How to confirm early vs late 68?

[Patrick N.]

Do I use the casting numbers on the engine to determine early vs late 68?Or do I use the VIN? An older thread sugested useing the cast part numbers, but whould like to confirm.

3916321= early 68
3935439=late thru 69...

Thanks
Pat

[Don W.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

You can use both. Here's some examples from my 69:

VIN Number 194379S735418
35,418 = build sequence out of 38,762 built in 69

Right side head GM8T; J 25 9 (= Oct 25, 1969); 3964290; PASS

Left side head 3964290; GM10T; J 23 9 (= Oct 23, 1969); PASS

[Patrick N.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

Thanks Don,
The engine is 3916231, L 28 7casting date, Feb 22 engine assembly and the VIN pegs it roughly at March 8th. I believe this suggest early 68.


Thanks again for the help,
Pat

[Gene M.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

Guys, I do not consider February early for 68 build. Generally December is the cut off for "early".

Most of the "Odd" stuff is in the early 68's.

Just what parts, area are you concern about for early configuration?

[Don W.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

yes, I think the cars are built and come out in about october 67...Don

[Dick W.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

1968 was a year of evolution. Parts changed at various times, what might be early for an engine, might be late for an interior piece. Early and late is a relative term

[Patrick N.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

Just what parts, area are you concern about for early configuration?

[/QUOTE]

Specifically, should I install the aluminum heat shield on the driver side motor mount (I have one, just need to know if it would have been represented on my car originally)?

The larger question is (where missing or inappropriate parts are an issue) do I have an "early" car or "late" car. I believe the answer is not a cut and dry date, but what side of the line does my March 8th'ish car lean??

thanks as always!
Pat

[Michael W.]

Re: How to confirm early vs late 68?

I believe the answer is not a cut and dry date, but what side of the line does my March 8th'ish car lean??

thanks as always!
Pat[/quote]

Re-read Dick's answer. It varies by specific part as the change-overs occured throughout the production year. There's no one set date.