Early 68 Z28 engine

[jvb6648]

Did the early 68 Z28 date, 12E, come with the 389257 small journal block or did all 68's have the 3914678 block?

[tmodel66]

They were the 678 blocks. Here's a link to read about them.

http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#BlockCast

[jvb6648]

Thanks, I've been to that site, also saw sites that said 257 was used in 68. Bought the car in '72, 3rd owner, original owner said he sold it with original engine. When I tore the engine down it was 2 bolt main small journal. So I bought a new 4 bolt block and built that up.Trying to decide if I should go for correct block.

[tmodel66]

Can you get the stamped numbers off the engine pad and post it? We can tell what kind of engine it is by the pad numbers.

[68camaroz28]

Our late Dec. 67 built MO has the 678 block.

[jvb6648]

Well that's the issue. The block that was in the car when I bought it is long gone but it was small journal. I don't think 2nd owner changed engine, he sold it after a year, it wasn't very practical for him. I'll call the original owner on Mon. He owns a speed shop and raced the car so I know he had the engine out. With any luck the original block is laying in a corner.

[KurtS]

Thanks, I've been to that site, also saw sites that said 257 was used in 68.

Um, "that site" is this site.
There's only one block shown for 302's - 3914678.

[jvb6648]

I talked to the original owner. The car arrived at the dealer on New Years day, he took delivery on the 4th. I'll have to recheck build date when I get back home. Bodyman must have misread it as 12e. Owner swears that car came with a 2 bolt main block. He owns a speed shop and raced that car so he was into the engine. I'll be back in a week.

[fireZ]

They were only 2 bolt main block.678 blocks only

[KurtS]

Yup, 4-bolt main small blocks didn't happen until 69.

[jvb6648]

OK thanks I've got that now. But riddle me this, can a car with a 12E build date be delivered on Jan. 1st, I have the original sales invoice dated Jan. 4, the day the car was paid for and picked up? Christmas was on a Mon. so the car would have to be built and delivered to Buffalo NY in 7 days.

[KurtS]

I'd have to see the VIN to comment absolutely, but may be possible.

[jvb6648]

The more I thought about it, it probably is doable. The invoice didn't specify a Z-28 option but had "special rear springs" "power disc Brakes" and "special performance equipment" listed as options. Do you think this would work as documention?
124378N365977

[KurtS]

"special performance equipment" normally means Z28. Really depends on how detailed they wrote up the invoice, but it sounds promising.
With that VIN, probably was shipped a few days before the end of the year, so possible.