67 Trim tag

[starcruser]

I purchased a 67 Camaro back in 78 and stored it. The person I got it from blew the motor. He was thinking of making a drag car but lost interest. I purchased the car with out motor or transmission. The body is rock solid no rust anywhere. Here are the trim tag numbers 08D       T087
                                                                                                       67-12637-LOS  52
                                                                                                        742-Z             R-R
                                                                                                        2MG  3SK
                                                                                                        5Y
The VIN shows v8 and the car is the 173rd built. I take it was a 327 PG but what is confusing is factory clutch paddle and a 400 turbo cross member. I set in a small block and the springs set like a big block. It has no traction bar and a 10 bolt rear. I should also note the opening in transmission tunnel has factory opening. What is your guess on the original state of this car?

[bertfam]

Yes, the car came from the factory with the following:

2MG - Powerglide and console
3SK - Interior Decor Group and Exterior Molding group
5Y - Deluxe seat belts

By 173rd built, I'm assuming the VIN is 124377L100173 correct? If so, your car was probably built on the very first day of production at the Van Nuys plant.

Clutch/brake pedals are easy to replace so a prior owner probably changed the automatic pedals to manual pedals. The Turbo 400 cross memeber would be the same.

Can you post a picture of the tunnel cutout? (above AND below if possible)

Ed

[starcruser]

Yes, It will be a few days as I am away with my job. That is the correct Vin that you stated. The car is red with console so I think that's most likely what it is. I have several parts to make car 4 speed and 12 bolt. In your opinion would you put it 327 auto again? I have those too but not the originals. I am trying to get in touch with past owner who I purchased from to get clues on original engine and if they changed paddles. I agree that most likely they were changed. thank you for your info and advise.

[bertfam]

Well, the original engine would make the car worth more, but since you don't have that, it really doesn't matter what you do, as long as it's what YOU want to do.

I personally LOVE the 327. I think it's probably the best designed engine Chevrolet ever came up with. A well built 327 is a screamer. It was available with horse power ratings from 210 (Camaro) to 375 (Corvette).

I've had several cars with 327's in them and you really can't beat it for power, reliability and even mileage if you keep your foot out of it!

Ed

[1968RSZ28]

My two cents, go as original as you can.   

Paul

[69Z28-RS]

My two cents, go as original as you can.  

I agree with Paul, with two caveats...
1) don't spend a lot of money to get 'nearly original', and
2) don't make the car less fun (for YOU) to drive...  

and I'd like to second Ed's comment re the '327 ci engine' being probably Chevrolet's best.. as far as best compromise between power and torque.. which means fun 'driveability'.. (at least to me)..

[janobyte]

Ditto-hard to kill , many 331's at the track back in the day--revved to the moon . lot of meat in the early blocks I believe. There are still quite a few out there for good prices which are a testament to the reliability. Overall #1 in my book ,plus they made a great 302  

[starcruser]

Thanks guys I have a 69 327 and its fresh with just a few miles since built.  291 heads with factory Z intake. That may make fun ride.

[KurtS]

What's the stamped axle code?
http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#axle

[starcruser]

Don't know axle code yet. Will look at it in a few days.

[starcruser]

Talked to previous owner. He changed car to 4 speed. Car later came out of gear rolled into tree bending front fender. He soon busted tranny. Friend offered good price for engine so he sold it and called me to buy the rest. Mystery solved.

[janobyte]

Say you have a good engine ? Figure rear end gear (may have been changed vs. axle code) Pull off rear cover and count teeth on pinion/ring ,divide, this will give you your ratio. More accurate than counting drive shaft rotations IMO. Personally I think your best street set up would be a 3:73 with a modified 350 trans--dollar for dollar. Go with a reputable supplier to choose your convertor, should be filling out a questioner. I personally use Transmission Specialties out of PA. for our drag car.

[JKZ27]

If your preference would be a 4 speed, and the car has already been converted (tunnel cut), I'd make it a 4 speed with your 327. Especially since you don't have the original drivetrain.
I changed my original drivetrain 68rs from a 327/210 PG, 3.55 10 bolt which is stored in my basement, to a 327EFI M20(4 speed) with 3.55 12 bolt. That car is soooo fun and I can drive it anywhere in any manner and I don't worry at all about hurting the components.

ALL the parts are out there to make it what YOU want!

[KurtS]

A 10 bolt will hold up to an auto unless you're putting real power out. And will take a manual with some hp if you don't bang the gears too hard.

[starcruser]

I like the 327 engines too. I think I'll keep it 4 speed and have some fun then decide how to finish car. JKZ27 I think we have sister cars I also have a 69 SS/RS Cortez silver.