My Engine Found!!!

**Jim T.** · June 15, 2010, 11:02 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Not knowing the history of your 68, have you had any contact with previous owners? If so, did anyone say what happened to the original engine that you have now located? I wonder if there was a theft report made if the original engine was stolen? If so contacting the police dept that took the report could pull out of their archives the report and possibly help in recovering the stolen engine.
Couple years ago a man got his stolen Corvette back and it had been stolen many years ago.

**Scott S.** · June 15, 2010, 11:46 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Originally posted by Larry Sherman (28797)

Thanks to a couple members of this board who spotted a 427 for sale on another forum, I have made contact with the person who owns the original engine from my 68 coupe. Thanks to them! Now my question. My 68 is a very nice driver with a fresh 427 CE engine and is a non original color with body mods (70-72 rear lower fender flare outs all 4 wheel wells), rear lower fascia glassed on. Interior good but not all original. The owner of this engine has just had it rebuilt with .060 over bore, roller cam, roller lifters, 10.5:1 C.R. and claims 500 hp. Not exactly a complete stock engine, but almost certainly the original out of my car. He says if he were to sell to me he would need equal or more engine and is leaning toward a crate engine. I believe he's talking about $10000 or more worth of crate motor and I don't think I can increase the value of my car by that much. In addition the engine is in Mass. and I am in Wash. I would really appreciate any discussion of this that would clarify my thoughts. I imagine everyone knows how much I want this engine. Yeah, you have it right. Emotions are in charge right now! Thanks in advance. Larry

Did this guy build up (what was to him) a NOM for whatever car he was using without decking the block and wiping out the numbers? If that's the story, you might want to find an NCRS member in the Massachusetts area who is knowledgeable in engine stamps to eyeball it, to make sure it's the real deal, before serious negotiations begin.

Good luck!

**Ronald L.** · June 16, 2010, 05:21 AM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Larry,
Just last week this forum had several great posts of engine stamp pads. You need to get a couple very good photos of this pad in front of that group and also as recommended get someone to look at it in person.

If it has any hint of being re done...run.

If not, mating the original motor is important to mostly this group, there is a lot of value placed on original motors, unlike alternators and other parts.

And for my 2 cents, a lot of value for 427's because they were bought and run hard. If someone ever had time, I bet you'd fine by percentage more big block cars less their "legitimate" original motor than other motors.

My rec. If verified, get the motor and sit on it. Enjoy the car for as you have and if the day comes that you want to restore it, you have the most important piece. Body work, though not cheap can always be done in a repaint and given this is a 68, that first year C3 body flex cracks paint fast.

**Larry S.** · June 16, 2010, 10:15 AM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Pics of the stamp pad were posted on another forum and seem to look original. I'm retired and not looking to restore this car to original. Just seems wrong not to reunite the car and the engine. I am not financially able to blow a lot of money on it, but if I have to stretch myself to do it, I will. What are your opinions on what would be reasonable to pay. The car will most likely be regarded as a good candidate for a top flight restoration someday. Won't likely ever put that money in my pocket, as my son will have the car.

**Michael W.** · June 16, 2010, 11:47 AM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...13978-427.html

**Harmon C.** · June 16, 2010, 12:24 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

I think with the car you have spending 10K on the original 390 HP engine will not be a wise investment. You could buy a 68-390HP cheaper than bring yours back to life unless you do the work. Your 68 is a very nice driver I think you should just enjoy it as is.

**Tom S.** · June 16, 2010, 12:35 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

I agree with Lyle, I would not spend 10k for the engine.By the time you spend 10k on the engine and correct all the other wrongs I believe you would have considerably more in it than it is worth. I would just drive the car and enjoy it if I were you. Tom

**Patrick H.** · June 16, 2010, 01:12 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Correct me if I missed it, but I think that the $10k is only a conjecture on Larry's part - not a firm price.

The least expensive may be to swap his hotrodded internals into the cars' current CE block. Else even new 454 or 502 crate motors are $5600-6500 - not $10k.

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http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/nbspnbspBig-Blocks-C54.aspx

**Dale C.** · June 16, 2010, 05:15 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Mike
What is that N509 on the stamp pad?

**Larry S.** · June 16, 2010, 05:58 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

I think the N509 is a rebuilders stamp. I need opinions on a couple things. He says the block is bored .060. On most engines I would worry about heating problems with that much overbore. Also, the N509 stamp worries me. This would be a judging problem, wouldn't it. Thanks again, everyone

**Tom S.** · June 16, 2010, 07:12 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Larry
As I said before I would move on at any price. There are to many ill's with this car to correct witout dumping a fortune into it. And once you do get started if you do it will be well I might as well do this while I am here,might as well do that while I am here.These cars can be money pit's.I would enjoy the car as a nice driver. Tom

**Patrick H.** · June 16, 2010, 08:03 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Originally posted by Larry Sherman (28797)

I think the N509 is a rebuilders stamp.

Correct. They are not uncommon.

Originally posted by Larry Sherman (28797)

Also, the N509 stamp worries me. This would be a judging problem, wouldn't it. Thanks again, everyone

I didn't think you were worried about having it judged given the other "issues" with the car?

Frankly, I think you need to contact the present block owner and see what he really wants out of the deal. If he realizes you don't have a Top-Flight-ready car and are only interested in the block for quasi-sentimental purposes then the value of it goes way down. After all, it's worth a few hundred dollars to anyone else; you're the one with the Corvette it "belongs" in. If he wants far more than you're willing to pay at least find out the stampings and dates on the motor. You can have a "restoration" block made later on if you really want one.

Until you know the above, I would suggest it's all conjecture. Or, if you know those answers it sure would help us with the advice.

Patrick

**Valeria H.** · June 16, 2010, 08:16 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

Sorry, I have to agree with Tom, these cars can be money pits. I've owned my C1 for 30 years and have restored it X2 and am not quite finished. It has cost me truly a small fortune to do this. My engine is not original also and I would not even think about paying that amount of money for the possibly original engine.

If this makes nay difference, I could not sell my car for any where near the amount of money I put into it in the last 3 years.
Valeria

**Tim G.** · June 17, 2010, 02:51 PM

Re: My Engine Found!!!

It sounds like lots of money, but possibily you could work something afforadable out. It would sure be a shame to let the original engine move on and get separated from the car again. A '68 big block like yours may be worthy of restoration some day even if it needs lots of work.

My Engine Found!!!

My Engine Found!!!

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