For sale: A 1969 production year, Corvette 427 cubic inch, 400 horsepower, matching numbers, fully reconditioned engine. This engine is dated correct for early 1969 Corvettes manufactured starting in October 1968. The 3955270 casting was used well into November when GM started switching to the 3963512 casting. So this engine is most correct for Corvettes produced probably from the middle of October, November, and maybe a few left overs into December. It was a short run that was preceded by the 3935439. There is a standard, one year warranty.
If you are interested, please read the details below. If you have further questions, please ask. If this engine is too early for your Corvette, we can build you a correct dated one and stamp it to match your car. Finally, if you think this is a lot of money to spend on a correct engine, remember that it will not only increase the value of your car by probably twice this amount, you will have a new engine. Its a win win. Check eBay for the price of the castings and the miscellaneous components. For example, a nice oil pan is now $500 to $700 if you can find one. I guess this is why these cars sell for such serious money. That is, if they have a correct engine :)
Stamping: The engine assembly stamping on this engine was done by myself and is a correct copy of the stamping done by GM with simulated broach marks. See photo. The T I 0 0 9 L Q translates to: Tonawanda, New York, October 9th, Corvette 427ci, 400hp, with a manual transmission. I have been doing these stampings (mostly Corvettes) for over 40 years and my previous stampings have passed literally hundreds of NCRS judging inspections, Bloomington Gold judging, and the scrutiny of major auctions over all these past years. As far as I know, engine assembly stamping is totally legal in all 50 states but not to be confused with VIN stamping. Even with my record, can I absolutely guarantee that this stamping will pass any and all judging, no, because judging is subjective.
Note: We have the almost identical engine, only the 390hp option, also listed.
Payment: Do not pay before we discuss shipping costs. It would be best that we talk before you hit the buy it now button.
Shipping: This engine can be picked up in Springfield, Nebraska, which is just south west of Omaha. If it needs to be shipped, I get a major discount with UPS Freight (now called TForce Freight) and I will certainly pass that pricing along to you if you so choose. Or I will deliver the engine to any of the major carriers located in Omaha free of charge. If the engine is shipped, We will build a completely enclosed box with a pallet type bottom for the minimal price of $100. Trust me, the box is sturdy and will get the engine to you safe and sound. Prior to this year, the charge for shipping a complete big block engine to a business (or a UPS terminal) on the east or west coast had been averaging $500 using my discounts. Cost varies depending on destination and other variables such as going to a business or a residence. Buyer is responsible for all shipping charges.
The following is specific to this engine and factory correct:
1. Block has the original 2 bolt main caps, casting number is 3955270, block casting date is I 29 8 (September 29, 1968), fresh 040 bore.
2. Cylinder head casting number is the correct 3931063, stock size 2.07/1.72 stainless steel valves, casting dates are I 26 8 (September 26, 1968)
3. Crankshaft is the original 6223 forged steel version, that was precision ground 010/010 mid standard.
4. Harmonic balancer is the correct, 7 inch diameter stock version.
5. Oil pan is the original six quart, trap door, Corvette only design.
6. Camshaft is a copy of the the stock hydraulic lifter, GM 427, 390hp and 400hp.
7. Timing chain set is the stock link type.
8. Pistons are stock 10/1 compression with short dome.
9. Valve covers are copies of the correct original.
10. Push rods, rocker arms, and oil pump, are new, correct for this engine.
11. It has the correct, 3/8 inch bolt, rods that are reconditioned with HD bolts
12. Intake is the correct aluminum casting 3937795
The following is a general list of what we do to our restoration engines, including this engine:
1. Blocks are stripped, thoroughly cleaned, measured, and magnefluxed to assure no cracks.
2. New block plugs and cam bearings are installed.
3. Block is bored to the minimum required and to match the pistons and premium rings.
4. Block is decked/line honed as required to meet or exceed factory specifications.
5. Rods are magnefluxed, straightened, fitted with new HD bolts, and resized.
6. Crankshafts are magnefluxed, checked for straightness, and precision ground to the minimum required (mid-standard).
7. Rotating assembly is precision balanced (more accurate than original factory balance).
8. New oil pump and timing chain set (HD) are installed.
9. Reproduction camshafts that are identical to the original (unless otherwise noted) with the same rocker settings.
10. Cylinder heads are completely reconditioned as required to meet or exceed factory specifications, including, magnefluxed to assure no cracks, milling, valve guide work, new seals, new locks, new springs, and three angle valve job.
11. Oil pans, harmonic balancers, and timing chain covers are good used or new reproductions.
12. Rocker arms and push rods are excellent used factory originals or new, correct replacements.
13. Engines are assembled with new gaskets, fuel pump push rod, and oil pump drive shaft, using factory original or new reproduction bolts, and painted with Duplicolor 1607 Chevrolet orange, 500 degree engine paint.
14. The engine plus shipping box will weigh approximately 700 lbs.
My partner and I are a two man company that provides the correct engines for early Chevrolet restorations. For 30 years we did almost exclusively Corvette engines but have now branched out to the Chevrolet collector and muscle cars of the ‘60s and early ‘70s because of the demand. We are in our mid 70s and are supposed to be winding down so we only do 50 or so engines a year. I am a retired mechanical engineer and my partner is a retired dealership service manager. We have both raced Corvettes for 40 plus years and have held several national drag records. We have 200+ blocks stored away in a number of old buildings – enough to keep us busy until we “really” retire. The company name is HiPerformance Restoration Inc, we incorporated in 1980, we are located in a small Nebraska town near Omaha, and we have shipped engines to most of the Continental United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Twenty plus years on ebay without a single negative feedback - not easy in the engine business.