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Decoding/Numbers / Which is the closest 67 350 block replacement for SSRS conv?
« on: November 11, 2009, 12:16:15 PM »
Hello all ---
I have a nearly all original 67 conv RS/SS. Frame off restoration about 10 years ago. One of the few parts on the car that is not original is the short block, ie heads, intake, exhaust, carb are all correct (at least I think so...) but the block is not .. its from a 74 camaro. I am having some trouble with the engine, leaking rear main, etc... so instead of fixing what I've got, I'm considering pulling the engine and finally replacing this lower 1/2 with a correct original 350 block.
So now for my questions ... not exactly sure where to start. I know this block is not very common and will likely be hard to find. I want to be sure I'm searching for the right part. I know I'll never find a 100% match, but I'm trying to understand what are the variables? Are there date codes? Is there VIN number that should match but won't?
If I understand this correctly, there are 3 numbers on the lower block
casting number --- I need 3892657, no options here, no other will work for me
Engine Code --- what are good parameters for my car? should the plant be the same as the car (Norwood)? or doesn't matter? Should the date be appropriate for the manufacture date of the car, ie engine date should be prior to car manufacture date?
Partial VIN --- this will never match, because it will be out of a different car.
If I can find a 67 350 block with that casting number is that as close as I can get? The engine code and partial VIN may never be correct ... so I should simply be happy to find a block with the correct casting number?
What do others do for this type of restoration project ... find a block with the correct casting number, built it back to original .... have the engine code and partial VIN restamped to match my car --- advertise that I have done that and call it "numbers matching" car ??
I have shown this car at many local shows ... I drive it and enjoy it --- but I have never trailered it and have never been into 100 point shows ... but at the same time, if I'm going to do this, I'd like to try to get as close as possible... why not?
thanks much!
cj
I have a nearly all original 67 conv RS/SS. Frame off restoration about 10 years ago. One of the few parts on the car that is not original is the short block, ie heads, intake, exhaust, carb are all correct (at least I think so...) but the block is not .. its from a 74 camaro. I am having some trouble with the engine, leaking rear main, etc... so instead of fixing what I've got, I'm considering pulling the engine and finally replacing this lower 1/2 with a correct original 350 block.
So now for my questions ... not exactly sure where to start. I know this block is not very common and will likely be hard to find. I want to be sure I'm searching for the right part. I know I'll never find a 100% match, but I'm trying to understand what are the variables? Are there date codes? Is there VIN number that should match but won't?
If I understand this correctly, there are 3 numbers on the lower block
casting number --- I need 3892657, no options here, no other will work for me
Engine Code --- what are good parameters for my car? should the plant be the same as the car (Norwood)? or doesn't matter? Should the date be appropriate for the manufacture date of the car, ie engine date should be prior to car manufacture date?
Partial VIN --- this will never match, because it will be out of a different car.
If I can find a 67 350 block with that casting number is that as close as I can get? The engine code and partial VIN may never be correct ... so I should simply be happy to find a block with the correct casting number?
What do others do for this type of restoration project ... find a block with the correct casting number, built it back to original .... have the engine code and partial VIN restamped to match my car --- advertise that I have done that and call it "numbers matching" car ??
I have shown this car at many local shows ... I drive it and enjoy it --- but I have never trailered it and have never been into 100 point shows ... but at the same time, if I'm going to do this, I'd like to try to get as close as possible... why not?
thanks much!
cj