he knew his statement was false.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I'd threaten him and try to get some money back for "misrepresentation". Then I'd just keep the engine since they are all about the same anyway. You could use the money for goodies to add some HP... 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
It is annoying because he lied, and probably would have lied about anything to get you to buy it! But since you knew it was NOM, whether or not it is a "vette" engine is really not important, and you probably shouldn't have bothered making that a condition of purchase. Would you be happier if it was a blue flame 6 out of a 54? You should let him know that you know (he lied) but not much point in taking it farther than that.
You should let him know that you know (he lied) but not much point in taking it farther than that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454
Since it's not the original motor, even another Vette engine won't do much if anything for value.
If you ever get the shortblock rebuilt, the "TJC" will likely be removed from the decking.
If you ever get the shortblock rebuilt, the "TJC" will likely be removed from the decking.
I'd be pissed!
Last edited by DZRick; Nov 21, 2006 at 03:33 AM.
