I have found a ton of info however I'm still
lacking. I am 99.9% sure that my SS is a true SS. What im not 99% sure of is
the power plant that originally came in it. I am very interested in trying to
make it as close to original as possible.Prior to receiving this car the 1st
time 15 years ago someone had removed the 396 and 4speed. I know this as there
is a manual hump in the floor pan and the linkage bracket is still on the
frame. I also remeber the owner at that time verifing this info. I could
ramble for hours I suppose so I will list questions im unsure of.
1. Was a 4 speed avalible on all HP 396
motorsor only certain hp?
The 4-speed
was available with all three 396 engines.
2. Is there any other way to figure exackly
what motor came in a SS with out the build sheet.
If you're referring to a 325 hp as
opposed to a 350 hp (or 375 hp if you're really lucky), unfortunately no, I
don't believe so - unless you happen to have the Protect-O-Plate handy.
I don't know of any instance where one engine ~required~ some option over
another but I'm sure there are some 69 Velle pros here who might know of
something. However, if you're planning on putting it back to a
~restored~ condition, certain engine codes were for 4-speeds and
certain codes were for automatics. See http://www.team67.com/1969/information/enginecodes.htm for
specifics.
2. Did the bucket / console/tach option
only come on SS models?
Bucket seats (RPO A51) were available
in Malibu Sport Coupes, Convertibles and Custom El Caminos as
well . The
console (D55) could be ordered IF bucket seats were also ordered. The
ACC (no RPO code that I can find for '69) was available as an option as
well. So, to answer your question, no. Those are not an indication
of a SS. In fact, the SS option (RPO Z25) did not specifically include
those items.
3. If it came with a four speed what are
the pros and cons of going back with one. I did enjoy it being an automatic
<G>
Pros: Originality. More
fun to drive (for some). Automatic requires cooler in radiator or
external cooler. Easier to drop a 4-speed and change a clutch than to
drop an automatic and change a converter. No automatic trans fluid to
leak.
Cons: Tougher in city traffic. Hard to drink coffee on the way
to work. :*)
More likely to burn/blow clutches than
converters.
Of course, everyone has their views on
manual vs. automatic.
Thanks for your time,
Regards
JDHall
Good Luck,
