eBay L88

[Joe L.]

Re: eBay L88

Joe-----

Also, in response to your other question, the L-88 and L-89 did use the same block, water pump, and oil pan. However, they did NOT use the same connecting rods. L-88 connecting rods were unique to L-88 (and ZL-1) applications. 1967 to early 1968 L-88 rods were GM #3909846. Later 1968 to 1969 L-88/ZL-1 rods were GM #3969804. The latter rods were the strongest connecting rods that GM ever manufactured for a big block engine. They're still available from GM, too (for about 200 bucks/each, GM list).

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Joe-----

I spoke too soon. I just checked and the GM #3969804 L-88/ZL-1 connecting rods have "passed into history". They have now been discontinued by GM and are no longer available. Not a huge loss, though. For less than the price of these rods, one can obtain aftermarket, cap-screw type rods which are considerably stronger than the 3969804.

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1968 Engine Code?

i worked on a early 69 and it did have CC heads and i already had a set of OC heads on our dirt race care thanks to "product promotion" group at chevy

[Mark D.]

Re: eBay L88

Karl,
I here what you are saying on the condition of some build sheets. It seems to me, however, perhaps the higher performance cars tended to lead harder lives which could expain why some sheets didn't hold up as well. I have a very late L88 (Nov. 69) that has two build sheets. One was on the tank and the other in the frame rail. One is filthy but both are very complete and readable.
Regards,
Mark Donnally

[Kevin Morris]

Re: eBay L88

I am no expert, either, but I would expect to see "LO" or "MR" on the POP and block for '69. "MR" was added in early 10/68, reportedly indicating transitorized ignition. From all that I have read, "IT" was used in '68. With a build date of 2/69, obviously well into the '69 model run, why a '68 stamping? I am curious about the VIN stamping, as well. The tank sticker is of no use. I would want to see a "ton" of documentation and I agree with Dick's comment, "caveat emptor".

Kevin #39927

[Wayne H.]

Re: eBay L88

Mark, I am interested in your 69 L-88.Would you be prepared to tell me about
your L-88's history & maybe email me some pics?
Regards
Wayne Heale

[Mark D.]

Wayne, You Have Mail *NM*

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: eBay L88

------This car is well known and well respected in the Detroit area,and at Bloomington Gold where the lead-in picture was taken.The last two owners reputations are beyond reproach.Matt,the broker also has an extremely good reputation,and is known well over on the Supercar website.A question asked to any of these three people would be answered truthfully,so why not ask a question rather than make blanket statements that may prove to be untrue.Those of you who are truly interested in the car would do well to talk to the broker and the owner,and not pay too much attention to negative comments here!............Bill S

[Jerry Clark]

Re: eBay L88

Bill:
It seems to me that more than a few members / contributors here are of excellent repute also.
If Mr. Hinckley or Mr. Lucia were to have a comment, (and many others for that matter), I would weigh those opinions carefully.
JMO
jerry

[Jim Mattison]

Re: eBay L88

Everyone is only partially right about the "correct" engine codes for the 1969 L-88 Corvette. First, all L-88's (1967-69) came with aluminum heads. The early '69 L-88's came as a closed chamber motor and the "842" aluminum heads, code "IT" until sometime in the spring of '69 when Chevy released the open chamber motor for the L-88, with the "074" aluminum heads that were also used on the ZL1 engines.

There were a couple of exceptions to this, as about 4 or 5 of the factory-supported race teams received 1969 Corvettes with the open chamber heads early in 1969 (engine code "LO"), so as to be able to compete at Daytona and Sebring in early '69.

I assure everyone that the '69 L-88 that was on eBay is legit, as it is my car! The car is an absolute "time capsule", with only 2500 miles!!! However, the original engine block in the car was replaced in 1969 under warrantee at about 1900 miles, when the original owner took out a piston. This replacement block is correctly dated and was later stamped with the vin information for the car.

If anyone has other questions about this car, please feel free to contact me!

Jim Mattison
1gmman@comcast.net