1966 big block

[steve artus]

I am about to buy a 1966 427/390 coupe.side pipes,knock offs 4 speed, .......how can I tell if the engine is original or if the car is really a Big block car at all?
Thanks
Steve

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1966 big block

impossible to educate you as to the big block characteristic over the net. take a knowledgable ncrs judge in your area to inspect the 66 for and with you. don't make the mistake of buying a mark4 midyear only to find out its not what it was represented to be. mike

[William C.]

AMEN!

I cannot second Mike's advice enough. I have looked at several cars for people over the years, and a high percentage were not as described. If you don't feel personally comfortable with examaning the car, find someone who is knowledgable, hire them to check it out and go from there.

[Bill Farmer]

Re: 1966 big block

Steve, for the love of god listen to these people. I bought a 66 bb off ebay. I picked it up in Ohio. When I left there I went to Mershon's (a corvette place in OH) where Bob, their appraiser, looked at it. Everything checked out but it could have just as easily not checked out. There would have been nothing I could have done about it. After being a NCRS member for a few months and reading this and other corvette post everyday, I never realized how ignorant I was. I am sure the car is expensive so it is well worth getting someone who knows about them to look at it.
for what it's worth. Bill #44207

[Paul Reynolds]

Re: 1966 big block

This isn't the Red 66 427/390 Vert on ebay, is it? That car seems to have some issues....

[mike cobine]

Re: 1966 big block

Here is a dilemma for you - post where it is and likely get some help, but risk losing it, - OR - keep quiet about it and risk spending a bunch of money on something not worth that much.

If you post where it is, odds are there is someone here who is either close or knows someone close who can help you out. And remember, an investment in someone who knows and can help you is cheap if a $50,000 car could easily become a $30,000 car after you buy it.

Much of what people use to determine original is hard to put in words, and kind of has to be experienced and observed.