To begin with, I'm new to Corvettes. I'm looking at a '67 coupe which I believe to be an original big block car. It currently is without an engine. How do you go about determining what the original engine size and horsepower rating was for the car? The car supposedly has the original transmission, is that of any help?
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Re: How to determine original engine
If the original gas tank is still in the car, the tank may have a readable document that was pasted to the tank during assembley of the car that would show what engine and other options the car was going to leave the factory with. It is doubtful, but if the owner of this 67 coupe has the protect-o-plate, this will have the engine information. What happened to the original engine? -
That is easy, all '67s are big blocks
Even those with those tiny 327s in them are just waiting for the original 435 hp to return.
If 3 speed, it is a base engine 300 hp 327.
If Powerglide automatic, it could be a 300 hp, 390 hp, or 400 hp.
If wide ratio 4 speed, it can be all but the 430 or 435 hp.
If close ratio 4 speed, it can be all but the base 300 hp.
If a real M22, it is the 430 hp.
(This last one is a problem, because everyone knows that the M22 was installed in all fast Corvettes, Camaros, Chevelles, etc. )
The fuel line if original should help determine if small block or big block, the fuel line being longer.
Documentation is best, if real. That is another issue.
Hood prop on left for BBC, right for SBC, so check that the right side doesn't have evidence of a prop being there in the past.
Radiators are different for the SBC, the BBC, and the L88.
Other options help determine what was in it, as some don't go with some engines.
Throttle linkage is different, BBC and SBC.
Front spring tags if present can determine original options.
It is always best to have someone who knows this stuff look with or for you. And let people know where you are or a general area of the car and maybe you will get some offers for in-person help.Comment
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Re: That is easy, all '67s are big blocks
Thanks for the help. When I got the car home, the first thing I did was pull the gas tank in hopes of finding the broadcast sheet. The gods must be looking out for me. It was there, and just barely readable. All I can make out next to enging is "390 hp". I can't tell for sure what is in front of this or behind it. I'm wondering what to do now. The broadcast sheet is so deteriorated that I'm sure it will fall apart if I try to remove it. I'm thinking I should probably just replace tank with a repro, and keep original for documentation. Any thoughts?Comment
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Re: How to determine original engine
A small block 67 is vary rare if it is,you could be lucky because %95 of most vett adds ,car shows, and ncrs corvettes have big blocksComment
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take multiple good photos
Take multiple photos of it with a 35 mm camera or GOOD digital with high resolution. Then store the whole tank in a DRY safe place and replace the tank with a repro. If you want, you can put a copy of the original tank sticker on it.Comment
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