Real 1968 L88 Corvette ? ?

[L88]

I found a 1968 Corvette that the guy claims is a L88 car. It is missing the original motor and trans, however it does have the correct hood. How can I tell if its really a L88 car ? Or who can I contact ?

[TimG]

Without factory paperwork of some type, I'd not pay lots of money for the car if the engine and transmission (M22 manditory) is gone. If an L88, it would have been a no radio car, so look for a block off plate, no antenna, no capacitors for radio suppression, no grounding wires, no antenna wire from dash to rear. This is not proof positive as you could go without a radio on any Corvette in '68. Look for heavy duty big block signs, F41 shocks were mandatory along with a seven leaf rear spring, heavy duty caps on the inboard side of the half shafts, 6,500 rpm tach, 80 lb oil pressure gauge, mandatory K66 (transistor ignition), rear sway bar, heavy duty front sway bar, large fuel line. Any and all of these things could have been on a 435 car, also. You could have a car that looks like an L88 (hood only real difference) in all respects and it could be a no radio, F41 suspension, J56, 435 horse car with an L88 hood added. Another important item is the requirement for J56 power brakes, heavy duty dual pin calipers (front) on an L88. Again, this could have been ordered on a 435 horse car. Look for the heavy duty brake equipment that comes with the J56 option. You will need to research these items. You could reasonably decipher that this is an L88, but not have proof positive of its heritage if it is an unresotored car. Once restored, all that evidence is questioned by the fact that the car is worked over and without an original engine or paperwork. You have a vehicle that will not be the equivalent of a documented L88. I've said many times that the paperwork is more valuable than an original engine on a car like this.
Move with caution.

[bashton]

[ QUOTE ]
Without factory paperwork of some type, I'd not pay lots of money for the car if the engine and transmission (M22 manditory) is gone. If an L88, it would have been a no radio car, so look for a block off plate, no antenna, no capacitors for radio suppression, no grounding wires, no antenna wire from dash to rear. This is not proof positive as you could go without a radio on any Corvette in '68. Look for heavy duty big block signs, F41 shocks were mandatory along with a seven leaf rear spring, heavy duty caps on the inboard side of the half shafts, 6,500 rpm tach, 80 lb oil pressure gauge, mandatory K66 (transistor ignition), rear sway bar, heavy duty front sway bar, large fuel line. Any and all of these things could have been on a 435 car, also. You could have a car that looks like an L88 (hood only real difference) in all respects and it could be a no radio, F41 suspension, J56, 435 horse car with an L88 hood added. Another important item is the requirement for J56 power brakes, heavy duty dual pin calipers (front) on an L88. Again, this could have been ordered on a 435 horse car. Look for the heavy duty brake equipment that comes with the J56 option. You will need to research these items. You could reasonably decipher that this is an L88, but not have proof positive of its heritage if it is an unresotored car. Once restored, all that evidence is questioned by the fact that the car is worked over and without an original engine or paperwork. You have a vehicle that will not be the equivalent of a documented L88. I've said many times that the paperwork is more valuable than an original engine on a car like this.
Move with caution.

[/ QUOTE ]

WOW Tim, that was an awesome summary that I really enjoyed reading.

This is why I love this website; the wealth of knowledge and information is absolutely incredible.

Thanks/BA

[Mike]

If the car is truly original and hasn't been restored there may still be a build sheet on top of the fuel tank. This (hopefully) along with all of the clues Tim provided should give you some idea of what the car is (or was).

Good luck!
Mike

[Enoch]

The L-88 also had a different radiator and mounting system. So check the radiator support.

[71-LS6]

I wish I could find my 68-69 tech and judging manual, Tim covered the subject pretty good though. I would PM Drew Papson for some help.