CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: 67nuts on June 13, 2013, 05:04:29 PM

Title: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 67nuts on June 13, 2013, 05:04:29 PM
Hey guys,  I am new to the group.  Great resource for all of us Camaro lovers!  Quick question:  I have 67 with a 327/275 engine that is missing the VIN number.  it has the manufacturing date code but no serial #.  I was told that many 67 Camaros came w/out this VIN #.  Is this true?  How can I tell the engine is a #s match?  Date and code seem to be correct; however, I don't know where else to look for the engine ID... Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on June 13, 2013, 05:19:33 PM
Welcome to the site Ramon. With regards to your L30 (327/275), on the 1967 Camaro, generally only the Z28 and SS engines had the partial VIN's stamped. The only real way to validate it's the original engine to your car would be through paperword. Do you have the Protecto-Plate?

Ed
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 67nuts on June 15, 2013, 01:50:53 PM
Thank you Ed.  I look forward to sharing/learning early Camaro facts among members of the group.  As for the Protecto-Plate, I don't have it... The number I read of the block where the engine stamp assembly number and the VIN numer should be is T1123MK. No other number present in that area. If I read this number correctly, it is for a Tonawanda factory assembly, 327ci/275HP "L30", with a 3-speed transmission, manufactured on the 23rd day of November 1966.  The car still has the Saginaw 3-speed tranny and the engine's date is a close match to the manufacturing date (11D ) located in the upper left section of the cowl tag.  FYi... The 4th week of November 1966 went from Sunday, November 20 thru Saturday November 26.

I tried to look underneath the seat and under the seats for additional paperwork on the car but there's nothing there...  I also spoke with the second owner (had it for almost 40 years) and he told me that was the original engine.

The car is a true survivor and is in very nice original shape.  It is a convertible with the mountain green color (HH).  An unmolested car which is a joy to drive!

Any help that can lead me to better understand the reason why the VON # is missing would be very appreciated.

Thank you!
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on June 15, 2013, 03:54:38 PM
Ramon, the partial VIN on low and mid performance engines didn't get stamped in 1967. It's wasn't a requirement.

Ed
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 67nuts on June 15, 2013, 06:36:28 PM
Thanks Ed.  Based on the information that I have, is it OK to call this car a matching #s? 
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on June 16, 2013, 04:37:29 PM
I'd say "probably", but without documentation, you'll never know for sure.

Ed
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 69Z28-RS on June 16, 2013, 05:06:07 PM
You could certainly that all indications are that it IS the original engine, and you have the statement from the 2nd owner (of 40 yrs) that it was the original engine.   Even though you cannot PROVE that it IS the original engine, it would be more difficult for anyone else to PROVE that it isn't..  :)

Based on the evidence you've stated, I'd feel good about it being the original engine.

Gary
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 67nuts on June 19, 2013, 02:39:25 PM
Thank you Gary and Ed for your responses. 

This gets even more interesting...  I forgot to tell you that the engine has a security wire attached between the upper control arm shaft and the exhaust manifold on the passenger side of the engine.  From what I was able to research and please correct me if I am wrong, this 3/8" wire securing the engine to the upper control arm prevents the engine mount to break from the result of excessive torque (i.e. sudden acceleration, engine abuse, etc.).  Someone told me this was offered by GM via dealership a few months after the car was introduced to the market (perhaps some sort of recall from the manufacturer) at a cost of $100.  I have seen this hardness in only one other 67 Camaro V8. 

Is this true?  If so, would this be another clue to suggest that indeed, this is the original engine?  As always, I welcome your wisdom in this matter.

Thank you ,

Ramon.-
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 67nuts on June 19, 2013, 02:41:17 PM
I would love to post a picture of the device... Not sure how to upload pics on this page...
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on June 19, 2013, 02:54:38 PM
Yes, in 1971 GM issued a recall because the motor mount could separate, causing the engine to lift on a hard acceleration. This could cause the throttle linkage to stick, resulting in loss of control. The original NHTSA campain number was 71V235000, and the "fix" was to install the cable you have. However, since this was a recall, it didn't cost the owner anything.

Ed
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 67nuts on June 19, 2013, 06:15:37 PM
Great finding Ed.  Do you or anyone else know if this was also an issue back in 1967?  I have seen at least one more 67 Camaro with this bracket/wire... 
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: JohnZ on June 19, 2013, 06:39:56 PM
Great finding Ed.  Do you or anyone else know if this was also an issue back in 1967?  I have seen at least one more 67 Camaro with this bracket/wire...  

That's because the 1971 recall affected V-8 cars back to the early 60's. MILLIONS of V-8 Chevrolets were affected by the recall.
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on June 19, 2013, 07:14:05 PM
Here's the complete list of cars (and trucks) affected.

