396 Engine lift rings

[boomer632]

Im looking for info on where the smaller engine lift ring goes for 396. Im good on the front drivers side ring, but have no clue where the smaller on goes or or how its attached.

[bertfam]

It attaches to the back of the head (see arrow in the picture attached). Note that the picture is a Corvette 427, but the Camaro 396 is the same.

Ed

[boomer632]

Thank you sir!

[68camaroz28]

It attaches to the back of the head (see arrow in the picture attached). Note that the picture is a Corvette 427, but the Camaro 396 is the same.

Ed

Good pic Ed! The bolt should be painted thou, correct?

[bertfam]

To be honest Chick, I'm not sure but I believe so. If I remember correctly, John said the brackets were installed prior to painting the engine so it would be painted (or not if it was an L89). However, the engine in that picture is a little "too perfect" if you know what I mean. At 300 per hour in the spray booth (one every 12 seconds) they didn't get a lot of attention!

Ed

[x66 714]

I spent a little over 12 seconds on mine but not much
Joe

[68camaroz28]

I spent a little over 12 seconds on mine but not much
Joe

LOL, Joe, good one! Just to clarify for future searches in some restorations people go to great detail to show the lift brackets were used to paint the engine which is not technically correct as they were not used as one can see from Ed's picture. 

[bertfam]

Chick, originally John said that picture was from the late 60's or early 70's but I believe it's from earlier than that, before the lift brackets were used, because I don't see the front driver side bracket attached. During that time they used the carb mounting holes to hold the engine up while painting. I don't believe John ever stated what they used in 1968 and later so it may have been the same thing as before (more than likely since why change things if it works), or the actual lift brackets themselves. I just don't have the info to say how it was done after 1967.

And of course I'm not positive on the date of that picture either!

Ed

[68camaroz28]

Chick, originally John said that picture was from the late 60's or early 70's but I believe it's from earlier than that, before the lift brackets were used, because I don't see the front driver side bracket attached. During that time they used the carb mounting holes to hold the engine up while painting. I don't believe John ever stated what they used in 1968 and later so it may have been the same thing as before (more than likely since why change things if it works), or the actual lift brackets themselves. I just don't have the info to say how it was done after 1967.
And of course I'm not positive on the date of that picture either!

Ed

Good points Ed..... From what we discussed the lift brackets started in '68 per conversations I had with him as he was engineering team leader developing them to utilize on the engine dress line but engine painting process did not change as you suggested. Prior to '68 the engine dress line used fixtures to hold by the exhaust manifolds.

[bertfam]

Prior to '68 the engine dress line used fixtures to hold by the exhaust manifolds.

Several prior to 1968 and only two for 1968 and later!!

Ed

[william]

Whatever you do, don't do this.

100% incorrect for any engine with aluminum intake and chrome or cast rocker covers.

[boomer632]

I installed my front lift ring other day and left it bare metal.

[william]

They were often brush-painted silver with aluminum intakes.

[boomer632]

Ok can do that..

[68camaroz28]

They were often brush-painted silver with aluminum intakes.

Excellent Point William, NCRS & newer '69 Camaro judging guidelines accept painted silver or natural. I like the painted silver and have noted on several survivors.

And Ed, great picture of fixtures from '68 to '69.