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#1
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I picked up an engine yesterday and thought I would share. It is a complete L-88 engine that was built by GM with cast iron heads. The cast head L88 is a subject I have always been interested in. I have seen a few pop up over the years and mos message boards seem to dismiss the engines as being home built or L71/L72 engines with a 3933198 intake added.
This engine was removed from a 1969 speedboat and was the original engine to the boat. It was running 2 days ago. The suffix code is 7BL. I have seen this suffix before and always wondered what it was. The engine has the correct 3933198 intake, 840 heads, heavy duty AC fuel pump, 7/16 dimple rods, and the 7115 steel crank. |
#2
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Here is the engine as it was pulled. The carb is a 3246 service dated Holley. I have seen 3246 carbs on most marine 427s. The pulleys are GM units but are not deep groove.
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#3
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The block is a 3963512 casting with a casting date of B 5 9.
![]() ![]() The heads are both 3919840 with casting dates of A209 and C139. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
#4
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The front pad is stamped TO3177BL. The 7BL suffix must mean closed chamber L-88 with cast iron heads.
![]() The 3933198 intake is dated 9.18.68. I believe the 198 intakes were only made in certain runs. I don't think I have ever seen a casting date from October 68-Feb 69 unless the 198 was hand stamped. ![]() ![]() |
#5
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Factory high lift rockers are still intact.
![]() L88 pushrods still there ![]() |
#6
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Cool original fuel pump
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#7
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Pulling the pan was exciting. No denying this is a L-88
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#8
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I decided not to pull the heads since the engine runs great and I can see it is standard bore due to the TRW pistons having GM and the part number on the undersides.
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#9
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neat find. im really surprisd at the carb. most OE marine carbs have 180 degree vents. having worked at a boat dealer ive never seen one like that factory.
we had at least 4 early 70's BB chevys and fords and the carbs all looked like this ![]()
__________________
1973 Corvette Coupe "Motion Customer car" 454/TH400 1968 Chevelle Concours sport coupe |
#10
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----Since the carb is service dated I would guess that the owner or mechanic bought an automotive carb when the boat carb went bad. It was probably cost effective at the time, but not too safe......Bill S
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