Corvette Archaeology and a question

[John M.]

Good afternoon,

I have begun the "rolling resto" on my '65 Coupe (VIN 145), 250HP. As near as I can tell the engine has never been apart except the water pump and starter. All finshes appear to be original, and will be kept that way as much as possible.

I thought people might be interested in, and share commentary on writing found on timing cover and heads. I would have to imagine these are factory, who else would care about HP letter codes?

I would also like an opinion on whether the fan clutch is original.

One more thing: I really try to keep absolute track of everything. I put all of the pan bolts into a bag. Turns out the 4 larger end bolts are 2 different styles, 2 recessed head and 2 are not. Which ones go at the front, and which go at the rear.

thanks,

[James G.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

Interesting head paint mark "HF" which is 300hp. "HE" is a 250hp. Intake valve on a 250 was 1.72in, and 1.91 on a 300hp.

Maybe you have one of those 'fast' running 250hp set ups. Had a friend that drag raced a 64 Biscayne with a 250hp, 4 speed. He was a class or two below all the 300hp cars, but his time was faster. Never protested, as he told everyone he was a better driver.

[David K.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

Maybe interesting to remove the valve covers to see the pt. no. on the heads and their cast dates.

[John M.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

Funny you should mention that, see pic.

Maybe interesting to remove the valve covers to see the pt. no. on the heads and their cast dates.

[David K.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

Well, looks totally correct to me!

[John M.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

opinions on fan clutch?

Well, looks totally correct to me!

[Joe L.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

Good afternoon,

I have begun the "rolling resto" on my '65 Coupe (VIN 145), 250HP. As near as I can tell the engine has never been apart except the water pump and starter. All finshes appear to be original, and will be kept that way as much as possible.

I thought people might be interested in, and share commentary on writing found on timing cover and heads. I would have to imagine these are factory, who else would care about HP letter codes?

I would also like an opinion on whether the fan clutch is original.

One more thing: I really try to keep absolute track of everything. I put all of the pan bolts into a bag. Turns out the 4 larger end bolts are 2 different styles, 2 recessed head and 2 are not. Which ones go at the front, and which go at the rear.

thanks,

John----


What is the engine suffix code STAMPED on the engine pad? The "HE" on the timing cover is the correct engine code for 250 hp with manual transmission. The "HF" on the head is not, but part of the second character could be missing.

The fan clutch is not original. This is a non-thermal type clutch and no such clutch was ever used on a Corvette.

Usually, the 5/16-18 corner bolts for the oil pan are all untrimmed (i.e. "indented" head). I would suspect the 2 which are trimmed head are replacements, but it's not out-of-the-question they could be original. They are not typical, though. As such, there's no way to say which end they belong on even if they are original.

[John M.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

It's definitely a 250, I just thought people might find the writing interesting.

[James G.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

Funny you should mention that, see pic.

The 3782461 head was used on 62 thru early 66 Corvette. 1.94 intake and 1.50 exhaust. 300, 340, 360 hp engines in 62 and 63.

In 64 and 65 engines with 365 or 375hp fuel injection, they use the same head, but have 2.02 intake 1.60 exhaust.

IN 62 THRU 64, the 250hp used a 3795896 head with 250hp. This head had 1.72 intake and 1.50 exhaust.

I stand corrected, in 1965 the 250hp Corvette 327 engine got the larger 1.91 intake valve and therefore has an advantage over the 250ho from previous years. So your heads are right on. Sorry for my confusion.

[Rob M.]

Re: Corvette Archaeology and a question

The double I's are interesting. Looks like they are from different character sets (still looks authentic though)... The E is stamped rather deep compared with the other characters in the code, like it is added or corrected later.

regards,
Rob.