Engine casting date question

robber6910 · #1 07-05-2002, 03:41 AM

What is the correct bb engine casting date for my '69 Camaro? The car was built the 3rd week of January 1969. I want to load a 427 under the hood to give her the "balls" that she truly deserves. Thanks

Rob

T Billigen · #2 07-05-2002, 04:03 AM

November of 1968 would probably be the best date. My camaro is a February build date and the engine casting date is December 9 1968 (L-9-8)

Unreal · #3 07-05-2002, 01:08 PM

I looked at an unrestored L78 motor, that had an October 68 casting date, and a May 69 engine build date. I did not look at the VIN to see when the car was built.

T Billigen · #4 07-05-2002, 01:30 PM

You might want to look for a L-72 "512" block, they are fairly common, this block went into production in October of 1968 and would be a correct block, if you want to go the COPO route.

Unreal · #5 07-05-2002, 06:32 PM

512 blocks were 2 bolt and 4 bolt. 2 bolts are more plentiful, and cheaper. You can convert to a 4 bolt by getting the correct main caps, and align boring. Also, you should drill and tap the holes around the oil filter. Check CBN page 56 for details.

robber6910 · #6 07-05-2002, 11:20 PM

Thanks for all the input guys. Now just as a general question to all, is there anything that could've been improved on the original supercars? (handling, performance, etc.). I'm thinking of building the "dream" supercar that would do the original supercars justice and impress all the Chevy gods as well. Any ideas or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Unreal · #7 07-06-2002, 02:34 AM

It's hard to beat the "go fast in a straight line" factor of Super Cars. However they did not corner very well, nor did they stop very well. In my opinion, that's where to improve the car, if you decide deviate from the originals.

I'm building a clone out of a small block auto with A/C. I have a 512 2 bolt block, but I did not convert. (I would, if I had it to do over, again) I deviated by keeping the A/C, but converted to B/B system, including b/b with A/C smog system (quite rare, but inaccurate for a Yenko.) For everything else, I tried to be accurate to a real one, except that I did no numbers shaving, and I did not try to date code anything.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.