68 BB?

[brumbach]

Need your help, please. I'm considering buying a 68 T-top, 427/390 hp. Seller claims car is correct, numbers matching with the exception of the intake manifold and heads which are from a 69. If I buy it, I'll replace the two components mentioned. I know a lot about 65 vettes but not much about the 68. Of the remaining components/assemblies, what casting numbers should I see (and where) to confirm correctness. What is the rule on the engine assembly date in comparison to the birthday of the car? Is there a way to ascertain that the car was originally a 427 and not a 327? (other than documentation)

Thanks,

Bill

[Space Cowboy]

327? I wasn't aware that GM had a 327. I thought it was either a SB 350 or 427 BB which came in 3 HP's... 435 being the top end. Also, I don't think (not sure) that 68's came in a T-Top version. Could it possibly be a conversion?

[22229stingray81]

1968 was the last year for the 327 cid. 1969 was the first for the 350. Every year from 68-82 had the t-tops. 1976 and on had no convertables.

-Tatortot

[JohnZ]

Originally Posted by brumbach

Of the remaining components/assemblies, what casting numbers should I see (and where) to confirm correctness. What is the rule on the engine assembly date in comparison to the birthday of the car? Is there a way to ascertain that the car was originally a 427 and not a 327? (other than documentation)

Thanks,

Bill

The block casting number should be 3916321 (early) or 3935439 (late, after January); casting number is on the rear flange of the block on the driver's side, casting date is on the passenger side of the block just forward of the starter. The casting date and stamped engine assembly date can't be more than six months prior to the car's assembly date.

Original big-blocks had a rear sway bar and the inboard half-shaft U-joints are secured to the diff yokes with steel caps and bolts (small-blocks used U-bolts and nuts). The front sway bar should be 7/8" or 15/16"; small-blocks were 3/4".

[Space Cowboy]

Interesting.... I learn something new every day :P

[JJS]

Originally Posted by Space Cowboy

Interesting.... I learn something new every day :P

I remember when the 327 was THE engine! How time fly's. -John

[JJS]

Originally Posted by JJS

I remember when the 327 was THE engine! How time fly's. -John

Of course, that was before the "ultimate small block" came along.

[brumbach]

Originally Posted by JohnZ

The block casting number should be 3916321 (early) or 3935439 (late, after January); casting number is on the rear flange of the block on the driver's side, casting date is on the passenger side of the block just forward of the starter. The casting date and stamped engine assembly date can't be more than six months prior to the car's assembly date.

Original big-blocks had a rear sway bar and the inboard half-shaft U-joints are secured to the diff yokes with steel caps and bolts (small-blocks used U-bolts and nuts). The front sway bar should be 7/8" or 15/16"; small-blocks were 3/4".

Thanks, John.