CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: garve on January 19, 2006, 04:38:26 PM

Title: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 19, 2006, 04:38:26 PM
I am considering purchasing a 1968 Z-28. I have watched the car sit for many years and have finally talked the owner into considering selling it. Can anyone tell me how many Z-28's were produced in 1968. In looking at the Old Cars Price Guide from Dec. '05 it would appear that the Z-28 is of more value than other models even though it has less HP? Is this because there were less of them?

Thanks,

Garve
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: 3Zs on January 19, 2006, 06:23:54 PM
There were only 28,103 Z/28s produced in all three years of the First Generation: 602 in '67, 7199 in '68 and 20,302 in '69.  Quite rare relative to total Camaro production!
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 19, 2006, 10:28:34 PM
Can I verify from the VIN that this is in fact a Z-28?
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: enio45 on January 19, 2006, 10:43:04 PM
No not from the cowl tag....u need the protecto plate to validate the MO motor to start. 
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 19, 2006, 10:58:04 PM
Well, I have learned that that is correct. However, I have also learned that the original 302 was replaced with a 327. They apparently did use the heads and intake from the 302. The 4-speed transmission and 12 Bolt rearend are believed to be original. I have learned that a local individual who I just spoke with purchased the car used from our local dealer in 1971. He them sold it to the last owner in 1974. I purchased the car today. According to this person the car was indeed a Z-28 and had 12,000 miles on it and was like new when he got it. Being from a small town (pop. 8500) I am inclined to believe that this is in fact a Z-28. This will be my first Camaro restoration and I am sure that this will prove to be a valuable site. Thanks for any input and I hope I am not crazy for purchasing this car!
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: lakeholme on January 20, 2006, 12:50:15 AM
I know the small block matched up, but wouldn't you like to know why they put in a 327 and not another 302?!?
If you like the car (and paid a fair price) then you are not crazy.  When you drive down the road on a sunny day and everyone gives you a second look, you'll at least know there are a lot of folks who love a Camaro --Z, matching #s, or not!
Good luck on the restoration... Happy motoring!
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 20, 2006, 01:23:31 PM
I would like to know why a 327 instead of another 302. The change was done in 1975 and I think they had no idea what they had. At the risk of sounding completely clueless(which at this point I admittedly am) what are the chances of finding another 302??
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: JohnZ on January 20, 2006, 04:15:23 PM
It probably got a 327 as a replacement because they were very common, inexpensive, and plentiful (millions of them were made). "Real" '68 302's are difficult to find, although thousands have been "created"; there's nothing special about the block, but the 3"-stroke large-journal cranks are hard to find.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: maroman on January 24, 2006, 12:04:51 PM
Garve, good find. Do some research you will be able to prove to yourself that it is indeed a Z-28. First look at the tire pressure decal in the glove box. If the tire size is E70X15 inch, you on your way. Does it have ralley wheels, the ones on Zs were unique. Check the date code on them.You'll find  your proof.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: KevinW on January 24, 2006, 01:29:44 PM
Garve, are you determining the 327 from the block casting number or the stamped deck numbers?  if the block got wiped, it is possible to just swap the crank and internals from the 302 to the 327.  Actually the casting for the 327 and the 302 are the same one.  gotta buy the car and open the engine to make sure.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: Dusk Blue Z on January 24, 2006, 11:57:46 PM
I think 67 and 68 302's used the small journal crank, 69 is the only year of the large journal. If your current block is a small journal block, find a 283 crank and a set of pistons and your back in business. I was told long ago that all 283 cranks were forged and I have never seen a cast one. Back in the old days you could pick up an extra 25 cu in. pretty quick and many did.

