engine vin #'s

[Mark_C]

Yes, it is an LF7, and the car was built within 6 weeks of the start of production of the 69 model year. Last week of September, first week of October 1968. 09E overlaps the end of calendar September into the first week of October. Seem's like a bit high of a spread (5 weeks) between engine assembly and car build, but possible. Partial VIN should probably have been on the pad. But LA switched from the pad to back of the block around October, and then switched back to the pad after the first of the year. So it could be the original engine.

The later half of the production year comment thru me. Production in LA ran from August 68 to June 69 with almost a 2 month UAW strike April 19th to June 5th.

[Mr. T]

Since it is a LF7, now all I have to do is to compare the partial vin # on the engine with the vin on the car, to see if it is definately the original engine. I guess it could be possible that this engine came out of another 69 Camaro/327 (210 hp), after the original one was taken out for some reason, but I don't think so. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

[Jonesy]

I have a 2nd week of Nov car and it's on the pad. LA car.

[ QUOTE ]
I just read a very detailed history of the 69 Camaro, and it stated that the engine vin #'s were moved because the alternator was moved to the passenger side after mid 69 production

[/ QUOTE ]

I dont know what book you got your info from, but all 1969 Camaros had the alternator on the passenger side. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[Mark_C]

First we need to keep the response to this thread in one forum, as different people are providing info that could be relative in each of the two forums it is in now.

That said, since the LF7 was the base V8 engine for a Camaro, chances are very good that that engine in the car is the original one. The assembly date is within an acceptable time frame from the build date of the car, and not many people would try to clone an LF7 car and worry about casting or assembly dates. It's not like it's a Z28, or L89 car where there are huge dollars involved with having an original drivetrain in the car.

[Mr. T]

Even if it is just a LF7 car, it matters to me that it is the original engine. I have owned it for more than 20 years and it means a great deal to me that it is 100% original and has all matching numbers. Some people wouldn't give a damn, but I do!

[Mr. T]

Actually I love it just the way it is, as much as my other 69, (ragtop). It was my first car I purchased in high school. It is one of the nicest LF7's you will ever find, all original, and I have been offered many times a very healthy sum for it! It has never been abused or customized, that's when you loose top dollar when that is done. Original is the only way to go! I have the build sheets and all the previous owners names for my 69's, which isn't an easy task to accomplish. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[Jeff H]

Nice! What it comes down to is if you enjoy your car then that's what really matters. Holding onto a car that long is pretty amazing. I change my daily driver pretty often just because I get bored of what I'm driving. I also tend to modify all my vehicles, so keeping something stock is also amazing. Heck, I modified my 13' Boston Whaler Rage jet boat with some of the Yamaha jet ski parts(exhaust, high compression head, carb jetting, ignition).

[Mr. T]

Jeff H

Thanks for the kind words! I guess we all come from different schools of thought, and that includes 69 Camaro's. I am an original guy, always have been, and you are a customized kind of guy, which is cool in it's own right! It's up to the owner to decide what is done and what isn't done to these classics. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img]