Not Numbers Matching 72
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 38
Likes: 4
Not Numbers Matching 72
HI
My recently purchased 72, has a 1962 327 with a Holley 4160. I have no history on the car, but it's been well maintained. The car is in very very good condition top to bottom, looks like a ton of new parts.
My question is, is this a common swap? The 327 is from a 4 speed, and this car is automatic.
Thanks
Chris
My recently purchased 72, has a 1962 327 with a Holley 4160. I have no history on the car, but it's been well maintained. The car is in very very good condition top to bottom, looks like a ton of new parts.
My question is, is this a common swap? The 327 is from a 4 speed, and this car is automatic.
Thanks
Chris
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 1,812
From: Apple Valley, MN
Probably would fall under the “less common” category but given the fact that small block Chevy V8 is a legendary engine, with millions and millions built in 265, 283, 302, 307, 327, 350, and 400 cubic inch versions, any one would bolt into your 72.
If you wanted to, you could easily build a clone 350 that matches the original 72 engine as parts are readily available.
Shoot some pics of the block casting number, date code and deck stampings and we can help you identify the pedigree of the 327.
If you wanted to, you could easily build a clone 350 that matches the original 72 engine as parts are readily available.
Shoot some pics of the block casting number, date code and deck stampings and we can help you identify the pedigree of the 327.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,526
Likes: 1,960
From: Temple Terrace Florida
I would look into this and determine what engine and parts are from a 62. Depending upon the condition and numbers, you may be able to sell the entire package to a 62 member and purchase an engine package better to your liking. Once you find out what you have, post it on the C-2 section of the forum for interest. Good luck. Jerry
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
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Heres what i have as far as codes. The front engine stamp is hard to read so I may not have it right...
Rear raised casting number is 3782870
front stamp is F012_RC The fifth number may be an 8 ?
Thanks for any input.
Rear raised casting number is 3782870
front stamp is F012_RC The fifth number may be an 8 ?
Thanks for any input.
Last edited by Chris Z; Jun 13, 2021 at 11:46 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
i bet the car needed an engine and this nothing special 327 was available at the time. this 327 was from the era when corvette engine meant something. and this is not. so use it for what it is. a good running engine that makes your 72 go. don't upgrade beyond clean and paint. you don't know what you will want for heads for your 350 to 437 that you haven't even started looking into yet. i doubt this 327 has any value above that of a good running small block. maybe a guy with a 62 Nova. but a high percentage of corvettes escaped the scrap yard. a very low percentage of anything else from 62 did.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
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The car is for cruising, and maybe a few Cars and Coffee's. Its surprisingly clean, interior has patina but looks about 10 years old. Engine compartment is super clean, and underside looks like a new car. The origonal Steel Cities Grey paint has very few issues. Steel wheel caps and rings, as well as the rest of the chrome are spotless.
I wasn't spending matching numbers money anyway, but its a unique engine and color combo.
I wasn't spending matching numbers money anyway, but its a unique engine and color combo.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 1,812
From: Apple Valley, MN
The RC confirms it is a 1962 Corvette engine - 250 HP with a manual transmission. The F means it is a Flint (MI) engine.
If you can find the block casting date, that would help pin down when it was built. As TampaJerry says, this engine may be worth some money to a 62 Corvette owner looking for an original engine.
If you can find the block casting date, that would help pin down when it was built. As TampaJerry says, this engine may be worth some money to a 62 Corvette owner looking for an original engine.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,332
Likes: 8,139
From: Napa Valley California
If you are looking for more power, then I would pull this 327 and offer it up for sale in the C1-C2 parts threads.
As stated above it could have some value to the right buyer.
Since your 72 isn’t numbers matching, then put anything you want back in, custom built to the specs you want and need.
I’m pulling the numbers matching 454, TH-400 out of mine and replacing them with a 496, 5 speed combo.
My new block is still a MK 4, 4 bolt main block but it was manufactured in 1991.
It’s still a big block and the manufacturer date in really meaningless because the 91 and 73 block designs are still the same.
In 92 GM made several changes to the big block design.
Be careful and do your research regarding design changes to any block or complete engine before you purchase.
As stated above it could have some value to the right buyer.
Since your 72 isn’t numbers matching, then put anything you want back in, custom built to the specs you want and need.
I’m pulling the numbers matching 454, TH-400 out of mine and replacing them with a 496, 5 speed combo.
My new block is still a MK 4, 4 bolt main block but it was manufactured in 1991.
It’s still a big block and the manufacturer date in really meaningless because the 91 and 73 block designs are still the same.
In 92 GM made several changes to the big block design.
Be careful and do your research regarding design changes to any block or complete engine before you purchase.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Jun 13, 2021 at 01:11 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,252
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From: Waterford WI
The RC confirms it is a 1962 Corvette engine - 250 HP with a manual transmission. The F means it is a Flint (MI) engine.
If you can find the block casting date, that would help pin down when it was built. As TampaJerry says, this engine may be worth some money to a 62 Corvette owner looking for an original engine.
If you can find the block casting date, that would help pin down when it was built. As TampaJerry says, this engine may be worth some money to a 62 Corvette owner looking for an original engine.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Nothing wrong with a well-built 327. That was the base engine for the 1968 Corvette. 350's started in 1969. It all depends on the parts assembled to the engine block and how much wear is on the engine.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 38
Likes: 4
Thanks for all the replies. The motor is definitely staying in the car though. It looks new, nice block paint and no leaks. It has a Holley 4160 that I'm about to adjust, as the curb idle is 500 rpm and with an auto, I think it should be closer to 700 rpm. It also has a big block hood which I'd like to replace. It reminds me of fake SS cars.
Thanks again
Chris
Thanks again
Chris
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Thanks for all the replies. The motor is definitely staying in the car though. It looks new, nice block paint and no leaks. It has a Holley 4160 that I'm about to adjust, as the curb idle is 500 rpm and with an auto, I think it should be closer to 700 rpm. It also has a big block hood which I'd like to replace. It reminds me of fake SS cars.
Thanks again
Chris
Thanks again
Chris
Jebby
Race Director
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From: Napa Valley California
If the engine is modified and the hood was replaced, just make sure the current engine set up with the air cleaner installed, with fit under the stock hood before you buy and try to install the oem style hood.
A high rise intake, spacer and new air cleaner may have been the reason for the hood change by the prior owner.
Very few performance intakes and aftermarket air cleaners will fit under the stock hoods.
A high rise intake, spacer and new air cleaner may have been the reason for the hood change by the prior owner.
Very few performance intakes and aftermarket air cleaners will fit under the stock hoods.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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The current setup requires the taller hood. I had to add spacers under the After market air cleaner, which showed scratches from the linkage. The hood looks like Jebby's, but the rails on either side of the bulge go all the way to the back of the hood. I'll post some pictures later today.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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I would keep the big block hood for the clearance issues that a stock small block hood presents. As for the 327, in 68 they changed the journal diameters to a universal journal size for 327/ 350/ 400, so this motor can not use the 350 crank or any of the larger cranks. I had built and rebuilt a few 68 327s that madewell over 1.2 HP per cube. They are supper fun and fast revving. A nice 400hp 3 is very sporty. As for the fake SS look, if it bothers you throw a 327 badge on it here the 427 badge would be.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
It sounds like the prior owner installed a 73 and later long hood, which eliminates the vacuum actuated windshield wiper door on the 72.
This is a popular and expensive upgrade, which will be expensive to switch back.
This is a popular and expensive upgrade, which will be expensive to switch back.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Jun 14, 2021 at 12:03 PM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,169
Likes: 9,297
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Sharp car!!!! Do your T Tops leak?