65 350HP idler assemblies

[Mike M.]

current 65 JM states its doubtful the 350 HP engines came with an idler assembly. i'm working on a 46K mile 65 350 that may 5 star bow tie and its got what appears a never before removed idler assembly. any other potential bow tie 65 350's out there with an idler assembly.trying to help KC on his 65 JM. thanks,mike

[Timothy B.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

Mike,

Not a bow tie car but my brother has a 65 L-79 with it's original mill and it has the idler pulley. Car was built November 64 and also has the small 4 qt oil pan as I think you could order the L-79 with power steering hence the small oil pan.

[Mike M.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

thanks tim. mike

[Mike B.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

Hi Mike,

I've spoken to fellow NCRS members of this subject through the years. I'm glad that you're working this topic for the future '65 JM. I'd like to help if I can.

I purchased my yellow '65 L-79 back in 1993 from the original owner. He never modified or molested the car in any way. Everything was original to the car although she was quite neglected. I'm quite certain that the pictured idler pulley you see here was installed at the factory. I removed the pulley when I did her frame-on resto back in '93-'95. I cleaned and painted it black as shown and reinstalled it. Later, I thought it was squeaking so I removed it and replaced it with a repro which is still functional but has numerous differences from this original. It turns out that it was the alternator that was chirping like a cricket. I never reinstalled the pulley. That's why it's loose.

I'm anxious to assist in any research to solve this mystery of 1965 350hp Corvettes with factory installed idler pulleys. My '65 was built April 2nd with an A.O. Smith body, L-79 with TI. No AC or PS. Here's some photos. Hope this helps, Mike

[Mike M.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

tim: can u PM me ,or post it here, the last 4 #'s of your brothers vin ? thanks,mike

[Timothy B.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

Mike,

I will get it for you in the AM and send you a pm.

[Loren L.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

I'm unable to write 'AGAINST" the proposition that L79s came with idlers, but ONLY because #23561 came with L79, C60 K66 and POWER STEERING in lieu of the idler. The EXC. breakdown on page 298 for N40 shows 2731 units for 250/300HP; 310 units for 350HP w/NO C60; 175 units for 350 HP, C60and K66; and 20 units for 425 HP. A TOTAL of 3,236
These figures also agree with the "1965 Corvette Production - 1965 Model Year - July 1964 thru August 1965 - Final". March '65 Service News calls out PS availability.

The figures are also available for the 1966, which indicates L79, C60, and K66 was done THIRTY NINE times.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 65 350HP idler assemblies

My 65/350 has a idler pulley. SN # 5725 TI PB no AC or PS.