What was the original engine?

[Jack J.]

I just bought a 66 coupe without an engine now i'm checking out what was the original engine. The car has a 67 stinger hood with right hand support. A tachometer with 6500 rpm redline, powerbrakes, matching M20 4 speed
The alternator wiring is on the left side. I thought there was no tank sticker for 1966?

Please who can help me?

[Edward M.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Ummmm, my guess would be a Chevrolet V-8.

Sorry, it has been one of those weeks.

[Steven B.]

Re: What was the original engine?

If the 6500 RPM tach is #6412223 and you have a TI/K66 then it should be a 425 HP. TI was required on 425 HP and optional on 390 HP, but 390 HP was hydraulic lifter so no #6412223. But, better check with a '66 expert.

[Jack J.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Thanks Steven but there are no signs of a K66 ignition.

[Steven B.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Thanks Steven but ther are no signs of a K66 ignition.

Are there holes in the right front inner fender where an amplifier box may have been mounted? If you have the original radiator, diff, half shafts, hood prop, etc. you can determine BB vs. SB. Does it still have flags on the fenders? BB or SB? If BB parts and no K66 and the tach number does not match up with a 223 then probably a 390 HP. But again, I am no '66 expert.

[Wayne M.]

Re: What was the original engine?

.... A tachometer with 6500 rpm redline, powerbrakes, matching M20 4 speed ... who can help me?

Jack: by matching M20, do you mean that the VIN derivative stamped on the side of the transmission maincase matches the under-glovebox tag ? Have you verified whether it is really M20 (ie. wide ratio) or M21 (close) -- in your case, by counting the turns of the input shaft for (say) 5 turns of the driveshaft ? If you can get the car on a hoist, first check the rear differential assembly date and code (ie. FA_12_2_66) stamped on the bottom flange forward of the spring mount plate.

With these 2 pieces of info (if original components), we can determine the power train combinations that are possible; then maybe narrow it down a little more.

So far, we have two conflicting bits of info. Only one 1966 motor would have had the 6500 tach (the L72 -- 425hp). But you couldn't get it with an M20 -- would have to be a close ratio.

[Jack J.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Thanks. Yes the vin is stamp on the side i did't count the turns but it has two grooves on input shaft. I didn't find any numbers on the diff yet.

[John H.]

Re: What was the original engine?

I don't found any numbers on the diff yet.

You'll find the ratio code and assembly date stamped on the bottom flange of the diff housing, between the spring plate and the camber strut bracket; will require some cleaning to see the stampings.

[William C.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Two grooves in the front shaft would make the trans a wide ratio, and thus not likely the car was a 427. Have you pulled the cluster to look at the date on the tach? Could be you are using the incorrect pooint of reference to verify the engine. Does the car have a rear antisway bar?

[Jack J.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Thanks John for the photo.
William. I didn't take out the cluster yet and the car has a rear anti-sway bar.

[William C.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Rear antisway bar would indicate 427 engine, but the lack of any sign of Transistor Ignition would indicate a 390 hp version. My question about the dash was really to get into the date of the instruments to see if the tach had been replaced. Also, what is the oil pressure gauge max pressure showing? Has the front end ever been damaged? If the driver's side inner fender was replaced that could explain the lack of mounting holes for the TI, just one big forensic search to answer your question correctly.

[Jack H.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Hello, my Dutch amigo! We had a GREAT time driving Route 66 recently and missed your company (plus your lady, Pat)...

Here's my advice. With as much of this car having been altered by the prior owner chain, it's going to be TOUGH to 'forensically' determine POSITIVELY what its factory original configuration actually was...

You WILL get clues by looking at the transmission, rear differential, suspension, instrument cluster, Etc. But, these will only tell what configuration of car THOSE parts came from. That's no guarantee of them being actually factory original to your car!

Cars that were raced, wrecked, and ultimately sold off are often equipped with MANY parts 'borrowed' from other cars over the years. Compound that with the fact that some just might date code match your car and the forensic determination gets messy becoming an inexact science at best.

But, I think you're going to LIKE your new C2 when you ultimately complete it!!!!

[Kenneth F.]

Re: What was the original engine?

There is some intense detective work here that is inspirational to see. I wonder if anyone has ever solved a similar situation by trying a post on the Lost Car Registry web site? I believe it is free, and might uncover a previous owner of your Corvette. Have you tried entering your VIN or license number on Google?

[Jack J.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Thanks Jack I know what you mean.

Kenneth.
This car is a original export car it came to the Netherlands in 1966 and in our country there is no registration of previous ownership.

[Michael W.]

Re: What was the original engine?

Hi jack,

congrats!!! sander and me tracked all C2s in holland and also ones which were on dutch plates in the past. if you send us the vin we can check for you.

Mike