Blue motor vs Orange motor

[dstrouts]

Please allow me to show my ignorance. The motor in my 1981 Vette is blue and I've seen others in L81s that are also. But it seems that orange is a more standard color for a Chevy 350. What's the correct color for my motor and is there any rhyme or reason for it? What about other years/generations of Corvettes? Would someone please enlighten me!;help

 

[gary55r]

I believe early 1977 were orange and late 77's changed to blue. Don't know why..

 

[mkapp7879]

It's referred to as corporate blue. Back in the late 70s they were putting Chevy motors in Oldsmobiles and it caused a big stink. Guess they figured if they painted all the divisions motors the same color they could just put them in whatever models they wanted.

 

[dstrouts]

I remember my grandparents bought a new 1977 Olds Delta 88 with the 350. He had ordered it in baby blue inside and out with white vinyl interior. About a month later they received a letter from GM that it had a Chevy motor in it. My granddad was so mad. He took great pride in being able to afford an Olds and had driven them for 30 years. I think I remember that he could take a cash settlement of $100 or for $500 they would take his on trade and build him another, but wouldn't guarantee it had an Olds motor. He kept the car, and if I remember correctly, never cashed the check. I inherited the car in 1994 with about 60K on it, drove it a couple of years and gave it to my sister. The car was pretty basic for an Olds. PS, PB, Auto, Air and a vinyl top. No PW or PL. Only an AM radio. I remember my kids were shocked that they had to crank their own windows up/down and lock their doors. I never did get used to those white vinyl seats!

 

[6880 Mike]

From The Corvette Black Book: "Between August 23 and September 7, 1976 Flint Engine changed from orange paint to blue for Corvette engines. Thus, early production 1977 models were orange, later production were blue."

 

[mkapp7879]

I remember my grandparents bought a new 1977 Olds Delta 88 with the 350. He had ordered it in baby blue inside and out with white vinyl interior. About a month later they received a letter from GM that it had a Chevy motor in it. My granddad was so mad. He took great pride in being able to afford an Olds and had driven them for 30 years. I think I remember that he could take a cash settlement of $100 or for $500 they would take his on trade and build him another, but wouldn't guarantee it had an Olds motor. He kept the car, and if I remember correctly, never cashed the check. I inherited the car in 1994 with about 60K on it, drove it a couple of years and gave it to my sister. The car was pretty basic for an Olds. PS, PB, Auto, Air and a vinyl top. No PW or PL. Only an AM radio. I remember my kids were shocked that they had to crank their own windows up/down and lock their doors. I never did get used to those white vinyl seats!

Old guy that lived next door to my parents had the same situation. He traded in his beloved 68 Olds for I think a 76. He noticed the motor was orange but didn't really think much of it. I was the bearer of the unfortunate news when I walked over with my dad to look at his new car. He did get some kind of settlement but I don't know what. The car was never the same for him. After all, he was a lifelong Olds guy.