Hi,
I have an opportunity to buy a 1969 GM "universal" replacement 427 Engine. It was bought new in Jan 1970 and I was told that it was universal for all 67-70 Chevy camaros, vettes, trucks etc. Are there any watchouts with this? It is still in the crate, and was stored in a garage for the last 33 years or so.
Any opinions, thoughts or comments?
Thanks!!
Rich

Here is a pic of the engine.
Rich

http://www.bzebdine.com\69cam\i-1.jpg

I don't think that the "Target Master" logo was used until like the early 80's. With the blue paint, I would guess it is a large truck engine. (the truck block is different than a car engine)

i'm no expert on bigblocks, by i'm thinking the same as kyvox, i thought targetmaster was at the earliest late 70's, and it would surely still be orange if it was the model it's stated to be. bet it's a tall deck truck 427. i'm also questioning the "unused" status of this motor, just by looking at the picture. still worth having to someone, but not nearly as desirable as a late 60's std deck 427. somebody on here will know for sure, i'm guessing smile.gif , just get some casting numbers off the motor and find out for sure.

I may be mistaken, however I think the Target Master branch of GM is a rebuilt engine branch. GM did not do the rebuild, they farmed it out. Also, the engine in the picture looks as though it is used and the blue color makes me wonder. I did alot of engine work when I worked at a Chev dealership in the early 70's and never saw a blue engine or one marked Target Master. The engine may be in a crate but this does not make it a crate engine. I would look at it carefully. A good 427 is always nice so don't be afraid of it.

I worked at a Chev dealer in the late 70's. We installed a lot of Target Master 350s. (I never saw a Target 427) They were a new, standard bore replacement engine. They came as a complete long block - heads assembled to the engine with valve covers and oil pan. Add the intake and peripherals, and away you go.

So,
With that information, would this work ok in my 1969 Camaro?, and secondly, the seller claims to have the original paperwork and purchase reciepts from 1970, so is $1,800 to much to spend on this?
He lives about six hours away, so I can go and look at the engine and make sure that it is "new" and not used.
Thanks for all of the info!
Rich

This is the reply that I got from the seller:

"PART NUMBER 465381 UNIVERSAL 427 CU. IN. 8 CYLINDER ENGINE ASSEMBLY FOR USE ON 1968-70 SERIES 60, 1971-72 MEDIUM DUTY, 1973 AND LATER SERIES 650 TRUCK MODELS. USE WITH MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC TRASMISSION."

So, it does look like a truck motor after all, what are the ramifications of that?

Any idea where i can look up that part number?

Thanks for all of the help!

Rich

The only problem would be if it was a tall block engine which most of the large trucks were. Then it takes a specific intake manifold or spacers to use a standard one, different distributor (longer shaft), most had 4 ring pistons which aren't ideal, etc. Plus the hood clearance gets real nasty on a first gen car with a tall deck block. If it's a tall deck I'd pass, although they are nice to some people for putting in big stroker cranks. I just wouldn't use it for an early Camaro unless a taller aftermarket hood was going to be used. Additionally, since it's been sitting for 33 years a complete disassembly would be a VERY good idea!

Jody

Thanks,
I may just do that (pass).

-Rich

pass unless you have use for it in a full size pickup,where hood clearance is no problem,