1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

[Norris W.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Is the "well known 12 mile red coupe" the one that had the floors painted white underneath? What'd they ever do about that?

I found it odd that the '67 L88's had the heads painted, but apparently the '67 L89's did not. If my memory serves the L89's that year had chrome valve covers, unlike any other Corvette BB that year. Maybe that's the reason the L88's got the heads painted???

[Michael H.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Is the "well known 12 mile red coupe" the one that had the floors painted white underneath? What'd they ever do about that?

I found it odd that the '67 L88's had the heads painted, but apparently the '67 L89's did not. If my memory serves the L89's that year had chrome valve covers, unlike any other Corvette BB that year. Maybe that's the reason the L88's got the heads painted???

Norris

Yes, that's the car. I remember talking to Burroughs about that and I suggested he try brake fluid. I don't remember if that was what he used though. I suppose lacquer thinner may work too but that would be a mess.

I wonder if we know for sure that the 67 L89 engines actually did have naked aluminum heads?? Does anyone know? Has anyone ever seen one that was still in it's original condition? I suppose it's possible that we all assume that they were unpainted.
As you mention, it would be strange that the L88's had painted heads while the L89's did not.
I do know that the owners of 67 L89's will tell us that the heads were definitely not painted.

[Norris W.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Do we know for sure that '67 L89's had chrome valve covers? My memory is getting to the point that some things that I now hold as true may have just been a conversation last time it came up. Chrome on L89 and orange on L88 would sure explain the difference in bare head vs painted.

As far as the white floors, I also thought I remembered that somebody said they were done in white epoxy and that was going to be more of a challenge.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Do we know for sure that '67 L89's had chrome valve covers? My memory is getting to the point that some things that I now hold as true may have just been a conversation last time it came up. Chrome on L89 and orange on L88 would sure explain the difference in bare head vs painted.

As far as the white floors, I also thought I remembered that somebody said they were done in white epoxy and that was going to be more of a challenge.

My memory is fading too.

I remember looking in a 1969 printing of the parts book years ago and if I remember correctly, the valve covers were listed as "chrome" with aluminum cyl heads for 67. I don't think it specifies L88 or L89 though. Just aluminum heads.

If that's the case, either the L88 or L89 has the wrong covers. We do know that the 67 L88 had painted covers though so that may point to both engines having painted covers?

I wonder what a 1967 printing of the parts book would show.

Wasn't the chrome Chevelle valve cover the same as what was supposed to be on 67 L88 and L89 Corvette?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

My memory is fading too.

I remember looking in a 1969 printing of the parts book years ago and if I remember correctly, the valve covers were listed as "chrome" with aluminum cyl heads for 67. I don't think it specifies L88 or L89 though. Just aluminum heads.

If that's the case, either the L88 or L89 has the wrong covers. We do know that the 67 L88 had painted covers though so that may point to both engines having painted covers?

I wonder what a 1967 printing of the parts book would show.

Wasn't the chrome Chevelle valve cover the same as what was supposed to be on 67 L88 and L89 Corvette?

Michael and Norris------


Yes, the 1967 L-89 did use chrome valve covers. In fact, I have an NOS example of the right side cover for such an application with K-19. For 1967 only, the right side cover with K-19 had the bracket for the mixture control (diverter) valve. With only 16 L-89's ever built for 1967, I wonder how many were also equipped with K-19?

1967 L-88 did not use chrome valve covers. I suppose that Chevrolet felt that since the L-88 was a racing engine, chrome valve covers were not important whereas the L-89 was primarily a street engine. For 1968-69 ALL Corvette big blocks got chrome valve covers, including L-88.

Chrome valve covers were widely used on Chevelle big blocks (i.e. SS 396). For at least 1966-68, the 350, 360, and 375 HP engines had chrome valve covers. I don't recall if the 325 HP had them. However, the right side cover did not have the bracket for the mixture control valve. I once purchased a 1966 with 360 HP brand new and I do not recall the right side cover having the bracket. The left side cover may or may not have been the same as 1967 Corvette with L-89.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Michael and Norris------


Yes, the 1967 L-89 did use chrome valve covers. In fact, I have an NOS example of the right side cover for such an application with K-19. For 1967 only, the right side cover with K-19 had the bracket for the mixture control (diverter) valve. With only 16 L-89's ever built for 1967, I wonder how many were also equipped with K-19?

