Getting the right Big Block

[Calvin C.]

I have a newly purchased 73 bb crag top, it needs work to make it a good driver. I am not going to fully restore it but I am going to make it a good solid original driver. Most all partss are original except the engine, The orig 454 is gone and a 69 passenger 427 is in it now. Whould it be benificial to get a correctly dated 454, where would i look, I have been told I could restamp a corectly dated block to match the vin, is this leagal, I would guess this is not ok with ncrs
Cal

[Tony Merendino]

Re: Getting the right Big Block

If you want to make it a good driver tune up the 427 do whatever repairs are necessary and drive it like you stole it.

Getting a correctly dated block and stamping a phony vin number on it only serves to fool an unsuspecting buyer into thinking they are buying a numbers matching car. Maybe not illegal but definitely unethical.

Do the right thing.

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: Getting the right Big Block

If you're going to make it a daily driver car and you're current 427 is working fine, I don't see a need to purchase a "correct" 454. The only work you may need to do is refurbish/rebuild the 427 so it is more reliable.

If you want to get a correctly dated block for the 73, there are several places. For a block, you could try Engines Unlimited, Tracy Performance, Classic Engines, eBay, local newspapers (rare), Corvette/Chevy websites, and of course, the NCRS Driveline. I'm NOT recommending any of the commercial establishments, but only trying to point you in the right direction.

If you do go the correct block route, you could restamp legally. The engine stamp is a VIN derivative, not the VIN, so there shouldn't be any problem with an engine restamp. NCRS Judging, as far as I know, neither frowns on nor encourages restamping. The judging simply deducts for a restamp. It is certainly feasible to attain Top Flight with a replacement engine.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Getting the right Big Block

> Maybe not illegal but definitely unethical.

But it is condoned by NCRS. Think about that one awhile.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: Getting the right Big Block

> The judging simply deducts for a restamp.

Ony if it is an obvious restamp, like with your Sears Craftsman stamps.

Otherwise, NCRS considers it "restoration".