Advice on 66 big block

[Ty T.]

I'm going to take a look at a 66 427/450 big block this weekend. It's supposed to be a #'s matching car. I'm looking for some tips as to what this car should have if it's genuine, such as sway bar, caps on the u-joints, etc. I'm more up on the cove cars, but kinda green on the C2's. Could someone help me with some tips. I know the blocks can be restamped, but I'm trying to determine if this in fact a big block car. Owner claims the trans and rear end are original too. Also it came from California and he says it has the black plate (Can someone enlighten me on this as well?). Thanks for any help.
Ty

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: Advice on 66 big block

'66 Big Block Rear End Codes

AT 3.08:1
AU 3.36:1
AZ 3.55:1
FA 3.70:1
FB 4.11:1
FC 4.56:1

The car should have one of these.

[don 42616]

Re: Advice on 66 big block

the 427/450 hp has to be early production. 425 hp was the norm. Alto I donot.emember when in production this change occured. I am sure others will .
Reccomend you take someone knowledgable with. Most of the BB for sale are restamped .

[Philip C.]

Re: Advice get to previous owners *NM*

[Guest]

Re: Advice get to previous owners

Hi - I have what I believe to be a 1966 427/425 car. It came with all correct dates and part numbers except no engine. The best advice is owner documentation to prove what the car originally had. Best is build sheet. Some indicators are 3/8 fuel line, high RPM tach, rear diff codes and heavy duty caps, hood, hood prop location, Oil pressure gauge, big block radiator, K66 ignition mounted behind drivers side grill. I'm certain there are others, but again if you are paying top dollar owner documentation is key and if possible pay for an expert to inspect. It will be worth the money.

[mike cobine]

Re: Advice get to previous owners

But it is really easy, or at least it used to be, to add the high RPM tach, the heavy duty caps, hood, hood prop, oil pressure gauge, radiator, and so on.
Many forget that Corvettes tended to be modified for more go all the time.

If you found a '66 Oldsmobile in a garage today from 25 years ago, odds are it has the original engine, original transmission, original alternator, etc.

If you found a '66 Corvette in a garage today from 25 years ago, odds are it does not have the original engine, original transmission, original alternator, etc.

As such, you need to check lots of things and remember than the obvious clues could have been replaced. By 1976, there were a LOT of parts available at Bloomington for people to build whatever cars they wanted and that has continued there and other places.