I need a hand with the VIN for a 70's? early 80's? Corvette Stingray that a local shop has out back. I'm going to be checking the heads and the block casting as soon as this stupid cold white crap lets me, but until then I was hoping to get an idea of what I might find under the hood. The VIN is either 1237L6S441130 or 1237L6S44130. I was cold and pissed off when I jotted it down and can't read all of what I wrote. If it's worth it, I'd like to use this engine in my Z-28, but I don't want to make an offer to the lady that is currently letting it rot until I know it's true worth. Am I going to find a 350 or a 327, and can anyone offer me any hints as to what to look for beyond casting numbers?

Z-Monkey

 

Well, figgered it out myself. it's a 76 with a 180hp 350. I'm kinda on the fence with this now, I was hoping for something more inpressive, but I guess I'll just check the heads and block numbers anywhoo. What sort of potential does this engine have? I know almost anything can be built out of anything, but is this a good starting place, or should I keep looking? The numbers seem about low-midrange for a 350. What would the worth on this be, assuming it's in clean running condition? Any help would be great.

Z-Monkey

 

gm dropped the 327 in the 60s. if it's stock it'd be a l48, makes a great boat anchor and feed for the smelter. it isn't worth the trouble of pulling it unless you can't finda 350 anywhere already out of the car. doesn't really make much differance if it comes from a vett or a old truck if you're looking for a builder.

 

If it's in good running order, and you plan to use it as is, it might be worth 3-400 bux at most. Except for being a 4-bolt main, it's nothing special - just because it's in a 'vette doesn't make it worth a fortune.
If you're looking for one to build, it's only worth what you'd pay for a core at a salvage yard.

Pete

 

I was told that it's got some aftermarket bolt-ons already and that it's nice and strong. The guy who runs the shop mentioned headers (which won't fit my Z) and a Holley carb. I may find other mods as I look around. The rims are hot too. The lady wants $1500, and a friend of mine has "offered" to take the rest of the car off my hands for a meager sum. I might just end up buying the whole thing, pulling what I can use, and selling/parting out the rest. What are the odds it's got a posi in it, and if so, will I be able to swap that in? are the posi units themselves the same, or are there different units for different rear ends?

 

i'll have a posi but it won't fit anything you have

 

All vettes have independent rear ends. Camaros have solid rear ends. Not interchangeable.

 

yeah, I kinda gave up on that angle, but I pulled the valve covers and the heads are squeaky clean heavy duty truck heads (forget the casting #) and there's a Performer intake and a HUGE Holley carb that's clean enough to eat off and big enough to suck a kitten down (prob a 650-750) so I may just buy it for the engine alone and sell the rest to my idiot "they did it on Monster Garage so I can do it too!!" friend so he can wreck it trying to turn it into a mud bogger. Any way you look at it, I'm having fun taking it apart and re-searching it and the longer I wait the less the lady will ask for it.... heh.....