CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: Vectra on September 30, 2013, 12:17:09 AM

Title: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: Vectra on September 30, 2013, 12:17:09 AM

I am contemplating buying a 1968 Camaro basket case built in Norwood.  The block casting number is 3916321.  As you know, this is a 427.  This block has the VIN on the deck that matches the cowl VIN, along with the MT stamping.  The block casting is dated in October (didn't write exact day down) 1967, the car's trim tag indicates the body build date is the second week of March 1968.  It has GM aluminum heads dated 2 days apart, about the same time as the engine block was cast. 

From the research I have done, it doesn't appear that a 1968 L89 came with a 427, only a 396/375.  Is there a possibility that a 427 could have been an option.  My research shows not, but want you all to weigh in on this.

Also, is there a 1968 L89 OR L78 registry with the VINs anywhere for those cars. 

Thank you all for your thoughts.

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: cook_dw on September 30, 2013, 01:07:22 AM

First welcome.. ;D


Best thing would be to get paperwork on the car.  Get pics of the block stampings, vin, cowl tag, trans stamping and diff stamping.  Only then can anyone give an evaluation on the car.

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 30, 2013, 03:22:06 AM

Although the factory did not install 427 engines in '68 Camaros, unless my memory is failing me, some of the high performance dealerships were installing 'new' 427's (whatever options desired) in '68 Camaros for their customers; dealers like Nickey, Baldwin Motion, etc.   Those dealerships *may* have stamped the VIN's on the blocks since they did provide some type of warranty (although it was shorter than factory I believe)..  :)

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: KurtS on September 30, 2013, 04:09:41 AM

427 block with an MT code and a VIN? Sounds homemade....

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 30, 2013, 04:28:18 AM

MT indicates 396/375 in '68 (assuming it's a big block).   I am not familiar with the big block casting numbers, but was the 3916321 casting used for both 396's and 427's?? 

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: MyRed67 on September 30, 2013, 08:10:35 AM

  I've checked a couple different sources, both say 3916321 casting was only used for 427's late 67 & 68  Pass. car and Corvettes.

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: janobyte on October 02, 2013, 08:18:30 PM

Different blocks all together. 427 is a de stroked 454 " the 302's of big blocks"  based on stock crank casting #s.

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: vtfb68 on October 02, 2013, 09:35:58 PM

Hmm! No 454's till 1970, 427's came out in 1966.
     VT

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: janobyte on October 02, 2013, 10:34:23 PM

Different stroke (longer stroke) 454's  ,same  bore. Point being different block 396 (402's) vs 427's/454's. Rotating assemblies non-interchangeable between the two.

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: vtfb68 on October 02, 2013, 11:11:34 PM

Point being, the 454 would be a STROKED 427, would it not?
    VT

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: MyRed67 on October 02, 2013, 11:37:23 PM

Quote from: vtfb68 on October 02, 2013, 11:11:34 PM

Point being, the 454 would be a STROKED 427, would it not?
    VT

Exactly, being that the 427 came first.

Title: Re: 1968 L89 Camaro barn find?????????????
Post by: janobyte on October 03, 2013, 01:35:35 AM

Agreed  ;D      here is a link to chevy casting numbers/years.




                                                        http://outintheshop.com/faq/casting/castings2.html