Author Topic: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code  (Read 6857 times)

dougc

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile
68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« on: December 12, 2011, 09:01:49 PM »
Hi ,

This is my first post as I have just joined the CRG forum as I have started a restoration on what I believe is a 68 RS/SS but after a fair amount of research, I am having trouble with the engine code ( I have what is claimed to be the original engine and do not have the transmission ). 

If this topic is better suited for another discussion board please advise and I'd be happy to re-post.

I purchasd the car in 1995 as barn find stalled resto that had been sitting since about 1984.  Prior to this car, I had a 1969 camaro that had some problems and was never really going to worth much.  I was looking for a project car that when properly restored would be of some value.  I have let this car sit in a barn for many years and then my garage for the last 6.  I finally am in a position to have a local restoration shop perform all of the body repair/paint and other assembly activities.  I also have to admit that I didn't do any reasearch on the numbers until I started the restoration effort.  I am lucky enough, however to have the warranty book that has the imprint image from the POP.

The issue I have run into is that the engine code is stamped MF. All of the research I have found shows this code to be a 1967 327 engine.  However, the VIN stamping matches both the car VIN as well as the POP imprint that I have in the warranty book  ( V0702MF ).  While taking an inventory of parts, I discovered that the car was a 3 speed column automatic ( with Tilt ) and not a powerglide.  Decoding the POP also supports this. ( X8H06 )   The car appears to be a end of model year as the VIN is 124378N481xxx.

Also determined during the decode is that the block, heads, and intake numbers are accurrate for a 1968 350/295hp car.  The car also has a 12 bolt ( only 2.73 non-posi ), 5 leaf springs, and, as I found while reasearching the CRG website, the 28 coil SS hood springs.


I'm at the point where I am trying to decide if I should keep the car or part it out and buy something else as it needs a fair amount of sheet metal.  The car also has a few other options such as a walnut wheel, AM/FM radio,  A/C, PS, frt p/disc brake, and power windows.  I don't intend to sell it,and would probably pass it to the kids once the are old enough,  but I don't want to have a ton more $$ invested that it would ever be worth. 

Lastly, while reviewing the paper work that I had rec'd with the car, I was lucky enough able to track down a former owner.  I explained I was trying to validate the authenticity of the car and before I gave hime too many details, he proceded to tell me almoast all of the options that car had stating that it was a true RS/SS.  He claims to have bought it in 1977 from the original owner( the original ower at the time was his room mates sister.  Apparently she worked at the Norwood assy plant and special ordered the car.

Has anyone ever run across a 68 SS that was not a MT or MU engine stamp?  Or am I missing something?  Any assitance is greatly appreciated.
If amyone at the CRG woudl like a scan of the POP for research purposes, I'd be happy to send a copy.

Thank you,

-Doug


bertfam

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4492
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2011, 09:36:10 PM »
Hi Doug and welcome to the site. Yes, if you could send me pictures of the POP, the engine pad and any other documents you have, I'd appreciate it. My email address is in my profile to the left.

The 1968 350 MF code has long been thought to be an urban legend. It was supposedly used for the COPO 9665 (special transmission), but no authentication (original docs) have ever come to light to verify this. If you have substantiating documentation, we'd love to see it.

Ed

dougc

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2011, 01:32:07 AM »
Hi Ed.

I'll send along the POP picture/scan this week.  I won't be able to take a pic of the engine pad until this weekend.

Thanks for the reply!

-Doug

bertfam

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4492
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2011, 02:14:09 AM »
No hurry Doug. We've waited 44 years for documentation. We can wait a few days more!!

Ed

vtfb68

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 527
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2011, 02:16:48 AM »
ED,
Was 9665 for the new turbo 350 tests ? and was that for all the chevy models? (nova, chevelle, ect)
   VT
68 05C LA RS/SS U2 712 L34 M21 BR
68 08E LA RS Y2 749 L30 M35
67 11B LA  RS/SS M-1 797-Z L48 M21  Convertible

bertfam

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4492
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2011, 02:23:49 AM »
Quote
Was 9665 for the new turbo 350 tests ?

It's unknown exactly what it was used for. All we know is that it supposedly included a "special transmission". The 68 Camaro Turbo 350 test cars were fitted with L30 engines and a EN suffix code.

Ed

1968RSZ28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6188
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2011, 03:12:47 AM »
Doug,

What's the transmission assembly code on the POP?

Paul

KurtS

  • CRG Coordinator
  • *****
  • Posts: 5881
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2011, 03:45:33 AM »
I've seen it written somewhere that MF was used with a manual trans. But I question what their source was.....

Doug,

What's the transmission assembly code on the POP?

Paul
X8H06 - TH350 out of Cleveland
Kurt S
CRG

philip

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 151
  • hello from FRANCE
    • View Profile
convertible 1967.12467
RPO: A02-A31-A67-B37-B93-C06-D55-F41-G80-J50-J52-K02-L30 -M20-N33-N40-N61-U17-U18-U25-26-27-28-29-V31-V32 Z21-Z22-Z87

1968RSZ28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6188
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2011, 06:57:42 PM »
i've find informations about MF engine code here

http://www.nastyz28.com/gm-chevy-codes/chevy-engine-codes-suffix-6.php

or

http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-chevy-engine-suffix-codes.asp?group=11

Philip,

Both of those links list the 1967 "MF" engine suffix.  This thread is about the possible existence of the 1968 "MF" engine suffix.

Paul

philip

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 151
  • hello from FRANCE
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #10 on: December 16, 2011, 09:58:56 AM »
ok sorry...maybe because he own a very first 68 model?
convertible 1967.12467
RPO: A02-A31-A67-B37-B93-C06-D55-F41-G80-J50-J52-K02-L30 -M20-N33-N40-N61-U17-U18-U25-26-27-28-29-V31-V32 Z21-Z22-Z87

Steve68

  • CRG Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 521
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #11 on: December 16, 2011, 04:44:07 PM »
From his first post.
Quote
The car appears to be a end of model year as the VIN is 124378N481xxx.

If this VIN is correct this would be a June or later 68 model.

dougc

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #12 on: December 17, 2011, 12:14:28 AM »
Yes. It has a build code of 07E, which I believe is July.

Thanks for everyones input.  I've scanned and sent my POP imprint to Ed with CRG and it appears as though there are at least a couple more Camaro's with this mfg code and my documentation helped to validate the existence of possible L48's with this special transmission.   We'll see what the research uncovers.

By the way, as I've decided to keep the car and continue on with the restoration, can anyone recommend good resources to understand OEM paint and plating for chassis, engine compartment, and various other components?  Everything needs to be refinished.

Thank you,

Doug

1968RSZ28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6188
    • View Profile
Re: 68 RS/SS non normal engine code
« Reply #13 on: December 17, 2011, 02:14:57 AM »
By the way, as I've decided to keep the car and continue on with the restoration, can anyone recommend good resources to understand OEM paint and plating for chassis, engine compartment, and various other components?  Everything needs to be refinished.

Thank you,

Doug

http://www.67z28.com/finishes.htm

Paul