CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: arcsum68 on October 26, 2012, 06:03:34 PM

Title: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: arcsum68 on October 26, 2012, 06:03:34 PM
Hi guys, looks like I will finally be able to start working on my car again after a 12 year intermission. 

It runs and was mildly restored by me awhile back.  I am going to do an engine/trans swap and know the originals are not in the car, but am not quite clear on how much of a match I would need to get it to be matching numbers.

Is the partial VIN going to be VERY limiting or is it more general? 

I'm not going to kill myself to find one, just curious if there's a chance of it happening reasonably.  Talked to an engine builder who told me it just needed to be an 68 engine, but my research indicates that is not true, so I am looking for clarification.

1968 Camaro RS/SS
350/350
Factory AC/PS/PB/PW
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: lcmc on October 26, 2012, 08:44:48 PM
If the original engine is gone the car can never be a matching numbers
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: lakeholme on October 26, 2012, 10:24:51 PM
Build date on cowl tag?
To look for close date, or buy a 350 crate, and enjoy either way.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: arcsum68 on October 28, 2012, 05:38:05 PM
Build date is Dec 1968 3rd week.

How can you get close if there is a partial VIN?
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: Mike S on October 28, 2012, 06:13:22 PM
 The partial VIN contains the serial number of the car it came in so unless you find that original block you will not have a number matching car (part of matching anyways). The best you can do is get a "period correct" motor (and tranny) whereby having correct cast numbers and casting dates of the engine components prior to the range of the cars build date range as stamped on the trim tag. That would, IMO, add minimal value to a cars resale value if you decide to sell it later. But for your own piece of mind you can go that route as many have done here.
  Don't get hung up on numbers matching anyhow. Most cars have been raced and blocks and other drive line components damaged and swapped out for other motors and parts available at that time. I routinely look at resale of old cars through various venues and even though many that have real numbers matching do sell for more money, many that are not matching still sell for good money too depending on the quality of the car. Even some with openly disclosed re-stamped motors are selling for good money. Maybe not as much as a real original matching numbers car, but still good bucks. It all comes down to what people are willing to pay.
  Life is short so just enjoy the car while you can!  ;)
 
Mike
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: arcsum68 on October 28, 2012, 06:37:23 PM
Thanks Mike, I agree, I was not going to search the country for the matching motor.  But if period correct would have been enough, or the match was more vague I may have put some time into it.  I am fully ready to enjoy the car again, and actually have a buddy who had a motor built for his 50's car that he decided not to use, so I will likely drop that in it.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: pjbizjak on November 01, 2012, 02:46:34 AM
If build date is Dec 68 then that would be for a 69.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: arcsum68 on November 01, 2012, 03:11:45 AM
I am not sure what you mean.  The engine casting number is 3970010 which my research indicates was not used in Camaro's until later in 69.  The pad numbers v0513cmh I believe means it was built in Flint May 13 72 or 74.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: arcsum68 on November 01, 2012, 03:17:47 AM
The body tag says
12c
ST 68 12437 LOS 18738 Body
TR 730   V-2 Paint

I think this means
Dec 1968 Third Week
Parchment Custom Buckets
Sequoia Green
Vinyl Top
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: pjbizjak on November 01, 2012, 02:53:16 PM
OK, the 12c build date is December of 67, the 68's came out Sept/Oct of 67. The 3970010 engine came out Apr/May of 69 and the pad numbers reflect this. The V0513CMH is a crate motor code I believe. CM=crate motor h=holley.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: JohnZ on November 01, 2012, 02:59:59 PM
OK, the 12c build date is December of 67, the 68's came out Sept/Oct of 67. The 3970010 engine came out Apr/May of 69 and the pad numbers reflect this. The V0513CMH is a crate motor code I believe. CM=crate motor h=holley.

The "CMH" suffix was used from '72-'76 for 350's; '72 in Camaros, '74-'76 in full-size, Chevelle, and Monte Carlo. The "H" didn't refer to a carburetor.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: arcsum68 on November 01, 2012, 03:53:02 PM
I think I was right on everything except it was built in late 67 vs 68 if I understand this all correctly.  Thanks for the help everyone.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: lakeholme on November 01, 2012, 04:25:01 PM
arcsum68,

As you search for a motor, remember that Dec of 67 was a five-week build month, as there are 12E 68 Camaros.  My car is a 12D built the week before Christmas.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: pjbizjak on November 02, 2012, 04:02:38 AM
Thasnk you John Z, I stand corrected. So Arcsum68 has a 68 Camaro built Dec 67 with a 72 engine assembled in May of 72!!??
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: JohnZ on November 02, 2012, 02:59:59 PM
Thasnk you John Z, I stand corrected. So Arcsum68 has a 68 Camaro built Dec 67 with a 72 engine assembled in May of 72!!??

The engine was built in May, but the block casting date will determine the year.
Title: Re: Matching a 68 motor
Post by: XP836 on November 02, 2012, 06:39:10 PM
It is confusing,I had posted codes to a team site.Figuring a 64-67 casting #3858180 with pad stamp of TIII8EE would interest a chevelle owner looking for a period correct 327.I had replies that its 1 30 5  , should be a Dec. 1966.I am totally lost now .That would be fine fit for my 01a    E   ST 67-...norwood build, or not ..lol..just have fun... phil