C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

[Tom Howard]

I am new to this site and have recently joined the NCRS. I am looking at a 66 coupe that the owner says it is origianlly a 427/390. It currently has a 327 in it. How do you determine if this is really a 427/390 car? I have searched the net and have found varying information. I currenlty own a 97 (purchased new) and a 90 ZR1. Happy Holdiays!

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Tom...

I'm sure you'll get many responses here regarding what to look for. However, why don't you ask the current owner to tell you what items or history he bases his determinition on. You could then compare it to the responses here. The more unrestored the chassis is, the better the chances are of verifying it...original front springs(with ID tags), rear sway bar, etc. Ask what he was told or shown by the owner he bought it from. Anyway, that's a good way to start in my opinion. Let him do some of the work.

[Tom Howard]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Thanks Rob. I have asked him about the rear sway bar, which it does have. The owner says that the half shafts are for a big block. The frame has not been touched on this car. By the way it is on eBay. Don't really know if it is worth the asking price if it is a BB car.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Tom...

The front sway bar should be thicker(7/8")than a small block. Most of the modifications for a big block can be duplicated. Hopefully, someone will chime in with those(if there are any) that can't, or atleast without detection. Any previous owner history would certainly help. Occasionally, someone using this discussion will actually recognize the car and know something about it, if you don't mind posting the item#. Is your intention to put it back to big block?

[Tom Howard]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Here is the item # 330198797164. The car currently has a 67 427 hood. I have asked the owner about the bird cage and stated that it was in great shape. I also asked the owner if the tranny was original to the car and he said that he did not know. My intention is to take it back to a big block. I have already lined up a numbers and date correct block, heads, intake etc. Big decision is whether or not to buy the car and is it worth the asking price.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Boy, that's a tough question Tom. I believe the owner describes the title as "redone". Is it a "salvage" title?

[Tom Howard]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

I don't believe that is is a salvage title. The owner states that it is a rebuilt title. I am not sure what that means other than the owner did say that the right rear quarter had been damaged and has been repaired.

It is a tough question especially when there are several questions regarding the authenticity of the car and the damage that has been repaired. Still have a couple of days to ponder this one.

Thanks for all of your input!

[James G.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Hi Tom,
I looked at the add. The car appears to be from out of state, as hard to see the license plate. The u-tube vidio shows the plate quickly and looks like an IL. (Chicago?) heritage. The trim tage is correct for Nassau blue, black interior. The "I03" means May 3, 1966 build date for the body, so the vin number should be somewhere around 20665, a late car.

Car has a 300hp low tachometer redline at 5000RPM. Should be a 5500 redline.

Undercarriage shows nothing but midwest rust and added welded items to each side (Maybe brackets for side pipe headers.

Has a big block radiator (without holes) and 100% wrong driveline and accessories. Front end looks like a replacement in photos, but hard to tell. I have a good friend in Costa Mesa that for a small fee can inspect for you if you want to go further. Car needs a body off restoration "AFTER YOU BUY ALL THE MISSING PIECES" And very expensive pieces at that. The last real 390hp carb I looked for was over $1000 restored.

I would pass, and go find another car.

[Tom Howard]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Jim,

Thanks for all of your comments. The vin says that it is a 20883. The owner did say that it came from Chicago so good catch! When you say that it has all of the wrong driveline do you mean the engine or the entire driveline.

If I should decide to forward, which I am not leaning that way right now, I sure would like to have your friend inspect the car. Do you know how much he charges?

Again thanks for your input!

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Believe in most states the rebuild title and salvage title are the same. I am like Jim, I believe that you need to pass on this car.

[Tom Howard]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Dick,

Thanks for the input! Pretty much looks like this may have been a basket case that some one is trying to put lipstick on.

More than likely I will pass on this one!

Thanks once again for your comments!

[James G.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

$250 to $300 is normal inspection fee.

But this car looks way to ruff for me. Why would a California guy buy a rusty Chicago basket? It must have cost $1500 to ship it here. There are great guys in this hobby that can help you. Check my profile and send a PM if you want help here in So. Cal. If I can't.......I know who can.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Tom...

I believe that if it is a salvage title, the law requires the vin# plate to be re-attached to the inside, driver's side door jam. If it has a salvage title it must be disclosed. You might ask him directly.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Rob, not all states affix a state issued ID. Some use the original VIN

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Is it really a 66 427/390

Dick...

The last time I saw a "salvage" title corvette in California it had the VIN plate in the location I mentioned. I don't remember if it was the original VIN# or not, but it was relocated there. I believe it is required by law to be relocated, either way for easy identification as a "salvage" title car.