The 3956618 block casting was used for the 1969 302 Z/28 (4 bolt mains), 68-69 327 passenger cars (2 bolt mains), and 69 350 (2 or 4 bolt mains) passenger car, Chevelle, Camaro, Vette, ChevyII. So just the casting number doesn't tell what it is/was, it's what's inside that counts. It still could be a 302, but without the suffix code casting, you don't know if it was the one that came with the car, or if someone "made" it like how it should be. What you have there is a non-numbers matching Z/28, the value just went down some. Gut feelings aren't proof enough of what it is. Anything else you're told about the car, without documents to back it up, is just a story.

 

Thanks. That gives me a lot to ponder. I am still shopping for a matching numbers '69 Z/28. This seems like a road fraught with peril for the perspective buyer. I got a call on a numbers matching '68 RS/SS big block car today. That is starting to be more tempting. It seems safer and is much cheaper.

 

Yeah, for the money this car is at, you could find a very nice matching numbers Z/28. Numbers matching didn't mean as much years ago, but it makes a difference now. And as the years go by, it will also help to increase the car's value at a greater rate than it's non numbers matching counterparts.

 

Thanks, you may have saved my bacon (and I love my bacon).

How much does a decked block hurt the value? In case I choose to counter offer, what do you consider a fair price for something like this? I just passed on bidding on a matching numbers driver the other day... but I am not going to beat myself up over it. I prefer to deal directly.

 

Thanks folks. I chose to pass on this one. It was a beautiful car, but not what I want. I want a real Z/28 and this MAY have been one, but I couldn't prove it if I ever wanted to.

Now I am looking at another very nice car. Not as pristine as this one, but about 90K original miles, and I am told, numbers matching. If I get it, I'll post pictures.

 

a wise choice, happy hunting

 

Good choice. I'd much rather have an original numbers matching Z/28 that's less than perfect over one that's been restored but not all matching. It's just different, like it's out of a history book.

 

Thanks to the helpful advice here, I passed on what would surely have been a disappointment and found a very nice '69 z/28 much closer to home (5 hour drive). I drove out and checked it out Saturday and by Sunday it was in my garage. The seller was great, and had a lift I was allowed to use. I was able to match numbers from the block all the way to the rear, including trans and carb. It's unrestored with 92k original miles on it, and other than some rust in the trunk, looks awesome.









-D

 

Don't touch it!!!
Wow, looks like a nice one. Green's not my color, but still.... a keeper.
Was it a good "deal"?

 

It was definately a good deal. I am happy, seller is happy, car is happy.