[Tim B]

I am hunting for a WS engine to replace the mid 70s engine in my 68 GTO HO. My car has a build date of Nov 17 1967 so I need a fairly early date code to make it closer to correct.

---Since the car will never be a matching #s car should I even worry about the date code?

I need a complete motor setup. Help me out to inform my hunt.

Here is what I think I am looking for:
Block: block code:WS, cast number: 9790071
Intake:???
Heads: 16
Carb:???
What else do I need that is date coded or otherwise numbered? (pullies, etc.)

--I currently have a 1975 400 motor in the car. What if anything can I pull of this engine that would still be correct on a 1968 WS?

Here are two options that I have found so far. What do you think??

Option 1: $1800
-Unassembled motor (Intake to Oil pan)
-WS code block casting number 9790071 Date code K247 (October 24th 1967), Stock Bore (pulled heads and measured bore at 4.12")
-Heads stamped 16 at exhaust port, Date codes K287 (October 28th 1967) and K307 (October 30th 1967).
-Engine turns free,was last run aprox two years ago, stored inside.
-Included are the block, heads, engine intake, valve covers, starter, points distributor, bellhousing, and some other parts.

Option 2: $1500
-Block, Heads, and Exhaust Manifolds
-Block: WS, 9790071, date code J137, Standard bore but one cylinder is deeply pitted and probably needs a sleeve
-Heads = #16, date coded J027 & J047


Thanks for the input.

[Drag Star Le Mans]

I may have a lead on a 68 WS block. I will get back to you.

[tryconcom]

I would go for door number 1, that engine has a good prior build date and a large amount of related parts that if checked probably pre-date the engine build date. The distance between options 1 & 2 is only $300, and in my humble opinion, easily worth the extra money to get the correctly dated additional parts. As far as matching numbers between this engine and your car, the build timing is excellent, you could always have your engine builder lightly "kiss" the front face of the block down near the serial number (couple of .001s) with a milling machine and yes!-stamp your serial number in. It is not illegal in any of the contiguous 48 states because you are not touching the allmighty vin tag, and the corvette restorers do it all the time- I know, I live that life too. I am sure I will get alot of hate mail for this last recommendation-so bring it on!!lol.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Option 1 is dated too late - if you want correct dates.
In 1968 model year they used " I " as a month.
" K " is November .... sorry about that

In 1967 model year they did not use " I " .
That was the only model year that didn't use it.

If neither of those blocks has a VIN -
then your original would not have had one either -
more than likely.

Somewhere towards mid year - 68 model year - they started the VIN on block.

Do you have the PHS /BHC for your car ?
Does it show an ENGINE UNIT NUMBER ?

"think" the WS / HO came with 7028263 carburetor like the WT did .

[Tim B]

I have the PHS for the car.

On the "Car billing history" form the engine unit no. is 235430. This number doesn't match the last six number of my VIN.

Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin

Option 1 is dated too late - if you want correct dates.
In 1968 model year they used " I " as a month.
" K " is November .... sorry about that

In 1967 model year they did not use " I " .
That was the only model year that didn't use it.

If neither of those blocks has a VIN -
then your original would not have had one either -
more than likely.

Somewhere towards mid year - 68 model year - they started the VIN on block.

Do you have the PHS /BHC for your car ?
Does it show an ENGINE UNIT NUMBER ?

"think" the WS / HO came with 7028263 carburetor like the WT did .

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

That's great that you have that info.
It is not supposed to match the VIN - it is an unshared number that applies only to the engine block that was installed in your car. It's a control number and very useful.

So now, get those ENGINE UNIT NUMBERS from option #1 , and option #2 .
Then compare those EUN's to the EUN on your PHS/BHC.

That will tell you a lot.
Such as how those date ranges compare to what came in your car.
The closer the EUN is to what is on your document - the better the date will be.

Post the findings if you don't mind.
Would be good resourceful data for the Forum to have.

Also have both sellers examine to see if their blocks have a VIN on them.


Here are a couple of pics that might help.
The number stamped above the WC code on this block - is the ENGINE UNIT NUMBER.

