396 block casting

[Michael C.]

A little assistance on the following question ?? Is a block casting on a 1965 396 motor forward of the starter like it is on a 1967 427 ?? If it is not there, where is one located ?? Thank You for your help. Mike Chase

[Joe L.]

Re: 396 block casting

Mike-----

The 1965 396 block has the casting DATE located on the right side of the block, forward of the starter position. The block casting NUMBER, GM #3855962 is located on the left side bellhousing flange.

[Chris H.]

Re: 396 block casting

Mike, also, make sure the 962 block is a Vette 962 vs. a passenger 962. You can do this by looking for two gussets cast into the block at the 10 and 2 O'clock position above the timing chain cover.

[Mike M.]

Re: 396 block casting

chris : you are right about the gussets but i think the pass car 396's were 961 cast #'s( not that the 1 couldn't be changed to a 2 BUT the pass 961 reads inboard to outboard, whereas the vet 962 reads outboard to inboard.mike

[Bill W.]

Re: 396 block casting

Mike they made 962 4 bolt 375hp chevelle blocks in late 65 .they are just like the corvette blocks except for the front & rear ribs .no one seems to know why the ribs are not there . you would think they would have changed the casting number.Bill

[Mike M.]

Re: 396 block casting

bILL:p I KNOW OF ONLY THREE CHEVY BIG BLOCKS THAT GOT THE GUSSETS AT 10 AND 2 OCLOCK: THE 65 396 VETS AND THE ALUMINUM ZL-1S, AND THE VERY EARLY 66 942 THAT IS GUSSETED LIKE ITS OLDER BROTHER 962. I'VE SEEN A COUPLE OF VERY EARLY 942S WITH SIMILAR GUSSETS AND I HAVE ONE 942, VIN ABOUT 1700, THAT IS GUSSETED.INTERESTING AINT IT? MIKE

[Wayne M.]

[Bill W.]

Re: 962 (& 961) casting ribs above timing cover

It sounds to me like there was alot of trial & error in the mold shop on the early big blocks ?