What engine do I have?
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Zernovka
What engine do I have?
Hi
I have bought my dream car Corvette C3 1973 L82 in February this year. I love it. Car runs great I have managed (with great support from all of you!) to deal with most of the problems. (Put probably same amount of money into it already:-)) This spring and summer I have drove 5.000 miles + without any problems. This is where my happy store ends. As probably most owners of C3 experienced - I also had to deal with extreme heat inside of the cockpit. Because my car was originally equipped with AC I decided to install new AC parts good with R134 and have my car shop to do the job. To make long story short - they have discovered that mounting brackets of compressor do not fit on the block. Furthermore figured that engine number has been filed.
The engine appears to be SB Chevy but how can I tell for sure? What year was it built? Were there any major differences that could affect proper selections of intake manifold, headers and camshaft in the future? I am not sure if there is a way to find out at all. I saw some numbers on manifold and block.... would anybody be able to help by looking at the pictures?
I have bought my dream car Corvette C3 1973 L82 in February this year. I love it. Car runs great I have managed (with great support from all of you!) to deal with most of the problems. (Put probably same amount of money into it already:-)) This spring and summer I have drove 5.000 miles + without any problems. This is where my happy store ends. As probably most owners of C3 experienced - I also had to deal with extreme heat inside of the cockpit. Because my car was originally equipped with AC I decided to install new AC parts good with R134 and have my car shop to do the job. To make long story short - they have discovered that mounting brackets of compressor do not fit on the block. Furthermore figured that engine number has been filed.
The engine appears to be SB Chevy but how can I tell for sure? What year was it built? Were there any major differences that could affect proper selections of intake manifold, headers and camshaft in the future? I am not sure if there is a way to find out at all. I saw some numbers on manifold and block.... would anybody be able to help by looking at the pictures?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Welcome to the Forum!
Do a search on the internet for "engine block casting numbers" the casting number and date should get you in the ballpark.
With the engine and vin numbers gone, a few general photos of the engine might help the smart guys ID the block.
All V-8 engine block casting numbers are located on the top left surface of the flange formed at the rear of the block for engine flywheel attachment. V-8 casting dates are located on the right-hand side of the block, opposite the casting number.
Hope that helps, again welcome to the Forum.
Do a search on the internet for "engine block casting numbers" the casting number and date should get you in the ballpark.
With the engine and vin numbers gone, a few general photos of the engine might help the smart guys ID the block.
All V-8 engine block casting numbers are located on the top left surface of the flange formed at the rear of the block for engine flywheel attachment. V-8 casting dates are located on the right-hand side of the block, opposite the casting number.
Hope that helps, again welcome to the Forum.
Last edited by mapman; Aug 22, 2011 at 07:25 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
...Furthermore figured that engine number has been filed...
...The engine appears to be SB Chevy but how can I tell for sure? What year was it built?...
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From: Zernovka
Stock mounting brackets for C3 AC compressors are pretty much generic. A6 are the same for 68-75; R4 are the same 76-82. Your car should have the A6 compressor. What's on it? Post pics.
Decked posssibly? Have you checked the pad at the front off the right head?
Casting number will identify the block. Casting date will tell you when the block was cast. Same for the heads. Casting numbers and dates.
Decked posssibly? Have you checked the pad at the front off the right head?
Casting number will identify the block. Casting date will tell you when the block was cast. Same for the heads. Casting numbers and dates.
Yes I have checked pad in front of the right head it is smooth as baby skin.
When I get home from work I post some pictures for you to see.
Many thanks for swift replies to my post.
Thread Starter
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From: Zernovka
Stock mounting brackets for C3 AC compressors are pretty much generic. A6 are the same for 68-75; R4 are the same 76-82. Your car should have the A6 compressor. What's on it? Post pics.
Decked posssibly? Have you checked the pad at the front off the right head?
Casting number will identify the block. Casting date will tell you when the block was cast. Same for the heads. Casting numbers and dates.
Decked posssibly? Have you checked the pad at the front off the right head?
Casting number will identify the block. Casting date will tell you when the block was cast. Same for the heads. Casting numbers and dates.
According to VIN my car was build in 1973
Block casting number is 3970010 and casting date H48. I have gathered this is often used block for car, truck and Vette applications 350 C.I.D. used in 1969 – 1979.
If my understanding of the structure of the casting date is correct - block was casted in 1978.