[tryconcom]

I stand corrected; when I produced my earlier reply, I wrongly consulted the "parts" date table vic the "casting" table. You are correct- motor build falls just outside body build date. better luck nexttime. Respectfully submitted, tryconcom.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Here is one invoiced a couple weeks later than yours 12/04/67

EUN = 276823

To show how it works.

[Tim B]

Thanks for the details.

Details of option # 2
Engine Unit # = 184867
VIN # = 28K106098

I need to see if the owner of option 1 will go and write down the engine details for me.

[PaulatFast]

Originally Posted by Tim B

Thanks for the details.

Details of option # 2
Engine Unit # = 184867
VIN # = 28K106098

I need to see if the owner of option 1 will go and write down the engine details for me.

Are you sure about that VIN? Unless I'm having a brain cramp they never built 68 gto's with a plant code of "K"...

I've got an option C for you... Buy a garden variety 0071 block with a date code that suits your needs, have your machine shop face the block and restamp it with your EUN and Code. At a swap meet today I saw complete 68 400 with a shaved face for 500.00. He actually sold the block for 100.00.

For the record all of the 68 blocks in my posession, and all that I have ever seen, have had a vin stamped i n them... that's probably at least 2 dozen blocks.

[limejudge69]

I owned a 67 GTO with a transplanted complete carb-pan 68 WS HO engine. The carburetor was a 7028267.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Good info LJ .

This place "lists" that they have them for 250.00 - probably exchange - idunno.

Would call and talk to someone to verify that it is actually factory stamped with correct number . Not just a "any core number will do" thats then rebuilt to correct specs .

http://www.carburetion.com/CarbNumbe...Number=7028267

[Jerry H.]

Originally Posted by PaulatFast

Are you sure about that VIN? Unless I'm having a brain cramp they never built 68 gto's with a plant code of "K"...

I've got an option C for you... Buy a garden variety 0071 block with a date code that suits your needs, have your machine shop face the block and restamp it with your EUN and Code. At a swap meet today I saw complete 68 400 with a shaved face for 500.00. He actually sold the block for 100.00.

For the record all of the 68 blocks in my posession, and all that I have ever seen, have had a vin stamped i n them... that's probably at least 2 dozen blocks.

Agreed. You yourself said your car will never have the original engine. Sometimes I don't understand why some folks don't get so upset about 'restamping' a block, yet they have no problem looking high and low for a 'correct' coded block. I don't see the difference as neither is the engine that came in the car. As long as you have the right engine casting #, which was generally the same for all engines of that year.

[limejudge69]

Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin

Good info LJ .

This place "lists" that they have them for 250.00 - probably exchange - idunno.

Would call and talk to someone to verify that it is actually factory stamped with correct number . Not just a "any core number will do" thats then rebuilt to correct specs .

http://www.carburetion.com/CarbNumbe...Number=7028267

I would be leery of that finding carb for 250.00. In my 25+ yrs of playing with cars, I've only seen 2. The one on my car, and another crusty original one that had an asking price of $1000. But I've seen quite a few ads looking to buy them!

[FASTASSBIRD]

I know where there is a rebuilt one short block for 3500.00 J096 date code. seemed steep to me, Maybe I just sold my WW motor to cheap idk

[PaulatFast]

That's September 66... would be the wrong block for a 68. Price seems stout to me but depending on the parts used could be legit money.

[FASTASSBIRD]

Originally Posted by PaulatFast

That's September 66... would be the wrong block for a 68. Price seems stout to me but depending on the parts used could be legit money.

Point well taken on the 68 part, I missed that lol only saw the Nov, 67 part. shortblock seems built well. least he used forged pistons :P

[GTO JOHN]

Paul, they did make GTOs out of Kansas City in '68. This was the last year for that.

I have a buddy with a Nov '67 dated WS that might- [might] be available for the right price.

[PaulatFast]

Originally Posted by GTO JOHN

Paul, they did make GTOs out of Kansas City in '68. This was the last year for that.

Those must rare... never seen one! Or even heard of one.

[68gtoMN]

EARLY build 1968 GTO from Kansas plant, purchased from Original owner. Original Owner purchased the car in November 1967. 4420th V8 car produced at Kansas plant in 1968. I have the complete car - will be parting it out as frame/floor/trunk are too rusted to save



Invoice for car