1967 L-88 did not use chrome valve covers. I suppose that Chevrolet felt that since the L-88 was a racing engine, chrome valve covers were not important whereas the L-89 was primarily a street engine. For 1968-69 ALL Corvette big blocks got chrome valve covers, including L-88.

Chrome valve covers were widely used on Chevelle big blocks (i.e. SS 396). For at least 1966-68, the 350, 360, and 375 HP engines had chrome valve covers. I don't recall if the 325 HP had them. However, the right side cover did not have the bracket for the mixture control valve. I once purchased a 1966 with 360 HP brand new and I do not recall the right side cover having the bracket. The left side cover may or may not have been the same as 1967 Corvette with L-89.

Joe

In about 1980, I purchased two of these right side covers for aluminum head with AIR 67 big blocks. I don't remember if they were still available at that time or if I found them in the parts locator. Anyway, one was in a newer box and it was chrome while the other was in what looked like an older box and was natural. Possibly painted orange but I don't remember.

I'm still curios about what the 67 parts book calls for. And if it does show chrome for all engines with aluminum heads, that doesn't line up with what actually occurred.

I spent a lot of time learning about this in the late 70's and made some interesting discoveries but I don't remember what they were now.

[Steve B.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Do we know for sure that '67 L89's had chrome valve covers? My memory is getting to the point that some things that I now hold as true may have just been a conversation last time it came up. Chrome on L89 and orange on L88 would sure explain the difference in bare head vs painted.As far as the white floors, I also thought I remembered that somebody said they were done in white epoxy and that was going to be more of a challenge.

Norris, David Burroughs did remove the white paint on the floors of the 12 mile coupe many years ago. He did say that it was a tough job. The car now resides in a private collection in Illinois.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Joe

In about 1980, I purchased two of these right side covers for aluminum head with AIR 67 big blocks. I don't remember if they were still available at that time or if I found them in the parts locator. Anyway, one was in a newer box and it was chrome while the other was in what looked like an older box and was natural. Possibly painted orange but I don't remember.

I'm still curios about what the 67 parts book calls for. And if it does show chrome for all engines with aluminum heads, that doesn't line up with what actually occurred.

I spent a lot of time learning about this in the late 70's and made some interesting discoveries but I don't remember what they were now.

Michael-----


Here's what the 1967 P&A Catalog says:


1967P&Aexcerpt 001.jpg
I have the GM #3902390. The box is ancient.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Michael / Norris --- Here's from the (Denver) Zone Distribution Newsletter #67-40 (reprinted in Vette Vues in the '90s).

"..... March 17, 1967. New Option, Corvette; Engine: 435hp 427 V-8. Includes aluminum cylinder heads and chrome plated rocker covers. Avail. only when G81, K66, 4-sp trans are ordered. Opt. # L71/L89, Mfr's Sugg. Retail $805.75.....Orders for this engine may now be sumitted.

Then, a Chevrolet-Mailgram, March 16, 1967 (to all Denver zone Chev Dealers) We are advised part # 3904387 (67-427 HD & Spec H/Per -- Aluminum head) is now being serviced. Please forward separate PC-66 to the writer (D.G. Schneider -- zone merchandising Mgr., parts & accessories). We, in turn, will place with GMPD for shipment from Otterburn as soon as possible."

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I'll check both my '67 (1st issue, Oct'66, & '68 (1st issue, Oct '67) P & A30 parts books, tomorrow. I see that the aluminum heads of same part # as above, and chrome valve covers are listed. At first glance it's complicated; A.I.R. seems to have an impact.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Michael / Norris --- Here's from the (Denver) Zone Distribution Newsletter #67-40 (reprinted in Vette Vues in the '90s).

"..... March 17, 1967. New Option, Corvette; Engine: 435hp 427 V-8. Includes aluminum cylinder heads and chrome plated rocker covers. Avail. only when G81, K66, 4-sp trans are ordered. Opt. # L71/L89, Mfr's Sugg. Retail $805.75.....Orders for this engine may now be sumitted.

