Help with decision

[Gregory H.]

Need help deciding what to do. I purchased a 1969 427 390 with matching numbers, at least so I thought. But upon closer examination I discovered that the Block, transmission and rear are the original but the intake manifold and the carb are from a 1972 454. Needless- to- say I love the car and I want to change them out with more original to the car components. And I am considering locating a dates compatible tri-power to replace them. Any thoughts or guidance what to do?

Please offer sound advice.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Help with decision

Need help deciding what to do. I purchased a 1969 427 390 with matching numbers, at least so I thought. But upon closer examination I discovered that the Block, transmission and rear are the original but the intake manifold and the carb are from a 1972 454. Needless- to- say I love the car and I want to change them out with more original to the car components. And I am considering locating a dates compatible tri-power to replace them. Any thoughts or guidance what to do?

Please offer sound advice.

Seeing as a 1969 427/390 didn't have tri-power, I'm not sure how that would somehow make it more original?

I'd look around for the correct intake and carb, then swap them out for what's on there now. If it runs and drives well then at least you can use it until you find the right items. This is an easy decision.

[Joe L.]

Re: Help with decision

Need help deciding what to do. I purchased a 1969 427 390 with matching numbers, at least so I thought. But upon closer examination I discovered that the Block, transmission and rear are the original but the intake manifold and the carb are from a 1972 454. Needless- to- say I love the car and I want to change them out with more original to the car components. And I am considering locating a dates compatible tri-power to replace them. Any thoughts or guidance what to do?

Please offer sound advice.

Gregory------


What is the engine suffix code?

[Richard M.]

Re: Help with decision

Gregory, I think I understand......albeit a bit confused at the slightly contradictory thoughts regarding originality....

If it's a 390, then a tripower was not original. If originality is a requirement then you'll need to get a correct cast iron intake and Holley.

I think what you're also contemplating though as a option is making a upgrade to enhance the appearance of the engine appearing like a 400hp when you open the hood. It's the wow factor and probably and has nothing to do with keeping it 100% original, as noted above, am I correct? Since you have the wrong intake and carb on there now, you could take it all off and part it out to help offset the cost of your upgrade change or finding correct parts.

However, the cost of a oval port intake and 3 Holley carbs, fuel lines, linkages, etc may be a bit shocking to you. Along with that unique triangular air cleaner.

While you're having fun with your tripower "recreation/clones", you could always continue the hunt for a correctly dated cast iron intake and carb and when found you could store it on a shelf for a potential downgrade later.

Then if you ever want to go the Flight judging route a top end aspiration swap would be in order.

Rich

[Gregory H.]

Re: Help with decision

Will check.

[Gregory H.]

Re: Help with decision

Patrick... You are right, and I will be looking for the hard to find Real Deal set-up. But, the bling factor of the tri-power is irresistible. I want to have the car evaluated to determine how good a candidate it would be for top flight. I love it enough that it is going to stay but at the same time I want to decide how best to spend the money. While it is great looking... It is not well documented and clearly not a pure survivor. So I am truly at a pivotal point. The carb is acting up, that is what has sparked my thoughts of changing it out. I thought a dated tri-power could be regarded as a reasonable upgrade.

I value your feedback... This is why I am asking.

gh

[Gregory H.]

Re: Help with decision

Rich,

Your Assessment is correct. While very nice, this lemans blue with bright blue interior is a very striking impulse buy from a dealer. Not well documented and fully restored. I want to have it evaluated to determine its prospects. But, the bling factor of the tri-power has me scratching my head, which route to take. This is very helpful. This is not as much a technical quandry as an emotional one. If the car does not have a chance for a NCRS designation within a financial feasible realm... Why not enhance the curb appeal? It is not a well documented car. Had I known better at the time, I might have decided more intelligently with my brain and not my eyes! I am sure I am not the only one who had faced this delemma, that is why I am seeking experienced objective advice.

Thx

gh

[Alan S.]

Re: Help with decision

Hi Gregory,
69 BB, NICE!
You mentioned several times about having the car evaluated.
On occasion a Chapter will host a Tech Session during which an informal 'judging' of a member's car is done.
I see you're in Florida, perhaps you could set something like that up for your car with a Chapter and you'd then have a pretty good idea where your car stands concerning being Flight Judged.
I'd think if you can't arrange something like that I'd bet you could find a knowledgable individual who would come and look at your car with you, and who would tell you what he sees and give you some advice on proceding.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Patrick N.]

Re: Help with decision

Hi Gregory,

I'd also add that you should decide what path you truly want to take with the car, i.e. Top flight or Clone? Tri-Power does look nice, add side exhaust and some Mag wheels and you have an iconic ride, albeit, not original. You will be surprised how many non original parts also pop up when you embark on your quest for originality, maybe starters, alternators, is smog system still there... the list can be long and $$$$.

Good luck, Post a Pic.

[Gregory H.]

Re: Help with decision

February 2015 i phone 357.JPGFebruary 2015 i phone 359.JPGFebruary 2015 i phone 358.JPGFebruary 2015 i phone 362.JPG

Hi Gregory,

I'd also add that you should decide what path you truly want to take with the car, i.e. Top flight or Clone? Tri-Power does look nice, add side exhaust and some Mag wheels and you have an iconic ride, albeit, not original. You will be surprised how many non original parts also pop up when you embark on your quest for originality, maybe starters, alternators, is smog system still there... the list can be long and $$$$.

Good luck, Post a Pic.

[Tom B.]

Re: Help with decision

looks like a nice car! 427-390 4spd with air. Honestly all the correct tri-power stuff is a small fortune. I would lean more toward original carb setup for simplicity ease of maint. and driveability.

[Michael J.]

Re: Help with decision

Having had some tri-powers, the performance is much better with a big Holley 4 barrel on any engine. But they do look nice.

[Edward B.]

Re: Help with decision

Greg, the "correct" original L36 aluminum intake (3947801) and Rochester Q-Jet carb (7029215) for your car is going to cost you in the neighborhood of $1500, depending on condition, date codes, etc...

The "correct" L68 tri-power intake (3937795) and Holley carbs (3902353 - front and rear - & 3940929 - center) will cost you at least triple that, again depending on condition, date codes, etc...

If you really have your heart set on a tri-power, then talk to the guys at CRANE CORVETTE in San Diego. They can give you a price on a complete setup and the ups and downs of owning a tri-power car!

Ed

[Mark E.]

Re: Help with decision

That silver intake manifold is probably either an L36 intake of some vintage (maybe it is original- it's about the only 4bbl aluminum intake that fits under the stock hood) or a painted cast iron unit from a 454.

Is that an aftermarket dual feed fuel line? What is that connected to?

[Michael W.]

Re: Help with decision

Need help deciding what to do. I purchased a 1969 427 390 with matching numbers, at least so I thought. But upon closer examination I discovered that the Block, transmission and rear are the original

Are you saying that the engine etc. is original because 'the numbers match' or because they've been verified not to be restamps? Takes a trained eye to tell the difference.