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Help, Just Bought California Special

68tang

Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2006
Messages
13
I just bought a 68' Cali Special, it has a manual transmission, and I can't tell if it's a 390 or 428 Motor. Does anyone know how to tell them apart?
 

Midnight Special

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Messages
3,713
Location
Grass Valley, California
68tang said:
I just bought a 68' Cali Special, it has a manual transmission, and I can't tell if it's a 390 or 428 Motor. Does anyone know how to tell them apart?

Wow! Rare bird if it's the real deal! In addition to checking the VIN, would you be willing to tell us all about it? With photos??

Thanks & good luck!
 

6t8-390gt

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 19, 2004
Messages
490
Location
Central Virginia
The VIN will indicate what the original motor was from the factory. Most all of the parts (block, heads, intake, carb, etc.) have part # or casting # on them. For example C8OE-6090-H. Check your engine and provide some numbers and I'll try to help. Externally, the 390 and 428 look similar.
 

PFSlim

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
1,546
Location
Weatherby Lake, MO
This will be interesting to hear if this is the real deal. Hopefully they will provide us with more details and pictures.

Paul
 

Mustanglvr

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
3,258
68tang said:
I just bought a 68' Cali Special, it has a manual transmission, and I can't tell if it's a 390 or 428 Motor. Does anyone know how to tell them apart?

What did the person that sold it to you say the engine was? Are you sure its a big block? The vin number on the dash or door will tell you what it originally came with new. Post all the numbers you have for it and we can decode it for you. Are you sure its a true California Special? You need a Marti report.
 

Mosesatm

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
9,011
Where are you located? We might have members near you who can take a look.
 

390cs68rcode

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
Messages
2,864
Location
Houston Texas
68tang said:
You guys are awesome! Here is the vin # 8R01S165281

the s means it was a 390 from the factory.

Would you like to share photos and info on the car you bought? It is somewhat rare to see S code CS's trade hands.
 
OP
OP
6

68tang

Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2006
Messages
13
Here is the Trim info: 65A M 2D 10F 53 G 5... Thanks again you guys! How do you put a value range on this CS?
 
OP
OP
6

68tang

Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2006
Messages
13
I'm actually going to sell it, I'm headed over seas and would rather have someone else enjoy it! How do I put up a picture?
 

Midnight Special

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Messages
3,713
Location
Grass Valley, California
68tang said:
I'm actually going to sell it, I'm headed over seas and would rather have someone else enjoy it! How do I put up a picture?

...After you type your message, scroll down 'til you find the "manage attachments" key. Click on that and a box will appear where you can select photos from your PC desktop. Select, then click the "upload" key in that box when completed... My computer is "Apple" 'Not sure if different w/ PC...
 

Mustanglvr

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
3,258
I have decoded your data plate information and this is what it means.
65A= 68 Coupe,standard interior
M= Wimbleton White exterior
2D= Red vinyl bucket seats
10F= June 10th build date
53= DSO Kansas City
G= 3.25:1 axle ratio equa lock differential
5= 4 speed manual transmission
And as you know, being an S code means it is a 390 4 barrell and R in the vin means it was produced in San Jose,California.
You won`t know for sure if its a California Special until you hear from Kevin Marti, but just from the numbers, it all sounds good so far.
Looking forward to seeing pictures.
 

Midnight Special

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Messages
3,713
Location
Grass Valley, California
Mustanglvr said:
I have decoded your data plate information and this is what it means.
65A= 68 Coupe,standard interior
M= Wimbleton White exterior
2D= Red vinyl bucket seats
10F= June 10th build date
53= DSO Kansas City
G= 3.25:1 axle ratio equa lock differential
5= 4 speed manual transmission
And as you know, being an S code means it is a 390 4 barrell and R in the vin means it was produced in San Jose,California.
You won`t know for sure if its a California Special until you hear from Kevin Marti.........

.......Until then - you have what is affectionately known as the "Rhonda Report" ;-)
 

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Mustanglvr

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
3,258
Midnight Special said:
.......Until then - you have what is affectionately known as the "Rhonda Report" ;-)

Ha! And don`t you forget it! :cool: :wink:
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,649
I would love to have a big block twin to my car and Salt Lake isn't that far. This gives me something to think about at work today.

Steve
 
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