C2 big block identification

[skip king]

How do I determine if my C2 was built from the factory as a big block car ????

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 big block identification

Skip,

I see in your profile that you have an old 1966 SCCA car so it will probably depend on how much of the original configuration is left today. Most SCCA cars from that era had the big block rear sway bar added, even if the car started life as a small block, so verifying the bar won't answer the question. If by chance, the front end fiberglass is still the original, there would be several things that would indicate big block. One easy one would be the original side emblem holes in the fender. Big block emblems had a unique mounting stud location. Another would be the location of the hood support. Other than very early production cars, all big blocks had the hood support on the right (pass) side. Look for the original tapping plate to be on the right, not the left.

If the instruments are still with the car, the tack and oil pressure gauge would also be a clue. All big blocks in 66 had an 80# oil pressure gauge but all small blocks had the 60# gauge..

There are a number of additional ways to separate the BB's from the SB's but without knowing the present condition of your car, it would be difficult to determine.

Are any of the drive line components original? The transmission and diff codes would tell you if they were originally big block.

Michael

[skip king]

Re: C2 big block identification

Thanks Michael,

I have the instruments and can see evidence of a rear sway bar.. The car has two hood supports.. The support on the passenger's side looks like it may have been added, however the serial number is #3796 with a build date of 10-22-65.. Would this be early enough for a hood support on the driver's side ??? The driveline is not original... Looks like it has never had an expansion tank.... Are there any clues in the chassis ???? I have heard of a "notch" in the chassis ????

Thanks for the help..

Skip

[William C.]

Re: C2 big block identification

Check the drivers front inner fender for evidence of the TI amplifier if you think it might be a 425hp car. As Michael said, it may be tough if the car has been heavily raced. There are no frame differences other than the threaded holes for the rear sway bar. The gas line, if original, is different at the front due to the added length of the BB the fuel pump is about 3 inches foreward from the smallblock location, and the fuel line is changed to compensate.

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 big block identification

My 66 and 67 big block cars have the hood support on the left (Drivers) side....
Looking at a car that has been raced and modified is not easy.....you might want to consider a previous owner history and paper chase.....is it an AO Smith car??

[Michael H.]

Oop's, Make That LEFT Side Support

My previous post should have read "big block cars had the hood support on the LEFT", not the right. Sorry, occasional brain fade.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 big block identification

Skip,

If you have the instruments out of the car, look for the small sticker on the back of the cluster that lists the part numbers for the speedo, tach and cluster assy. This will give you the combination of different gauges used and from that, you can determine if it was an original BB cluster assy. I don't have the cluster assy numbers handy but I know JR does. If you see a 223 tachometer, that automatically means it's a cluster from a 425 HP car.

As Bill mentioned, the longer fuel line with a 90 deg bend at the fuel pump end would be unique to BB but most race cars had something other than the original line.

Everett Ogilvie did a very thorough research project on 66 big block cars which included a reasonably accurate estimate for the time in production when the hood support changed from right to left. The complete story was in a previous "Corvette Restorer" magazine but I don't remember exactly when. It seems to me that his findings were that the hood support changed from the right side to the left some time in early October 65 but that's just a guess.

There were several other small items that would help ID an original BB car but lets see where we are with what's been posted so far.

[skip king]

Re: C2 big block identification

Thanks for all the help.. The frame has internal threads for the rear sway bar.. The fuel line has been altered so no meaningful measurements can be taken.. The instrument cluster has a 6500 rpm redline, 80 lb oil pressure guage.. The cluster is in the car and operating now.. Great information concerning the numbers on the back of the cluster.. There are two holes on the driver's side of the radiator shield.. On the engine compartment side of one hole is a relay mounted which looks like it may be part of the original wiring harness..

Thanks again for all the help.. Please keep the ideas flowing...

Skip

[William C.]

Re: Oop's, Make That LEFT Side Support

The relay on the LH side of the rad support would be the horn relay. The holes for the TI box are in front ahd left of that area, actually tucked up into the corner of the fiberglass, with the holes going into the front of the fenderwell. They can easily be seen from looking foreward and up from the tire.

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 big block identification

Is it an A O Smith car??

[skip king]

Re: C2 big block identification

How do I determine if it is an A O Smith car ???

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 big block identification

The TRIM TAG under the glove box.....body number.....if no TRIM tag there are other clues.....maybe post all the information on the TRIM TAG first......

[skip king]

Re: C2 big block identification

Trim tag information is as follows: Body number S1227, Style: B22 66 467, Trim: 414BA, paint: 976AA

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 big block identification

It's a St.Louis built car.......S before the boby number instead of an A....and that's a good thing.