Then, a Chevrolet-Mailgram, March 16, 1967 (to all Denver zone Chev Dealers) We are advised part # 3904387 (67-427 HD & Spec H/Per -- Aluminum head) is now being serviced. Please forward separate PC-66 to the writer (D.G. Schneider -- zone merchandising Mgr., parts & accessories). We, in turn, will place with GMPD for shipment from Otterburn as soon as possible."

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I'll check both my '67 (1st issue, Oct'66, & '68 (1st issue, Oct '67) P & A30 parts books, tomorrow. I see that the aluminum heads of same part # as above, and chrome valve covers are listed. At first glance it's complicated; A.I.R. seems to have an impact.

Thanks Wayne. Sounds like the chrome cover is only scheduled for the L89 as there is no mention of the L88 included in the 17 March newsletter.
I suppose the info in the parts book was compiled from this information.

I can't read Joe's scan of the 67 book but I assume it's the same as what I have in my 69 printing.

[Carl N.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

325 HP chevelles in '66/'67 had chrome covers, but the covers did not have "drippers" on hydraulic lifter applications - believe same held true for El Caminos and Camaro while full size received painted covers for 396

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Here's something else on L89 (with reference to L88); a Car & Driver road test in their May 1967 issue. Looks like a black car (but could be another dark color like red because of the B&W photos); black & white interior [sharp ]. A shot of engine bay shows chrome valve covers (no A.I.R. / K19). Hard to tell if heads painted orange.

"C & D wanted to test an L79, but when (they) contacted Duntov, he talked (them) into testing a new version of the 427 with [3 x 2's] and aluminum heads ..... coded L89".

".... there is an even more powerful, instant immortality engine, coded L88 for megalomaniacs only. The L88 also has the aluminum heads (which feature larger exhaust valves -- 1.84" vs. the standard 1.72), but with a toilet-size single four-barrel"

P.S. Colvin's '65-69 Chevy-by-the-numbers book is in error here, as he shows the '67 aluminum heads # 3904392 with the standard 1.72 exhausts. He repeats the error with the '68 / '69 aluminum heads # 3919842.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

Here's something else on L89 (with reference to L88); a Car & Driver road test in their May 1967 issue. Looks like a black car (but could be another dark color like red because of the B&W photos); black & white interior [sharp ]. A shot of engine bay shows chrome valve covers (no A.I.R. / K19). Hard to tell if heads painted orange.

"C & D wanted to test an L79, but when (they) contacted Duntov, he talked (them) into testing a new version of the 427 with [3 x 2's] and aluminum heads ..... coded L89".

".... there is an even more powerful, instant immortality engine, coded L88 for megalomaniacs only. The L88 also has the aluminum heads (which feature larger exhaust valves -- 1.84" vs. the standard 1.72), but with a toilet-size single four-barrel"

P.S. Colvin's '65-69 Chevy-by-the-numbers book is in error here, as he shows the '67 aluminum heads # 3904392 with the standard 1.72 exhausts. He repeats the error with the '68 / '69 aluminum heads # 3919842.

During Michigan Chapter seminar in Ohio a few weeks ago Al Grenning mentioned there was a cast iron head version of the L88 Chevy worked on. It never made production, he has some documentation showing GM worked on it. There should be video coming out soon from the meet. Anyone that couldn't attend that is a Mark IV junky should watch it.


Mike

[Michael H.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

During Michigan Chapter seminar in Ohio a few weeks ago Al Grenning mentioned there was a cast iron head version of the L88 Chevy worked on. It never made production, he has some documentation showing GM worked on it. There should be video coming out soon from the meet. Anyone that couldn't attend that is a Mark IV junky should watch it.


Mike

Mike

The 1966 version of the L88 would have used cast iron heads. Below is a pic of one set up for a passenger car.

[John H.]

Re: 1967 L 88 coming up at BJ Scottsdale

With only 16 L-89's ever built for 1967, I wonder how many were also equipped with K-19?

Joe -

There were two. Noland's book shows K19 with L89 carrying an "HA" ECL, and Chevrolet production records show two "K19HA" units built.