1965 Engine HP identification without the engine

[Ruud Z.]

I have a '65 convertible which has a (non-correct) 350 V8 engine with a Muncie 4 speed and a 4.11 rear end. The car looks very descent but I need to determin the engine's HP. I found a 6000 redline tachometer. The literature says "MOST' 350HP. The Holley on the engine has been chopped off to fit an aftermarket airfilter, so the Holley numbers are gone. The only numbers on the Holley that I can find are 11 103A and 10884 (on the top) half).
Is there a sure way to establish the actual HP option of this car (VIN 194675S104084). I'd like to restore it properly into it's original configuration. Thanks a lot for any input.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1965 Engine HP identification without the engine

L-79, the 350 HP 327, was the only '65 engine to be equipped with a tach that has a redline starting at 6000. Unless you have original documentation that shows the options there is no way to absolutely determine the original configuration, so you have to go by a "preponderance of evidence" and a 6000 redline tach is a pretty reliable indicator. The carb data doesn't sound OE, but I'll leave that to someone else who has a '65 JG handy.

[Brian T.]

Re: 1965 Engine HP identification without the engine

You could take a peak at the broadcast label, and also a stamped date on the back of the cluster. If date falls inline, and label indicates a mid tach you can feel pretty secure that it was a 350hp.

[Mark M.]

Re: 1965 Engine HP identification without the engine

Ruud check the accel lever as L75 lever is unique. Check rear end stamp and dates. 4:11 not available with base and L75 engines. 4:11 would come with close ratio muncie. Check for vin on muncie. As Brian mentioned check the back of cluster date and sticker.In red letters (LA )base and L75,( LC )L79, (LB )is used in various mech. cam engines. The coil if original, exhaust manifolds, 60 and 80#oil pressure gauge have been seen in L79 cars. The parts could help with a likely hood of as built but much can happen in 52 years.