Block casting date confusion

[David Hicks]

OK, now I'm confused. I have a 350 in my 63 SWC and have started the search for a "correct" block.... but I'm getting confused with the casting date info I am seeing. I had been given to understand that I was looking for a casting number 3782870 and since my car likely came off the line 3rd or 4th week of Mar 63 and I don't know the HP, I was looking for a casting date of FASC/FASD to FCSC/FCSD where F=Flint, A=Jan etc and SC/SD=250/300HP....

After reading the Catalog of Corvette ID Numbers 1953-93 though I'm wondering. They indicate that the casting date should look something like F0115SC where F=Flint, 01=Jan 15=15th day SC=250HP

The VIN ID should be stamped something like 3111272 (VIN #30837S111272)
although that is one I can only dream for.

Can SOMEONE please tell me the correct casting date format I am looking for.

Thanks

[William C.]

Re: Block casting date confusion

I believe you are confusing the engine assembly date, stamped on the pad at the front of the block, with the engine casting date, which is cast into the top surface of the flange where the bellhousing bolts. The two are related, but only in that the casting date has to predede the engine assembly date. Both are alphanumeric, although the casting date will not carry the HP designator. The casting date will appear as Fxxx where the X designates a number for the month and day. The Engine assembly code will carry FxxxxRC. All of this is explained in the judging guide, if you do not have one, they are a handy source of information.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Dave, My 63 block is 3782870 with a date of D 6 3. The pad is stamped 3113356 F0415RC . The first set is my serial number. The second set should translates to Flint, April 15th. The RC represents 250hp with a manual transmission. An SC should represent a 250 hp engine with a WCFB carb and Powerglide. My car was built on April 20th and delivered to the original owner on April 26th. Hope this helps!

Good Luck

Harry #38513

[Bob R.]

Re: Block casting date confusion

I little help on trying to figure out the horsepower on the original car. A 6500 red line tach was used for only the 360hp and the 340hp. A 5500 red line tach was used for the 250hp and 300hp.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Correct, the split in 63 was on mechanical lifters options L76 (340hp) and L84 (360hp). As you go through this process Noland Adams Vol. 2, the Pocket Spec Guide and much of the info in the NCRS Store will be of the greatest help.

Harry 38513

[Chuck G.]

Re: Block casting date confusion

"Clup" has it right. You're confusing the block casting date with the block assembly date. The block casting date is cast in the top of the bellhousing flange on the passengers side, behind the distributor. On a Flint block, it will be something like A 1 3, where A is the month (A=Jan., B=Feb., etc), 1 is the day of the month, and 3 is the year, 1963. Be aware of the fact that Tonawanda small blocks are not correct for your Corvette. Tonawanda blocks have "2 digit" year casting dates, A 1 63 for example.

The block assembly date is stamped on the stamp pad, and will tell you the day that the engine was assembled (which will be after the date is was actually cast) and give you a suffix, SC, SD, RC, RD, RE, or RF for horsepower and transmission application. Chuck

[Jim Albright]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Check the serial number on your car to see what date it was built on. The Wisconsin chapter of NCRS has a Birth Date calculator on their website that can help you determine this.

If you are still looking for the correct date coded Block I have a source for you as I just traded a '63 Corvette block for one I needed for a '58. Casting #3782870 Date Code A153 Engine Suffix code SC. The stamp on the pad was F0II8SC.

If this is what you are looking for I traded this to Randy @ Engines Limited in Omro, WI 920-685-0288. They are a good source for date coded Blocks.

If you need addition parts I still have the Heads with casting #3795896 Date codes A153 & A183. Intake Manifold Casting #3783244 Date Code L42 and a Carter WCFB Carb with Air Horn Casting # 6-1672, Body Casting # 0-1451. If interested in any of these parts you can contact me at Autobodymktg@aol.com

Good luck with your search

Jim Albright

[David Hicks]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Thanks, on this one I am sure .... it is either a 250 or 300 as it is a Powerglide without any options.

Dave

[Page C.]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Hi David,
Many years ago (Feb 1990) there was a 1963 corvette engine in Hemmings Motor News for sale. It was advertised as vin# 3111252, F0314RD, cast on B113(feb 11,1963). This car was 20 cars from your 3111272.
Hope this helps narrow your search,
Page Campbell

[Jack H.]

Is this an advertizement? *NM*

[David Hicks]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Actually it does .... alot, thanks

Dave

[David Hicks]

Re: Block casting date confusion

(corrected this one based on info Page gave me)

Ok,

So to sum up (correct me if I'm wrong). Since the BD calculator tells me the BD should be Mar 22/63 (or close enough), I am looking for something that looks like this:

Casting Number 3782870
Casting Date FB113 - FB123 where B=Feb 11=day 3=1963
Engine Assembly Date F0314SC or F0314SD - F0315SC or F0315SD and must be later than casting date.

Would this assumption be right?

Sorry, new to this and I'm collecting the books as I go .... got about 4 of them and counting :-)

Dave

[David Hicks]

Re: Block casting date confusion

Thanks, this one I had cleared up already from reading a previous thread.

Thanks anyway.

Dave

[Chuck G.]

Re: Block casting date confusion

I didn't check your math dates and all, but the casting date will not have the "F" preceeding the date.....just B XX 3, not FB XX 3. Chuck

[Verle R.]

Re: Block casting date confusion

What is the URL for the Wisconsin Chapter?

thank you,

Verle