Big Block 69 question
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Big Block 69 question
I just bought a 69 4 speed Vette. No paperwork. Has a 73 Corvette 454 in it, shift console states its a 427/400, hood has 427 but I do not know how to verify that it really left the factory with this engine combo. No tank sticker. I know Pontiac has a way but any ideas as I want to find out the real deal with this car.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
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Re: Big Block 69 question (Classic Restorer)
First off - CONGRATS ! :hurray: :cheers:
2nd - It's a BiG Block....'nuff said (I've been wanting to type that all day) :p:
3rd - there are clues to tell but nothing really foolproof......here's some clues to look for :
* Rear sway bar
* 7-leaf rear spring
* Tach redline around 6000-7000 rpm
* Plate on console below shifter (if present)
* Number off distributor base (where the lockdown plate is)
* Solid fuel line
Also, if you can get the code off the differential it'll have two letters like AL or AK or something like that which would reveal the Ratio & engine that came with the car.
:yesnod:
[Modified by verskel, 4:40 PM 3/12/2004]
2nd - It's a BiG Block....'nuff said (I've been wanting to type that all day) :p:
3rd - there are clues to tell but nothing really foolproof......here's some clues to look for :
* Rear sway bar
* 7-leaf rear spring
* Tach redline around 6000-7000 rpm
* Plate on console below shifter (if present)
* Number off distributor base (where the lockdown plate is)
* Solid fuel line
Also, if you can get the code off the differential it'll have two letters like AL or AK or something like that which would reveal the Ratio & engine that came with the car.
:yesnod:
[Modified by verskel, 4:40 PM 3/12/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
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Re: Big Block 69 question (Classic Restorer)
You can also check the inboard u-joints - if they're held with a u-strap, it's a small-block car. Big-blocks came with caps instead of those wimpy u-bolt straps.
It's easy enough to change out - Van Steel makes a kit to do it.
It's easy enough to change out - Van Steel makes a kit to do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
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From: Apex NC
Re: Big Block 69 question (Classic Restorer)
If the car has the following, then it was likely a big block car:
27" core radiator with a surge tank
rear side yokes with caps instead of u-straps
rear sway bar
tach redline at 5600 or 6500 rpm
If the car has these items, then it's likely a big block. Now, to determine if it was a 400hp car, look to see if there are two fuel lines running along the passenger side frame rail up to the engine compartment. If there is only one line, then the car was either a 400hp or 425hp car. If there are 2, and all the other big block items above are there, then it's likely a 390hp car.
Shannon
27" core radiator with a surge tank
rear side yokes with caps instead of u-straps
rear sway bar
tach redline at 5600 or 6500 rpm
If the car has these items, then it's likely a big block. Now, to determine if it was a 400hp car, look to see if there are two fuel lines running along the passenger side frame rail up to the engine compartment. If there is only one line, then the car was either a 400hp or 425hp car. If there are 2, and all the other big block items above are there, then it's likely a 390hp car.
Shannon
