69 BB Exhaust Manifolds

[Steven C.]

I am rebuilding my '69 L71. The exhaust manifolds that I thought were original are:

RH 3880828 casting number, date code on back appears to "1 3 5", no air holes
LH 3880827 casting number, date code on back appears to "1 20 5", no air holes

These are both broken (RH 1 mounting ear, LH at the flange). Based on Bizzoco's book, these appear to be very early 1966 castings (Sept. 1965).

Now I'm confused!

1. Can these be the right manifolds, and I'm misinterpreting the casting numbers?
2. For 1969, are those correct casting numbers?
3. Did all (or none) L71s have smog pumps? Car was built for Kalamazoo dealer.
4. Did all smog pump setups have air holes in exhaust manifolds?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Cary Lewis]

Re: 69 BB Exhaust Manifolds

I recently replaced the right side manifold for my '74 BB and found that Neal Bridges of St. Petersburg, Fl. is the industry expert on dates, codes and such, he sold me NOS parts at a fair price. You can reach him on his cell at 727-525-1558, tell him I said hello.

[Warren F.]

Re: 69 BB Exhaust Manifolds

Steve:

Yes, all 1968 & 1969 L-71 & L-89 equipped 'vettes used the AIR system.

[John H.]

Re: 69 BB Exhaust Manifolds

Steve -

Those are the correct casting numbers for '69, but the dates on both are for a '66 application ; the 3880827 was used from '66 to '69, and the 3880828 was used from '66 to '74. The same castings were used for both regular and K-19 applications - the finished part numbers were different when they were machined for the A.I.R. fittings.

[Steven C.]

Thank you for the information

Cary, Warren, & John:

Thanks for answering my questions so rapidly. I apprecite the assistance.

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 BB Exhaust Manifolds

Steve-----

NO 1968 or 1969 Corvettes were built without AIR. Regardless of the engine or transmission or where originally delivered, ALL were equipped with AIR. The manifolds for your car have unquestionably been changed.

[Steven C.]

Thanks, Joe *NM*