Ed

Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: KurtS on June 19, 2013, 07:26:43 PM
I think it was the biggest recall campaign ever at the time.....
People actually install them on their restored cars. It's ugly and it wasn't design intent - it was just the cheapest fix that GM came up with.
Use interlocking engine mounts instead.
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: Mike S on June 19, 2013, 07:40:53 PM
The wheel makes a full revolution.....I installed the original looking BB mounts I bought from LI Corvettes. I figure the days of stomping the gas to the floor are gone for my 'baby' so I'm not going to worry about a mount separating.

Mike
 
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: Kelley W King on June 19, 2013, 08:02:04 PM
I had a 65 impala SS back in 71 and got the recall. They would not install it because I had headers. My brothers unmolested 68 camaro still has it on it.
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 69Z28 on July 28, 2013, 05:49:12 PM
Was just reading this and wanted to ask if it was unusual to have one on both driver and passenger side? I just picked up a 46000 mile 69 Impala and there is one on each side.
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 69Z28 on July 28, 2013, 06:01:49 PM
Something else I was thinking about, even though the recall cables are there doesn't mean the motor mounts are bad or even separated are they? Looking at the mounts on the car I can't really tell. What's a good mount and a separated mount look like? Anybody have pics to share?
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on July 28, 2013, 06:07:31 PM
Only one was required and installed on the drivers side at the dealership. Since the engine rotates clockwise (as seen from the front of the car (or counter-clockwise as seen from the drivers seat), the torque would make it "lift" on the driver side. The cable kept it from doing this by tightening up if the engine mount failed. One on the passenger side wouldn't do anything but slack the cable!

It's very difficult to visually tell a bad mount while it's installed on the car other than watching the engine when you "give'r the gas"! If it's bad, the engine will want to "lift" on the driver side. No, the recall doesn't mean you have a bad mount.

Ed
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 69Z28 on July 28, 2013, 10:29:16 PM
So, Ed, why did many come with one on each side? My Impala isn't the only one i've seen this way. With the engine only lifting on the driver side it doesn't make any sense for there to be one on the passenger side, but yet, there it is. In my search for LM1 engines in the 69 Impala, I have see quite a few.
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on July 28, 2013, 10:53:10 PM
No idea. The dealer was obligated to install one (and only one) on the driver side. HERE (http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=11096.0) are the instructions for the kit (see reply number 9 from John). These instructions are for the Camaro and Nova, but the full size instructions are similar.

Ed
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: tmodel66 on July 29, 2013, 03:34:57 PM
Only one was required and installed on the drivers side at the dealership. Since the engine rotates clockwise (as seen from the front of the car (or counter-clockwise as seen from the drivers seat), the torque would make it "lift" on the driver side. The cable kept it from doing this by tightening up if the engine mount failed. One on the passenger side wouldn't do anything but slack the cable!


Ed


Ed isn't this backward? I'm not being a know-it-all nor a smarty pants, and I may be wrong but I think they rotate clockwise sitting in the drivers seat.
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 69Z28-RS on July 29, 2013, 04:58:51 PM
Yes, Ed got turned around in his drivers seat, as this part of his post is incorrect..   :)
"Since the engine rotates clockwise (as seen from the front of the car (or counter-clockwise as seen from the drivers seat), "..   
but the remainder of his post, and the gist of his response, was correct..  :)
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: bertfam on July 29, 2013, 05:37:51 PM
Quote
...I think they rotate clockwise sitting in the drivers seat.

What I meant is that on the Chevrolet V8 engine, the crankshaft, pulleys and fan all rotate clockwise if you're looking at the engine standing in front of the car (counter-clockwise if you're sitting in the car looking forward).

This rotation is what makes the engine want to "lift" on the drivers side.

Ed

Example HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIKNccRDvRo&feature=player_embedded)
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: JohnZ on July 30, 2013, 04:15:11 PM
Yes, Ed got turned around in his drivers seat, as this part of his post is incorrect..   :)
"Since the engine rotates clockwise (as seen from the front of the car (or counter-clockwise as seen from the drivers seat), "..   
but the remainder of his post, and the gist of his response, was correct..  :)


Ed's post (reply #18) is 100% correct. :-)
Title: Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification
Post by: 69Z28-RS on July 30, 2013, 05:06:03 PM
Yes, John, kinda sorta..  *L*...

'The 'rotating assembly' rotates in one direction, but the TORQUE on the engine itself is actually applied in the opposite direction when there is a load; that's why the engine TRIES to rotate in the clockwise direction (as viewed from the drivers seat)...    it's all in the terminology.. :)

and Ed's further explanation clarified that.

Gary