63 Engine date code

[Harry Sadlock]

Good day all. The numbers for my 63 on the pad are F0415RC. I know the starter and the heads are not the originals. What approximate date codes should I be looking for on the starter and heads. The rear has also been replaced by a former owner. I know that it was built with a 336 posi. (CB) rear, again what is the approximate date I should be looking for. The cars build date is 4/20/63.

Thanks and Happy Holidays

Harry

38513

[Rick A.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

Harry,

What is the build date of your car? For judging purposes, traditionally if the parts are within a SIX MONTH window prior to the final build date of the car you should be okay. But within two or three months real swell!

As far as looking for a starter - don't look any farther than John Pirkle. Call him up (don't have number handy, but sure someone will chime in) and give him your build date and he will tell you what he has close to that date. These are completely "restored" starters to NCRS.

[Dennis C.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

2 or 3 weeks prior to build may be better or more typical as far as block and heads. Electricals can be out there quite a bit further... DC

[Mike M.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

Agree with Mr Clark on the 2-3 week window for cases and heads.mike

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

John Pirkle @ (706) 860-9047

[mike cobine]

Re: 63 Engine date code

I've taken a lot of non-Corvette engines apart and found the heads frequently on the same day or within a day of each other and the heads were often within a few days prior to the assembly date stamp.

And I have seen the other extreme, where they were off from each other by a month or more and from a couple of months before the assembly date.

Being close has been much more common, probably 20 to 1, for the engines I've seen.

I have a set of the 250 hp heads and I believe an early April date. I'll check if you are looking for some.

[Jack H.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

Dates vary with specific car, but, as others have said the general rule in judging is 0-6 months prior with 2-6 weeks prior being typical. Now, 'prior' is a matter of further refinement....

The heads were installed on the engine before it left the engine assy plant in Flint. Therefore, 'prior' refers to the assy date of the engine as indicated on the stamp pad.

The starter joined the motor at the final assy line in St. Louis, so 'prior' means something else in this case. It refers to the approximate date of the final build of your car based on its VIN or serial number.

In general (not always true), you determine the critical date for a given component based on the AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) this way.... If you see the part going on the car in the AIM, then it was installed at the final assy point. If the part isn't called out in the AIM, then it came in as part of a completed sub-assy by an 'upstream' supplier and the starting date is dictated by when that sub-assy was manufactured.

[Dennis C.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

To some degree, you need to read between the lines, but what Jack includes in this post displays accurate, very important and relavant information about the typical build of a Chevy - whatever model... DC

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

Harry,

My 63 was build on 7/24. My heads and block precede this date 8 to 11 days.

If you have "461" heads, I doubt a judge would ever know. I don't think there is any casting features visible that would tip your hand..

tc

[Mike M.]

Re: 63 Engine date code

casting dates on 461 heads( or any other chevy heads) are not judged ,hence it doesn't matter on the judging field since valve covers are not pulled. HOWEVER, should you ever wish to sell the car and i'm a prospective buyer, i'll wanna look under those valve covers. Since there were and are an abundance of mouse double camel hump heads out there with appropriate casting dates , why not get whats appropriate now and save hassels later if you ever want to sell the car? just be certain you get a pair of Flint castings (humps broached and single digit casting date year).Converting 194 to 202 exh valves can be done by any competent local maching shop. good luck, mike

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Engine date code

Thank you everyone for your input, it has helped me narrow the date codes I will look for.

Happy Holidays

Harry

[Tracy C.]

there might be "an abundance" of mouse heads

out there, but I'll bet most of them are stacked up like cord wood behind your tool shed.....

You should be ashamed of yoself mikie!!!
tc

[Dennis C.]

TC - You got Mikie pegged... DC *NM*