My dad and I just started a frame off restoration of a 69 Stingray Convertible. It was found sitting in a garage for the past 12 years. Needing to find the correct # on the block to tell us if it is the original 427. We were told (have paperwork) that it is the original motor and was rebuilt just before the car was put away. Anyone with information regarding where to find the numbers (picture would be great) please let us know, we can't seem to find the correct ones. The one we did find only seems to tell us that it is a 435HP (LP) but according to the tank sheet, it should only be a 390HP. We are trying to do right by this car, so any help is greatly appreciated.

 

engine should have stamping "pad" on pass side right in front of pass side cylinder head. On this pad there are 2 sets of numbers, the left-most set identify the build date of the engine and the engine code suffix. The set on the right of the pad are a VIN derivative which should match the last numbers on the VIN, if it is an original engine.

Also, there should be a casting date on the block below the exhaust mainfolds (I don't remember which side right now) which should be realtively close (but before) the build date on the pad, and the build date of the car on the trim tag in the driver's side door. These should allow you to determine if it is the original block.

Do a few searches on the internet to get what the numbers all mean. There are many online sources. It's all easy to figure out once you have the numbers off of the engine.

 

Here's what you're looking for:


Large characters identify the engine and were stamped at Tonawanda when the engine was assembled (February 7th for this one). Smaller characters are the VIN derivative and were stamped at St. Louis.

 

Hi D,
I believe in 69 the 435 hp engine was shown as an addition option to the 390 hp engine. The 390 is listed near the top of the option list and then the 435 further down.
Is your tank sheet readable enough to see if this is true in your case?
Perhaps someone more familiar with 69s will speak up.
Regards,
Alan

 

I want to thank all of you for the help. We have found almost all the numbers and we need to know which numbers are the most important. We have documentation including the tank sheet which tells us the following... Model #142563, then what we think is a date 69/09/17, order# WLW 24, Zone No 85, Dealer 756. 19467 Corvette Convert, Paint 02986AA Cortez Silver.
Following options: Black Leather, and here is where it gets a bit confusing with numbers for us, 390-HP Turbo-Jet V8, Positraction axle 336, 4spd close ratio, white lettered ties, convert black , am/fm pushbutton, soft ray tint, positrac...again, pwr brake, pwr steer, engine coolant, Canadian warranty Bklt.

Now remember I said the problem with the engine numbers...the gentleman we bought the car from gave us documentation showing that this motor was a 427 - 400 HP and the only legible numbers we found so far in the area, which you folks so generously pointed out,and they are as follows 3148629LP and they look exactly like the numbers on the left in your picture. I am heading out to the car now and will be gently cleaning that entire piece to see what else we can uncover. We know the motor was rebuilt at one point. I will have to look more into the paperwork we have.

So that is where we are. We know all the pieces are there, and have tagged or bagged almost everything that can be at the moment. Having a lot of fun, lot of stress, but learning a TON of stuff.

Thanks for helping the Newbie.

 

take pictures, the numbers you typed above seem odd.

I am a little worried, you said you are starting a frame off restoration on what could possibly be a very desirable car, but you don't know where to find the engine stamp pad. Do you any books on corvettes? I would caution you that starting to tear apart this car without having a good corvette knowledge database is a bad idea. I am not telling you not to do it, just buy some books and read up first.

 

where did you find this 3148629LP number? doesn't sound like any number that belongs on a 69' big block vette. can you get a pic of the area? also you should look on the driver side rear of the engine, back where the block meets the bellhousing on LH side up by the head. there should be a casting number there which would help you identify the engine. from what you posted so far, i doubt that you have the original engine, which would not be uncommon. this still sounds like a very nice project! keep the info coming.........rick

 

Your car left St. Louis with the 427/390 L-36.

What kind of documentation?

LP is the correct suffix for a 427/435 car, but the 3148629 is a mystery. Post a pic of this number.

Check with the Canadian DOT. It's my understanding they have records of Corvettes imported into Canada.

 

I understand this could be a very desirable car, we have books, we are in constant contact with professionals in this matter, we are not just flying by the seat of our pants, we are just trying to figure out if this is the original engine or was swapped out or maybe an aftermarket option from the dealer???

Regardless, we are going to re-build this thing as close to factory as we can get.

I took a couple pics of the stamp plate and of the block number at the back of the block just above where the housing meets the block. Have a look and let me know what you think.

