Is it a 1969 Z/28?

[jstanley]

I have recently purchased a 69 Camaro that I believe is a Z/28 but I am having a hard time verifying. If it is truly a z/28 then I would like to try to find the appropriate DZ 302 engine. I have it disassembled and on a rotisserie. The VIN # is 124379N507846 which according to my research is pre x code from the norwood facility. The car has 4 rear leaf springs, factory dual exhaust mounts on the frame, a 12 bolt rear end, a single fuel line to from the tank to the engine compartment, front disc brakes which all seem to be in order for a 69 Z/28. Is there some way to positively identify the chassis as a Z/28? What build date DZ 302 engine should go with the car? I am trying to determine if it makes sense to try to build the car to original specs or if I would be better off installing a crate motor. Any advice would be appreciated.;

Thanks
Jstanley

[william]

Is the OE trans with it? What is the rear axle stamping?

[BULLITT65]

Also (I am assuming you didn't get any original docs with it)

But try prior owner history, see if you can talk to some prior owners, and maybe they might have pictures or know someone else who knows the car.

As far as advice goes, before you start gathering Z parts (which are expensive), I would research as much as you can on how the car may have come originally. If it has the original trans with the vin stamped in it, that would be a good first step. Maybe you get lucky and it ends up being a Canadian car and with that it would prove it originally was a Z.

Find out about the trans, and lets see some pics of it then and now please

[RAfbody]

Where does the speedometer cable exit the firewall?

[william]

Some of the characteristics noted-speedo cable routing, disc brakes, dual exhausts-are also found on Camaro SS or were optional.

Need to know about the trans and rear axle.

[ko-lek-tor]

Some of the characteristics noted-speedo cable routing, disc brakes, dual exhausts-are also found on Camaro SS or were optional.

Need to know about the trans and rear axle.

Also have seen LM1 cars equipped like this, but fuel line and 4 leafs are definate signs of a possible Z.

[william]

The problem I have with all of the Z/28 'tells' is the information has been out there for decades. All anyone needs is an early production 4-speed Camaro SS350 [or LM1] and you're 90% of the way there-disc brakes, dual exhaust, Muncie trans. Cut out the QJ return line and you're nearly there. A wide-ratio 4-speed and 3.55 axle isn't unusual in a Z/28. Rear springs are easily changed; plenty of real Z/28s no longer have the originals. If the car has manual steering that can be a reliable indicator; SS power steering used the same box & pitman arm as a Z/28.

Even if it is a Z/28 acquiring every date-code correct part will take years and a lot of cash. Very few Z/28s produced early in the model year.

[HOT3O2]

William, What do you mean by "that if the car has manual steering can be a reliable indicator"?

Rick

[william]

Standard Z/28 equipment included fast-ratio manual steering. Chevrolet accomplished that by revising the steering linkage. The fast-ratio pitman arm is 5.75" center to center, standard is 5.25". The steering arms for fast-ratio are shorter. Manual and power pitman arms do not interchange. If the car has manual fast-ratio steering and the box is OE that's a great indicator.

But again, not all that tough to swap steering gears. Also N44 steering was an option but very rare.

[HOT3O2]

Thanks William, I learned something new today.

[william]

You're welcome.

Get Jerry MacNeish's '69 Camaro book; still has a few in stock last I heard. Still the best book on the market and I doubt he will reprint it.

[jdv69z]

Even if it is a Z/28 acquiring every date-code correct part will take years and a lot of cash. Very few Z/28s produced early in the model year.

When did Z/28 production begin to ramp up?

[william]

Interesting question with two answers. Based on about 6% of production so take it with a grain of salt.

Van Nuys produced about 3,900 '69 Z/28s. Very few September '68 but October saw a big increase to about 560. January, February and April were peak months.

Norwood produced about 16,400 '69 Z/28s. Production was low through the end of calendar year 1968 with only about 3,200 Z/28s produced. Production picked up January '69; February and May were peak production months. Production dropped off after June.

Chevrolet Zone offices notified dealers November 1968 that no more Z/28 orders would be taken until engine production was able to catch up. They must have anticipated much lower sales and needed to bring on more capacity. Remember Chevrolet only built cars to dealer orders. Most Z/28s were ordered for dealer stock.

[jstanley]

I appreciate all of the advice, I took Williams and bought Jerry's book. I looked at the rear end #3894860NF and the axle code is BL1130G2. I am trying to find part numbers for the springs does anyone know where they are located? I did not get the original engine or transmission with the car so I can't use those to identify the rest of the car. As far as documentation, I only have the title. The steering is manual and the pittman arm is correct for a Z/28.

[BULLITT65]

I haven't seen a ratio BL =3.07 in a Z/28 before. Maybe Kurt could verify if there have been any other Z cars with that ratio?