CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: tim trax on July 21, 2006, 06:58:45 PM

Title: 68 Camaro big block?
Post by: tim trax on July 21, 2006, 06:58:45 PM
help! I have a 68 coupe with a 396 non origional motor bolted to a turbo 350 trans and ten bolt rearend. so I either have a wrong engine or swapped drivetrain (smallblock) what are some ways to identify a big block car vs small block so I can begin a direction. Thanks! Tim
Title: Re: 68 Camaro big block or not?
Post by: KevinK on July 23, 2006, 12:22:56 PM
As others have said, ...there is no perfect way to confirm a '68 big block, ...however (as has been said) the car had to be an SS to get the big block, ...so confirmation of the SS items (ie. 12-bolt; raised hood; signs of original emblems; 5 leaf springs; etc. would be a start.
   The items for a big block that would differ from a small block...: the heater core, fan shroud, fuel line, engine frame mounts, etc.
  If the drivetrain components are in question, ...check the dates compared to the cowl tag/car's build date; single leaf rear would be 6 cyl or 327 (ie. non SS).
  Tim trax, ...if as you say the motor is non original, ...and a 10-bolt rear, ...have you checked the 3rd digit of your VIN#? (ie. 3 or 4?). If that checks (ie. it a 4, 8-cyl.), ...I'd then check the date on the rear, ...if the rear date is close to the build, ...then it's probably not an SS...
Title: Re: 68 Camaro big block or not?
Post by: zzmike on July 23, 2006, 04:18:55 PM
Can he also check for the correct radiator tag??

Cheers,

ZZMike
Title: Re: 68 Camaro big block or not?
Post by: Mark's 68 L78 RS SS on August 03, 2006, 01:27:21 AM
The cross member is almost a sure way to tell if the car was an original big block.  Very few people change these out so it is almost always the original.