Tak's Automotive in Denver Colorado

[ronebee]

Hi Folks:

Does anybody remember a Tak's automotive in Denver Colorado? I recently got in contact with the original owner of my 1968 427-435 Corvette that he purchased from Luby Chevrolet in Denver.

Per the original owner, shortly after aquiring the car he was at a speed event in Colorado and he had a chance meeting with a "bigwig" from Chevrolet R&D who was admiring his car. Per that meeting the bigwig (orig. owner couldn't remember the guys name) "pulled some strings" and allowed this guy to aquire an L-88 shortblock for street use. L-88 motors were only supposed to go to well known racers back then. Per the first owner, he would have gotten a motor with heads but could not afford it at the time, so he got the short block.

L-88 was put in the car with the 427/435 heads, winters foundry L-88 intake, aluminum water pump, headers, some baldwin motion goodies, bm hood, flares, traction bar, air cleaner, ansen sprints, etc,etc. All work done at Tak's auto in Denver.

Also, does anyone know were the numbers are supposed to be on an L-88 over the counter motor? When I bought this car I was told the L-88 was long gone, and that a LS-7 was put in sometime in the mid '70s. Per the original owner, he owned this car until 1982 (I confirmed this on the back of the title)and when he sold the car he sold it with the L-88 intact in the bay. As I described the engine bay to him he said that it soounds to be exactly the way he sold it back in 1983. The only numbers I can find on this block is a small set of numbers stamped on the block above the timing chain cover. These are barely ledgible through the engine enamel. Were else would any numbers or casting numbers be on this motor?

Thanks for any and all help. This is a really neat car.

[azcamaros]

Although I haven't lived in Denver since 1995, I do remember Taks Automotive and his work, he was the "go to " guy for blower and fuel injection work in the 80's and 90's when I was there. Sorry, but I don't remember any specific "door cars" that he was involved with.

You should try looking Tak up on Google, or contact Lee at Ontrack performance in Englewood. Lee has raced in Denver since the early 70's...
Good luck

[ronebee]

I tried to google Tak but to no avail, called "Corvette Collectibles"(big corvette dealer out there) and they said that Tak is retired and/or deceased.

Thank you so much for the lead of this other gentleman, I will contact him this week. If I can help you in any way with tracking stuff down up this way, please feel free to contact me. Thank you again.

[SuperNovaSS]

Numbers were usually stamped above the timing cover on 80's-90's big blocks.


Jason

[ronebee]

you are correct, sir! There are numbers stamped on the block above the timing cover, I need to remove the paint to see what they are. Thanks for your help, these numbers are miniscule (very small) compared to the stamping I usually see.

[ronebee]

motor in my car reads 1019xaa, looks like an over the counter ls-6 with the 427/435 heads, l-88 intake and water pump, thanks for everybodys help

[ronebee]

HEY FOLKS:

Look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion, not bringing my car, flying in to say hello to my last car (this months feature car) and looking to meet some of you people. I will have a handful of photos of this current car.

looking forward to seeing you folks..