1968 Yenko Camaro 427 Block Verification

[mdescamp]

Hi guys, brand new to this site but am finding a lot of information already. I need to learn how Yenko Marked the 1968 Camaro blocks. As I understand it, they simply removed the 396 motor, replaced the block with a CE 427 block and transferred the heads, and intake over. My pressing question: What information did they stamp in the front engine pad if any? Was the vehicle's VIN stamped in the CE 427? If not, how can you tell if the engine is original to that particular car? Thanks in advance for any help you can shed...

[Unreal]

I don't think I have ever heard of an instance where Yenko stamped the VIN on the transplant block.

[enio45]

The orig 68, 396 blocks were stamped MV - this was used on all the potential conversion cars engines, stamped by GM and transferred to the protecto plate if not converted. WHen the motor was pulled - the 427 block was provided over the counter.

I know your question was about the converted cars - which is a good question that an orig converted mtr car owner will have to answer. I think and was told (that the CE block was over the counter) and NO vin was stamped on the block. I have not verified this - thus a great question....so what does the protecto plate say after the conversion?

[Unreal]

Eddie, what was different about the MV L78 vs. the MQ (I think) L78?

[enio45]

Gary, what im told and understand - the only possible diff in the entire engine was possibly the carb for the MV coded motors. And this is not definitive as i understand.

The motor internals we understand are the same as the L78 - the stamping on the block was to assist GM in the tracking and identification of the GM installed MV blocks for the copo /conversion program that yenko was doing.

I apologise if i use the words "i understand or i'm told" as there is not alot of documentation on this except for what has been uncovered via detective work, some documentation and some orig yenko installed converted cars - and even with this, you have to thread the info together. I say this as there may be someone with better or more accurate info that i dont know, so i stand to be corrected if that is the case.

Obviously i have one of the 396 yenko cars - non converted so i have done as much research as possible - and im sure there are a few tid bits still we dont know. Hope this helps

[Unreal]

Cool, but why did GM care what happened to the "discarded" blocks?

By the way, I was at Pitt in the late 60's and remember seeing Yenko ads all the time, in the Pittsburgh Press for engines and wheels (maybe wheels and tires, can't remember) Can't remember the asking price, either.

[resto4u]

I recall reading somewhere, that engines that were replaced when the car was new. Engines new, not warranty issues. GM would take them back and credit dealers account. Roger

[mdescamp]

This is great feedback...thanks so much guys. Now on to the continued search, if there is not a VIN stamped in to the changed out 427 blocks when converted then how do you tell if the motor is original to a particular 68' YENKO Camaro? Is it the block's production dates vs the production date on the data tag?

Thanks,
Mike

[Unreal]

Not challenging, just curious. What would GM do with MV coded short blocks?

Off the subject, but I think I would rather have a non-converted Yenko, than a converted one. I think they're pretty cool.

[enio45]

Mike, good question - i believe an orig owner with 427 mtr will have to chime in on that question.


Ref the MV blocks, i heard yenko sold them out the back door or over the counter as extra blocks for anyone that could use it.

I know of one MV mtr at a resto shop - now would that be cool to have your orig MV mtr with the car as well as the converted 427 mtr in the car!!!