1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
My 1966 Corvette (VIN ...07600, conv., rally red w. black interior) is a BB car (427/390 hp was the original engine, 4 spd. trans., 5500 red line tachometer, 80 lb. oil pressure gauge, rear sway bar, BB differential yokes and sold new in Kankakee, Illinois). It was switched from it's BB cooling to a SB cooling system (1965 March radiator and 1966 February expansion tank) between 1965/1966 to 1975. At some point in that time frame, the car was being prepared for racing. Any idea why the cooling system's transition was made? The car has a modified 454 that does not overheat with the SB cooling configuration. I'm also searching for any info about the car or it's owners, during the 1965/1966-1975 time frame.
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
the sbc aluminum harrison radiator would weigh less than the copper big block radiator. drag racing prep? mike -
Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
They say that aluminum disapates the heat better than brass. As long as the proper shields are in place and the fan is located correctly it might even be better.
Dewitt has a hiperformance aluminum radiator for both. It does require an expansion tank.
Didn’t the L88 and ZL1 have an aluminum radiator?Comment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Gene-----
Yes, L-88 and ZL-1 with 4 speed transmission did use an aluminum radiator but not the same as the small block. It had a core 2" wider than the small block and somewhat increased cooling capacity. It was also used for 1970-72 ZR-1 and 1965 L-78.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Hello William,
I agree with the replies.
Man, does your story sound familiar! My '66 390hp convertible has a missing first 10 year history as does your car. My car was built Dec. 1st, '65 and I figure yours was built about Dec. 4th, '65. If anything we could chat about L36 similarities between our two close cousins.
I've done extensive research on my car's ownership with some success. But not those first 10 years. Still hunting. I recently tracked down a couple of prior owners of a friend's '64.
I'm sending you a private message with my contact info if you'd like to chat about our cars,
MikeComment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
L88's used the 1965 L78 396 engine aluminum radiator #30007436 which requires an expansion tank.
RayComment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Yes, the L88 had an aluminum radiator but my car has a heater and AM/FM radio with a (i believe ) factory antenna. That kind of puts my car in the 427/390 hp group. I spoke to the NCRS member that has, what we believe is the original engine (correct VIN stamping). I'm guessing that when I bought my car (1975), the prior owner "wanted to go racing". He had cut the outer (4) fenders for wider tires (which included roller tires at the time). Thanks for your input.Comment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Hi,
Those first years of a cars' ownership (9-10 years) are such a mystery. When I bought my car, it had a had a raised (racing style) gas filler cap. From my car's body tag, my car's body was built at A. O. Smith. I look forward to your private message.Comment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
The aluminum expansion/supply tank is a Harrision (raised lettering) serial/part #3155416 and date stamp 66 B. I recall that the tank bracket (where the two aluminum holding straps - each having an individual tapped screw tightening nut) being 'riveted' to the left fender well, slightly forward (on the inner fender) and above the battery. I don't have pictures of the mounting bracket for the expansion tank but I'll take some pictures when I go to the car (which now in storage).Comment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Hello William,
Your fender flares sound familiar too. Gotta ask......is your '66 L36 factory air conditioned?
MikeComment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Mike,
My car does not have air conditioning. It does have tinted glass and black vinyl seats not leather. It also has the AM/FM radio option with a power antenna. When I bought the car in 1975, it did not have power steering or brakes.
BillComment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
William,
Very similar cars. Congrats on finding your original block. Hope you can get it back. Good luck.
MikeComment
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Re: 1966(07600) BB Car with SB cooling system
Ron,
I will look at the trans when I get to the storage unit. I don't know if it has the original trans. Thank you for the good information. Everyday, I am learning something new about the possible particulars of my Corvette's history (tips and clues).
I hope that I can get some info about what modifications the early owners made to the car, between 1965/1966 to 1975. But I have been informed that getting in touch with owners from 40 to 50+ years ago, may be next to impossible.
Thanks for your insight.
BillComment
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