If it isn't the correct motor for this car, oh well. I guess it will have to do.

 

The numbers on the pad HAVE TO look like those shown for it to be an original engine, or even a dealer replacement. '69 big blocks were all made in Tonowanda (the "T" on the pad) and then 4 characters for the date of build, and then the proper 2-character engine suffix code.

The second set, the VIN derivative, must start out "19S7" and the last 5 digits are the sequential number of your car, so in the above stamp, 16433 means it is the 16,433rd Corvette made in the '69 model year, and that number is the same as the last 5 digits on your VIN (what is the VIN, by the way).

The 3148629LP doesn't seem to make any sense, if the thought is that this is an original engine or even a replacement Corvette engine. No big deal, but a shame that you have the tank build sheet, other documentation but a NOM (not original motor).

 

Ok, so we have come to the conclusion that this is not the original motor for this car. The numbers just don't match up. Everything else is in order, just not the motor. It is the correct displacement, just not the # matching block which we were hoping for. Oh well, it is still a very desirable car and we will do our best, with help from the professionals, to put this car back to its original glory.

Thanks for all your help.

Now the question is...do we turn this engine into the triple carb 427 or leave it as a single carb?

what would you do?? We are leaning towards the triple carbs, we like the look and think it adds a bit more to the car. Ideas???

 

No disrespect Daddo, but your "Corvette professionals" should have taken one look at the stamp pad and answered all your questions about the engine.

I hope they aren't charging you for their services.

 

can you post these pics for us to see? rick

 

I'm trying to post the pics but I'm having a problem uploading them for some reason...

as for the comment about the "professionals" we have been seeking help from, NOT ONCE have I said they were Corvette professionals, these gentlemen are professionals in their field, such as engines and transmission, body men, etc...

we were only getting unput from them just like we are getting from here. All of which we appreciate.

 

How much money do you have?

Seriously, you can "restore" it to its original factory glory by picking up a block, heads, intake, carb, etc. all that were cast and marked for the date of your car build. While many feel it is inappropriate, the NCRS views this as an appropriate restoration. It can be done so that your car will be virtually indestinguishable from the way it was when it left the St. Louis factory.

It is expensive to do; a correct cast dated big block can cost $3,000.00 or more, heads about $300.00, etc. Then, obviously you have to have the whole engine built...but it can be done!

 

where can we get the block, heads, etc??? we knew well before hand that this project was going to be pricey, but aren't all projects of this type?

If we can get an correct date stamped block and heads, intake, etc then that is one option we will look at. If we decide not to pursue that option then we will stick with what we have and make due.

 

Try these places and Ebay as well. All your parts are out there, just gotta look hard and open up the old wallet!

www.tracyvette.com


www.cranescorvette.com

I would also get the "Corvette Black Book" and "Corvette By The Numbers".

These books will tell you the exact proper components that are appropriate for your car, casting numbers, sizes, compression, power teams, transmission, rear end, etc., etc.

 

The parts you need are certainly available, it's just a bit of the needle-in-the-haystack thing. There is no one "store" for the exact stuff you need for a "numbers matching" restore. Also, it'll be impossible to duplicate the VIN stamp. At least the 427/390 was a lot more common than the other two, being fitted to other cars as well. The 427/400 is the tough one because they sold fewer of them than the 427/435 engine. It was only ten bucks more for the big engine. I would shoot for a "correct" engine, that doesn't match exactly, but meets the spirit of the attempt. The heads and intake should be no problem, it's the block that is unique.

Your car is well optioned, so it still has great value. Nice find!

Hans

 

You said, "Canadian warranty Bklt. " If the car was originally built for export to Canada, then GM Canada will have documentation for your car!! For a small fee they can give you a fair amount of info. I believe the 400 hp option showed up on the tank sticker as an additional option after listing L-36. It sounds to me like your car was originally a 400hp L-68 (tripower) . Definitely get in touch with GM Canada. I have a very nice letter from GM Canada stating that my 1968 corvette (vin on the letter) was NOT produced for the Canadian market.


Here is a link to GM Canada Vintage vehicle services:

http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/shopping/parts/vintage

 

Kevin Mackey at Corvette Repair is a renowned restorer that should be able to help in finding correct stuff . If you are interested , his telephone number is 516 568 1959 . He is located on Long Island , NY . He
is a great guy , has done important stuff .