1965 original engine locator

**Gene B.** · June 21, 2006, 10:54 AM

Re: 1965 original engine locator

Chances are that your original block was either cracked or had some reason for the owner to remove the original engine. It is possible, although highly unlikely, that your block is sitting in the garage of the original purchaser of the car, or at the very least of the perosn who changed the engine.

You need to understand what is meant by numbers matching vs original. The original block woudl be the only engine to make it original numbers. There are many cars out there today that are numbers matching becasue the car, like yours did not come with the original engine. These persons have found a properly date coded blco and restamped the engine to make it numbers matching. That is not illegal. However misrepresenting the car as having the original engine is illegal, or at the very least unethical.

I suggest trying to contact the previous owners of the car and see if they have the engine sitting somewhere. You might get lucky. If you are unsuccessful that way, you might contact Engines Limited in Oshkosh, WI. Tom either has, or will find, a block with the correct casting date for your car and will restamp it for you. It may cost around $5k, but then you will have a numbers matching car, albeit not an original engine car.

Gene

**Michael Schweitzer** · June 21, 2006, 11:12 AM

Re: 1965 original engine locator

Thanks Gene. It's odd that people want a numbers matching car even though the numbers have been recently stamped. What's the difference? It's still not an original engine! (in fact, come to think of it, what do I care if the engine block is original or not? It's just a piece of metal with a stamp on it)

My engine is from 1966, so I assume that means it's a 350 h.p. engine, as I don't think they made the 300 h.p. engine in 1966 -- or am I way off base here?

**Michael M.** · June 21, 2006, 11:56 AM

Re: 1965 original engine locator

Unfortunately, there are people that will pass off or attempt to pass off a re-stamped engine as original. The reason is because our hobby has put a higher value on cars with the original engine, etc. All other things on a particular car being equal, if it has an original engine, it is worth more in the marketplace than the same car with a non-original engine (even if the non-original engine is period correct). The distinction is correct in my opinion however as an engine could be numbers matching but not original. I think, however, that most people when they speak of a numbers matching engine intend for it to mean the original engine not a re-stamp (at least I do).

**William C.** · June 21, 2006, 12:06 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locator

300hp was the base engine for 1966, 350hp optional. Same block was also used in Passenger cars as 275hp engine

**Michael Schweitzer** · June 21, 2006, 12:35 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locator

So, other than a date stamp, I wonder if there is a difference between a 66 and a 65 engine, assuming they were both 327 ci/300 hp

I agree that most people assume a numbers matching car is an original engine car, but I bet there are a LOT of numbers matching cars that are just restamps.

Since they didn't have tank build sheets in 65 and since I don't have a protect o plate, original sticker, or other documentaion, I wonder how I'd EVER be able to know what the original numbers were?

Oh, and another question, perhaps this should be a new post, but when folks say numbers matching, do they mean engine to vechilce, or engine, manifold, heads, transmission all match?

**Harry Sadlock** · June 21, 2006, 12:43 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locater

I guess to those of us that are anal about this, it's any component that was originally installed with a part number, casting number, version number and date code, etc. All numbers should be correct and all date codes should be sequenced correctly. As an example, the date on the heads should not be after the engine build date.

For part numbers and dates, to name a few, there are, rear spring, shocks, rear differential cover, rear carrier, transmission, tail pipe extension (no date), etc, etc etc.

Also, there are more opinions on this than answers......

Harry

**William C.** · June 21, 2006, 12:56 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locater

The '66 engine was a different casting number, used a holley not a carter carburetor and had a smaller exhaust manifold set. Performance wise they were roughly equivalent. The Holley carb required a different intake manifold, an on and on... Most of the parts from a '66 engine could be mixed and matched with '65 parts, so without a close examination it is difficult for any of us here to assess what you really have.

**Mike E.** · June 21, 2006, 01:49 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locater

The ORIGINAL engine will have not only an assembly code, but will also have the last portion of the VIN as part of the engine pad stamping. You can tell very easily when you find the ORIGINAL engine, because no one is going to stamp your VIN on their block for any reason, unless you have broadcast that you need a block for that car and have divulged your VIN to them.
On the bright side--last year at Bloomington I picked up the ORIGINAL block to my 65--removed from the car in about 1978. It was removed for more horsepower (350 LT-1) and was discovered through an ad in another Corvette venue. Those things do and can happen, but not often. (I've had the 65 for about 7 years) I knew what stamping was to be on the block in addition to the VIN derivative because I had the original protecto plate, so that also was a credibiity check for the seller.
Good luck!

**Mike M.** · June 21, 2006, 02:46 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locater

Billy C, of lowbuck texas, related to me that he sold you the 65 870 block while disguised as St. Peter. mikie

**Jay G.** · June 21, 2006, 03:08 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locator

To me, not to be critical but if you into the car over 50K(with shipping etc.) I'd be more inclined to drive and enjoy the car. Even small blocks with restamping can run 3-7K these days. Is the cost going to be validated if and when you go to resell. Then the restamping issues come up with a potential buyer. Nothing wrong with a non-matching Mid-Year, those who would put it down ask what their driving. You may find a lovely Green Yugo in their garage.

**Mike E.** · June 21, 2006, 03:29 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locater

Thanks for all the affirmation! Already had a restamp in the engine bay--didn't need another one. Wouldn't have dealings with dealings with Lowbuck Texas even with a 1500-mile-long pole. Sure is great to hear from you!!??!!??

**Mike M.** · June 21, 2006, 04:45 PM

Re: 1965 original engine locater

st pete put me up to it. mikie

**Tracy C.** · June 21, 2006, 04:52 PM

you just admitted something on a public forum

that you will never live down Mikie...

You said and I quote... "Billy C, of lowbuck texas, related to me"

So are you brothers, cousins, uncle or what?

for shame... for shame. It's no wonder you get into so much trouble.

tc

**Michael Schweitzer** · June 21, 2006, 05:37 PM

Re: you just admitted something on a public forum

lowbuck texas??? I think I'm on the outside of an inside joke...

I'm not worried about the car, it runs great, but down the road it might be nice to find the original block...

And by the way, I've never driven a mid sixties vette before... Wow! They drive great! I may make this one a daily driver!

1965 original engine locator

1965 original engine locator

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