67 small block big block hood

[Bill M.]

I have heard and read about damage to the mold for 67 small block hoods around February 1967 , resulting in small block cars having big block hoods installed. I have also read that this is urban legend. What is the story ? Is there an article any where on this topic ? Thanks

[Mark F.]

Bill,

I don't have access to my Noland Adams Vol 2 right now...did he discuss it there ? (probably somewhere around where he discusses the new BB hood design) ?

[Tom D.]

Bill,

I don't have access to my Noland Adams Vol 2 right now...did he discuss it there ? (probably somewhere around where he discusses the new BB hood design) ?

"Most" big block hoods had 427 numbers on them. Page 415...
L88 option... probably had the numbers also.

[Mark K.]

I have heard and read about damage to the mold for 67 small block hoods around February 1967 , resulting in small block cars having big block hoods installed. I have also read that this is urban legend. What is the story ? Is there an article any where on this topic ? Thanks

I suggest you go to the Corvette Forum and look for poster JohnZ (aka John Hinkley). John may no longer be with us, but his wisdom is. John (who is in the Corvette Hall of Fame) was an engineer at the Corvette plant in 1967 and has commented on this frequently. Per John, it never happened.

If you looked into this deep enough you will find that Nolan (now deceased) was supposedly influenced by another Corvette owner (also now deceased) who had a 55 and a 67 with a big block hood who seemed to think it was original and somewhere concocted the story of the broken mold. I have also heard (second hand, but from people who talked to Nolan) that this one statement is what he regretted most about the information in the book. There has never been proof of any small block 67 having been fitted with the big block hood at the factory. I do believe there is an engineering document that states that it could be done, but nothing that states it has. The person who supposedly influenced Nolan had in years past been excoriated and accused of making this all up for personal gain. He never spoke of it again and sold his 67. There is no point bringing up names as all the people involved are deceased. What should be remembered is that both Nolan Adams and John Hinkley should be remembered for tireless support for the Corvette hobby.

[Duke W.]

You can file that story in the same drawer as "alligators in the New York City sewer system" myth!

It is impossible to prove a myth is not true. The real test is: Is there any documented proof that it happened? The answer to this question is an unqualified NO, but fake news dies hard!

Duke

[Keith B.]

there is a picture on the CF of the supposed 67 that Nolan wrote about. I believe if Nolan saw that picture, he would never put it in his book.

[Bill M.]

Mark and all thanks I have Nolan’s book and that is where I read it first. I bought his books as soon as they came off the press. I wanted to double check I have a new mid year corvette friend who asked about the story. My 68 year old mind was pretty sure it was not true. Now I am re assured. Oh and I worked as a building engineer in NYC and you should see what comes out of our sewers. 👽🛸

[Mike E.]

I suggest you go to the Corvette Forum and look for poster JohnZ (aka John Hinkley). John may no longer be with us, but his wisdom is. John (who is in the Corvette Hall of Fame) was an engineer at the Corvette plant in 1967 and has commented on this frequently. Per John, it never happened.

If you looked into this deep enough you will find that Nolan (now deceased) was supposedly influenced by another Corvette owner (also now deceased) who had a 55 and a 67 with a big block hood who seemed to think it was original and somewhere concocted the story of the broken mold. I have also heard (second hand, but from people who talked to Nolan) that this one statement is what he regretted most about the information in the book. There has never been proof of any small block 67 having been fitted with the big block hood at the factory. I do believe there is an engineering document that states that it could be done, but nothing that states it has. The person who supposedly influenced Nolan had in years past been excoriated and accused of making this all up for personal gain. He never spoke of it again and sold his 67. There is no point bringing up names as all the people involved are deceased. What should be remembered is that both Nolan Adams and John Hinkley should be remembered for tireless support for the Corvette hobby.

Well said, Bill!

[Mark S.]

Mike:

Excellent reply. Just for typo mistakes, I believe that you are referring to a 65 and 67 hood, not a 55 hood. A big block hood on a 55 might look a bit out of place.

Your friend,

Mark