Intake manifold has number 3917610 - produced in 1967-1968 Z28, F, hirise
And finally heads have same number 333882 but different casting dates L123 and L63.
It is clear that engine is not original and put together from different parts.
I have seen application of this engine where AC is on left side of the block (I think it was Nova). could this be my case?
Thread Starter
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From: Zernovka
here goes picture where compressor should be mounted..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/albu...ictureid=90520
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Your block has been replaced. Head casting dates of December 73 would have been for 1974 production.
Purchase the 73 assembly instruction manual (AIM). The AIM shows the complete installation of the factory AC system, including the compressor mounting brackets, stud, pullies, and correct belt routing.
Someone can correct me, but I'm not certain Chevrolet ever mounted the AC compressor on the driver's side of the engine.
Purchase the 73 assembly instruction manual (AIM). The AIM shows the complete installation of the factory AC system, including the compressor mounting brackets, stud, pullies, and correct belt routing.
Someone can correct me, but I'm not certain Chevrolet ever mounted the AC compressor on the driver's side of the engine.
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Thread Starter
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From: Zernovka
Thank you all this has been great help to me.
I have maybe stupid question. Is it possible to swap heads from left to right? I found missing AC mounting holes on the opposite side of head - facing to firewall.
I have maybe stupid question. Is it possible to swap heads from left to right? I found missing AC mounting holes on the opposite side of head - facing to firewall.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Deep South Denmark
Yes that would do the trick.pvana, you are a genius, none of us thought of that before you
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shamong, NJ
Here is a drawing of the compressor mounting, from the Corvette Parts Book. Your 73 should mount the same as this illustration.
All air conditioned Corvettes built between 1964 and 1982, had the compressor mounted on the right (passenger) side of the engine. The only year Corvette that had the compressor installed on the drivers side, was the 1963.
All air conditioned Corvettes built between 1964 and 1982, had the compressor mounted on the right (passenger) side of the engine. The only year Corvette that had the compressor installed on the drivers side, was the 1963.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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From: Zernovka
Thank you very much this is good input!
I think I have figured out the problem - it is different water pump covering needed mounting holes. This engine seems to be put together from leftovers!
I have just ordered new pump from Eckler´s to be 100% sure. That should do the trick.
I have all things to install brackets now!
Thanks again!
I think I have figured out the problem - it is different water pump covering needed mounting holes. This engine seems to be put together from leftovers!
I have just ordered new pump from Eckler´s to be 100% sure. That should do the trick.
I have all things to install brackets now!
Thanks again!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
gbvette62
OUT OF CONTEXT!
FIRST YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE QUESTION WAS!
Mike
It was normally mounted on driver side (understood CHEVY V8 RWD).
They got it right on our(understood 68-82 CORVETTEs) by putting it on right w/ the rest of the A/C!
I realized after posting that it might need to be clearer for some. (Don't type & keeping it short.)
OUT OF CONTEXT!
FIRST YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE QUESTION WAS!
Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Someone can correct me, but I'm not certain Chevrolet ever mounted the AC compressor on the driver's side of the engine.
It was normally mounted on driver side (understood CHEVY V8 RWD).
They got it right on our(understood 68-82 CORVETTEs) by putting it on right w/ the rest of the A/C!
I realized after posting that it might need to be clearer for some. (Don't type & keeping it short.)
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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Thank you very much this is good input!
I think I have figured out the problem - it is different water pump covering needed mounting holes. This engine seems to be put together from leftovers!
I have just ordered new pump from Eckler´s to be 100% sure. That should do the trick.
I have all things to install brackets now!
Thanks again!
I think I have figured out the problem - it is different water pump covering needed mounting holes. This engine seems to be put together from leftovers!
I have just ordered new pump from Eckler´s to be 100% sure. That should do the trick.
I have all things to install brackets now!
Thanks again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 111
From: St Louis MO
With headers, the mounting distance of the A/C compressor bracket will be altered compared to mounting with the stock exhaust manifold. You will need to space the bracket outwards to have the right spacing to work with the stock items.
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From: Zernovka
Thanks for your observation. I was thinking the same.
I just have to make extra piece of iron :-) Ii have realized this when I put front bracket on - where I think it goes after new pump will be installed. there is no way to do it with old pump.
I just have to make extra piece of iron :-) Ii have realized this when I put front bracket on - where I think it goes after new pump will be installed. there is no way to do it with old pump.
