10 years ago in CHEVROLET
i purchased this car new in the fall of 1965. it was ordere with the police special and taxi cab options. i ordered it with the 396 v8, 4 on the floor and a 12 bolt posi rear end. no power options just power! it arrived at the dealer with a holley 650, not a quadrajet. it had a single exhaust exiting at the right rear tire, the exhaust was 3 1/2 inch diameter. it came in with blackwall BFG Silvertone tires, not whitewalls like they all came with? the decals said 325 hp but, i raced it for years at our local track and never lost. it would run away and hide fom all other 396's. it the 80's i installed a new cam for the 325 hp motor and its never ran the same. vin # 166375s203653. motor # T0325L F S203653. the tag on the firewall says GM corp 03D. H. next line is ST 65-16637 STL 015482. next line is TR 845 L-L. next line is W2LR. next line is 3C5W. so what is this car? i know it as my 65 impala ss but i think the motor is 450 hp since thats what the decal on tthe air cleaner lid says? thank you
Answers (2)
In 1965 Chevrolet made two 396 engines one is the 325 hp version and the Z-11 which is the 425 this engine came with dual 4's. Am not sure about a Police option could be around 360 hp thats what the 1966 engine made with the Holley carb. My 1965 was order with 396 Rochester 4 barrel ,4speed and 410 gears the first owner pulled a airstream trailer with it for 3 years then bought a new 454 GMC pickup. I bought mine with 25k on it and like you it had no power equipment. Although it was bright red with black interior an a SS.. Some times I miss it yet I've grown use to power everything. I currently show a 1987 Ford Crown Victoria Coupe limited ed. I think of the old days now and then hope this helps ...Oh GM did build a 375 hp in 1968.
Sources: By brother was general Manager of a Chevrolet dealer
1= chev 66= caprice ? 68=impala ss 37= 2dr ht 5=year s=production plant . LF ON ENGINE =325 HP 3 OR 4 SPEED TRANS T= TOWANGA N Y 0325 = PRODUCTION DATE . the marking for 425 -396 is I E