1965 Big Block Corvette

[John S.]

What are the key things that one should look for to help ditermine that a 1965 Corvette is a real big block car? The car presently has a 427ci 390HP engine.

Thank you in advance for your inputs.

John Sieczkos #29744

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

John-------

This seems to be one of the most often posted questions on this board. There's probably a huge amount of info in the archives, much of it redundant. In any event, I'll add to the redundancy and mention these items:

1) front stabilizer bar diameter (small block is 3/4"; big block is 7/8"; with F-40, both are about 1");

2) presence of 9/16" REAR stabilizer bar; until 1975, ONLY big blocks got the rear bar regardless of suspension option;

3) bolt-on style, nodular cast iron caps for the differential yoke axle u-joint retention; small blocks used u-bolts with nuts;

4) configuration of engine end of the frame fuel line

[Richard B.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

also to dd what Joe said 65 BB are late cars

[Mike M.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

TI, larger alum radiator, etc. mike

[Wayne M.]

To add to the redundancy

Like C60 cars, driver side battery with access door in inner fender; similar firewall harness and battery cable clips. Unique engine compartment ignition harness (due to alternator on left, without the extra wiring of the A/C harness). Instrument panel has LB sticker (same gauges as 365 or 375 hp engines).

[Dave B.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

John,
Check the metal fuel line on the passenger side of the car that is at the frame. It should be 90 degrees for a BB, 45 for a SB. Also, as you may know, the 1965 big blocks were 396/425 cid/hp only.
Our chapter put together a good document on discerning the differences, and I can email it to you if you would like.
Dave

[Charles M.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

Don't hold me to it but while your car may have been a BB car originally the 427 was first offered in the 66 model year. 1965's had the 396cid engine.

Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

Chuck-----

It's ok if someone holds you to it; that's how it was.

[George W.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

Dave, I would like to have this information. Please forward when you can, thank you, George

[John H.]

Re: 1965 Big Block Corvette

VIN over 13,000 (unlike the one that went at B-J for $135K that was 10,000 cars too early)

[Tracy C.]

those darn recreations anyway.... *NM*