67 L88 question

[E S.]

Hi 67 L88 experts- what is the tachometer redline for a 67 L88? I was browsing the current Mecom Indy auction, and there is a 67 L88 on the docket. Looks like to me the tach is yellow from 5700 to 6000, and red from 6000 to 6200! Is that correct?
I do not profess to know much about 67's, as I have never owned one-let alone a 67 L88.
Surely such a high profile car would have the correct tach?

[Duke W.]

Re: 67 L88 question

Not correct. I helped take a new L-88 Coupe apart in the spring of '67 for race prep. The tach has the same redline as used on L-71. Redline begins at 6500 and extends to the 7000 end of scale. All mechanical lifter C2s both big and small block are likewise. It probably also has a yellow zone from 6300-6500 like my '63 327/340, but I'm not sure.

With headers, open exhaust, and some head massaging it probably made useable power to at least 7000, but for long distance races, 6000 was probably more commonly observed . They were known to lose connecting rods. That's why most of them don't have the original block now.

The tach you describe sounds like it's from a L-79.

Of the 20 '67 L-88s built by St. Louis all 267 have been identified and documented.


Duke

[Ron G.]

Re: 67 L88 question

I am not an L88 expert, but the red portion of the tack starts at 6500 like the L71/L89.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 67 L88 question

Duke - Exactly, back in the late 70s there was a local individual purchasing the L88 parts from the GMPD and "making one a year"...

[David H.]

Re: 67 L88 question

. ... With headers, open exhaust, and some head massaging it probably made useable power to at least 7000, but for long distance races, 6000 was probably more commonly observed . They were known to lose connecting rods. ...

This was a race car - 24 Hours Daytona - tach may have been switched for a reason.

Dave

[Michael J.]

Re: 67 L88 question

This was a race car - 24 Hours Daytona - tach may have been switched for a reason.

Dave

Yes, I suspect MANY original parts are no longer on this car. Old beat up race cars are notorious for a lack of originality.

[Mark E.]

Re: 67 L88 question

Yes, I suspect MANY original parts are no longer on this car. Old beat up race cars are notorious for a lack of originality.

Isn't it astonishing how expensive an old beat up race car can be? I bet the radio and heater don't even work.

[E S.]

Re: 67 L88 question

Does not look like a "period" restoration, though (Blk. rdstr.-Lot S140)

[Patrick B.]

[E S.]

Re: 67 L88 question

Kinda unusual

[E S.]

Re: 67 L88 question

And the L72, L76, and L84

[Wayne H.]

Re: 67 L88 question

With that said, it looks like the only 2 things separating this L88 and an L88 clone is the original frame, and a few million dollars.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 67 L88 question

There are two 1967 L-88 convertibles in the Mecum auction.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0520-414684/1967-chevrolet-corvette-l88-convertible/

https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0520-41...8-convertible/

The second one is the one Wayne Walker restored long ago.
Yes, there is a second body for this car which is in the race configuration. I have not seen it advertised at all with the car in any of the recent auction appearances.

[Dick W.]

Re: 67 L88 question

There are two 1967 L-88 convertibles in the Mecum auction.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0520-414684/1967-chevrolet-corvette-l88-convertible/

https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0520-41...8-convertible/

The second one is the one Wayne Walker restored long ago.
Yes, there is a second body for this car which is in the race configuration. I have not seen it advertised at all with the car in any of the recent auction appearances.

And be aware, as judging knowledge has increased exponentially, a Top Flight in 1985 very well may not be a top flight in 2020