Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

[Hector G.]

Ray,

I've been anxiously waiting for your response. My cluster has LD, cluster 6457983, Speedo 6455367-W, tach. 6412222-W. Would you please tell me more about my cluster? I was told recently that the tach. code is correct for a 390 hp engine. John Hinckley told me that there is a conversion table that is used to decipher this info. Does anyone out there know a cluster restorer who would share this info?

Thanks for your help.
Hector

[Joe R.]

Re: Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

Hector,

Sorry to make you wait this long for nothing. I have several tags that I have taken off clusters for the past 30 years. (NO tags for sale) Never took time to record the data on the tag to the cluster.

Can only tell you that it came from a 66, regular speedo (non-speed warning) and low rpm.

Hope this helps,

JR

[Hector G.]

Re: Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

Thanks JR. Every bit of info helps. The info you gave me is consistent with what I've found.

Hector

[Michael H.]

Re: Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

Hector,

It may be difficult to narrow this down but if you know for sure you are looking at the original part number tag from your 66, the part number for the tachometer indicates a low redline unit. There were only two engines that used that tachometer in 1966. One was for the base 300 HP 327 engine and the other was for the 390 HP 427 engine. The 327 used a 60 Lb oil pressure ga and the 427 used an 80 Lb ga so, from that, you should be able to determine which cluster you have.

I do have the cluster ASSEMBLY part numbers recorded but haven't been able to locate them. Yet. If I find them, I'll email with the results from the number you provided.

Michael

[Hector G.]

Re: Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

Thanks Michael,

I have the 80 lb oil presure gauge. However, I noticed that in the 66 NCRS Judging Guide on p. 23 it indicates that the 427/390 came with a 60 lb gauge. It goes on to state that "*although unusual, 80 lb guages may, on rare occassion be observed." I am confident, for more reasons then I have space here to note, that this is the original cluster and that the car is a 66 BB. And all indications are that this was a 390 hp car. But I can't be 100% sure at this time. Although I am working on it. Any additional info you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Hector.

[Michael H.]

Re: Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

Hector,

If the 66 JG states that a 60 Lb oil pressure ga is correct for a 66 390 HP bb, the manual is definitely incorrect. I seem to remember answering this exact question here on the DB about nine months ago and I also seem to remember that this person's manual was not the most current. I have to wonder if the latest manual has been corrected?

The 66 390 HP ga arrangement was a unique set to say the least. One would expect to see a mid range tachometer with a 60 Lb oil pressure ga., just like 67 but it's not the case. The low RPM tach and 80# ga were correct and used for all of 66, or at least most of the model year. I suppose it's possible that very near the end of 66 model production, the 60# unit was used but I don't think so.

I'm still trying to find the info that I have on this subject and if/when I find it, I'll post or send it directly to you.

Michael

[Hector G.]

Re: Message for J.Ray#1011 Re: C2 Cluster

Michael,

The info I obtained is from the latest JG. The JG makes it sound like an 80 lb ga in a 390 hp 66 vette would be the exception not the rule. In any event I know my car is a 427 with an 80 lb ga and I'm almost 100% sure it was originally a 390 hp car. Perhaps the argument would be that I am in possession of that rare exception. However, based on what you indicated, it would appear the the JG has the info inverted. Thanks again for your help.

Hector

PS I know of at least one other questionable fact in the JG. This pertains to the casting date and assembly date found on C2's rear differentials.