FLORIDA

I just bought a 1965 Roadster with a non original 327. Its been 35 years since I owned a mid year Vette (64). I have afew questions.
1) I heard that build sheets were not used until 1967. True?
2) Do all 1965 Vette have 9 leaf springs in the rear? Or does this indicate Hi Output engine option?
3) How do I tell if this was 396 car?
4) Where are the frame numbers?

JohnZ

1. True.

2. The 2-stage 9-leaf was the standard rear spring with all engines; the single-stage 7-leaf was part of F41, which was only available on fuelies and on the L-78 (396/425hp).

3. What side is the battery on? It was only on the driver's side with the L-78 (and any engine with A/C), but anything can be faked.

4. One is on top of the left frame rail about where your wallet is, and the other one is on top of the left frame rail above the upper rear shock mount.

Mark Lovejoy

The L-78 option was released relatively late in the 65 MY around VIN 13,000. So any VIN earlier was not originally a 396.

FLORIDA

Very helpful info. Thanks.

gsouth

I have a 65 396 Vette, VIN is 194675S121972. Can anyone tell me if this VIN indicates it was originally a 396 car? or is at least the VIN number in the range that it could be an original 396? Thanks, Gene in Texas

Fairway-J

Gene,

Yours being the 21,972 car produced would definitely not exclude your car from being a L-78.

gsouth

I know this is hard to believe but my car has been in semi storage for several years and I sort of forgot everything I used to know about my car....I am digging through old emails that I had filed to re-learn my own car !! My life took some changes that led me away from my car for so long that I forgot about everything I know. It is like digging through an old attic trunk, I am relearning things. I have all the docs and stuff and I am sure it is a real 396. I am sure I documented it, I just need to dig out my info. Thanks for the the response and links.

Gene

FLORIDA

I found the real deal.
962 block
TO= Tonawanda, NY, 624 = June 24, IF = 396
HIPERF

They don't all have this but with the ribs front & back and this plug - Its the real deal -Right?

63Corvette

OK I'm jumpin in over my head here, BUT......IF that pic of of the oil filter boss, then the presence of two (2) pipe plugs indicates this is a "real" 4-bolt high performance block, 'cause the two block openings were intended for routing an oil cooler and lines.

Nowhere Man

whats on the rest of the stamp pad

LSUvetteguy

What's the real deal mean? At the end of August you said you just bought a NOM 327 and now you are showing pics of a 396? Can you tie these two together - or did I miss something?

jimgessner

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...tenfla/019.jpg

T0624IF makes it a car made on or about JULY 1, 1965 or #21216 or close. The stamp looks good.

PAmotorman

my 1965 396 corvette VIN 114271 was a st louis factory pick up on 4/16/65. the 65 396 corvettes had a 15# iron flywheel vs the standard 30# flywheel that all other corvettes used and that is why they felt so quick

FLORIDA

I was helping a friend hunt for a midyear, so he bought the 1965 and this engine comes with it. It's not mine but I told him if he didn't buy it that I would. I am so jealous!! So close.

EddieG

Thanks for the help FLORIDA. I will take delivery on the 1965 soon.

FLORIDA

Based on the 396/425HP having a compression of 11-1, can you run it on 93 octane?

JohnZ

Yes.

66racer

====== old post but.===I
Have sn 114259 its a 396 conv. built 4-19-65 may be built the same day as yours. Had non-dripper V.covers and hand laid rad.shroud.Same as Bill Mocks early car.Very few had the hand laid shroud,Bill knew of four.Any variations in your car Thanks Elmer

Blue 396

IF Mock gets the big bucks he's asking for his car you oughta ask $1,142,590 for yours!!! If that happens my old blue car might fetch $40K

EddieG

That 396 that Florida was talking about is finished.