L88 Engine Build
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
L88 Engine Build
Hello fellow corvette friends. I have an engine that seems to be L88. I have ran the numbers on all the parts and come up with L88, pistons, rods, 7115 crankshaft.. Im confused when it comes to the block and heads. The guy I got it from says he bought it as a shortblock in the 70's. "it said L88 on the engine tag".. the block and heads however do not reflect L88 numbers. The block number is 14015445 and the heads are the "990"s. 6272990. Basically I am asking you guys for help as far as to what exactly I have. I would like to build this engine to run on the street a little but mostly on the track. I like the street thought. I want to build it as an L88 unless ofcoarse I need to swap pistons for more street friendly use. I can always just hang on to the factory L88's. I love the stock power and reputation of a L88 so I would prefer to stick with stock L88 specs if at all possible. I found a cam through Crane with the factory 3925535 grind that I think will fit the bill. Your educated input is very much appreciated!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 32
From: Roswell Georgia
If the block number is actually 1401544, you have a 454 truck block from the 1975-1987 period. The head casting numbers correspond to 454 open chamber models available from 1971 through 1994. I'm a little confused by your crankshaft # though. It doesn't match up with any performance crank that I'm aware of. (The closest was the 1965 396 3887114.)
I'd measure your stroke to be sure you have a 427 crank instead of a 454 crank installed. BTW, I did the L88 replica once in my 1967 Vette. It was murder to drive on the street (no choke, high idle, octane booster or racing gas, no low RPM torque). Try building an LS7 instead and you should be happier IMHO.
Good luck!
I'd measure your stroke to be sure you have a 427 crank instead of a 454 crank installed. BTW, I did the L88 replica once in my 1967 Vette. It was murder to drive on the street (no choke, high idle, octane booster or racing gas, no low RPM torque). Try building an LS7 instead and you should be happier IMHO.
Good luck!