Mike
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: JohnZ on January 25, 2006, 12:27:05 AM
'67 was small-journal, '68-'69 were large-journal.  :)
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 26, 2006, 12:16:07 AM
I finally got the car to my shop and had a good look at it. The tire pressure decal does indeed indicate E70X15. There was one wheel that I was told was the original in the trunk but I could not find any casting on it. I have simply based that it is a 327 by what I was told from the previous owner. However, I may have located the original 302 block. The owner is checking the casting #'s and I should know in a couple of days. After looking closer at the car I am even more excited. It has the front disk brakes, the large rear bumper caps, all the original trim except for whatever was on the rocker panels is in very good shape. It doesn't appear that this car has ever sustained any major body damage. Every corner and bumper is straight! I can't wait to get started! Unfortunately work seems to interfere with progress.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: enio45 on January 27, 2006, 09:31:35 AM
Send pics!!!
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: Dusk Blue Z on January 27, 2006, 04:39:09 PM
Thanks for the correct information John, I used to know that.  :-\  So much for the cheap crankshaft...

Good luck on your purchase, now the fun begins.

Mike
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: maroman on January 27, 2006, 09:52:14 PM
Evidense of Z-28 stripes in trunk lip and hood lip or in cowl? Under all the repaint? 4 piston calipers on front? 12 bolt rear? 3/8 fuel line from the tank? What shifter? Original colors, int and ext.? Other options? Let's have it with a full description! The casting no. will only tell you it "could" be a 302, could also be a 327. Look to the stamped no. in the front. Better yet, get the book Chevrolet by the Numbers and start from scratch, carb, water pump, intake, distributor, etc.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 27, 2006, 11:48:52 PM
Can anyone tell me exactly where to look for the "MO" engine code? Thanks.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: JohnZ on January 28, 2006, 02:49:05 AM
The engine source, assembly date, and identifying suffix code is stamped on a machined pad on the front of the block immediately below the front of the passenger side cylinder head; the "MO" suffix will be the last two characters of the stamping, which will look like "V0306MO".
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: garve on January 31, 2006, 12:20:07 AM
O.K. I finally got to check the block that is rumored to be from this car. Here are the #'s from the block, the cowl tag and the vin.

cowl:        06B                         H257
         ST  68-12437  LOS 42128 BODY
         TR 722                     G-G PAINT

V.I.N. 124378L343505
ENGINE: V0423MO    18N425549

Could this be the original block??
                                                                                   


                                     
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: JohnZ on January 31, 2006, 01:40:25 AM
O.K. I finally got to check the block that is rumored to be from this car. Here are the #'s from the block, the cowl tag and the vin.

cowl: 06B H257
 ST 68-12437 LOS 42128 BODY
 TR 722 G-G PAINT

V.I.N. 124378L343505
ENGINE: V0423MO 18N425549

Could this be the original block??
 

No, that engine was originally installed in a '68 Norwood car, VIN #425549; your car was built at Van Nuys.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: Rich on February 01, 2006, 03:52:48 AM
Document *all* the clues in existing state with detailed digital photos *now*; especially the glovebox sticker and the partial VIN on the Muncie tranny (that will be priceless if you have no other original document and the engine block was switched).  Attempt a title search.  Attempt to locate and get statements from people that knew that car when it was new.  And look for (though don't expect) broadcast sheet info in the car as you restore it.  You should be able to build a convincing story.
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: bjr68z28 on February 02, 2006, 07:03:04 PM
Rich,
I have been following this thread with high interest.  I have '68 Z with original engine, trans. rear end etc, but no paper documentation except tire pressure sticker.  I do however have signed statement from the original owner, after the car was recognized online by a friend of the second owner.  (Actually met him today)  My question, would you like me to send the information I have for the CRG data base?
Thanks,
Bill
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28
Post by: Rich on February 04, 2006, 01:40:24 AM
Absolutely.  Please see other threads on submitting data.  Thanks, Rich
Title: Re: 1968 Z-28 Info for Data Base
Post by: bjr68z28 on February 05, 2006, 08:30:33 PM
Rich & Kurt,
Here is the info I have.  The Z was purchased Sept. '68 from Vaughn Chevrolet, Lynchburg Virginia.  As mentioned in prior post, I have spoken to the first and second owners.  Thanks to all CRG staff for their great work.
Bill

VIN 124378N479958

Trim Rag:   07D
                ST 68-12437      NOR 180991
                TR 714              UU

Engine:      18N479958        VO718MO

Axle is BV code (4:10)   

Muncie M21 with matching partial VIN

E 70 X 15  Tire Pressure Sticker is intact.