C2 LT1 Short Block

[Terry B.]

Pruchased a "LT1" short block over the counter in 1970. Still have it today in the crate. What should have been on the pad? Blank or CE w/ numbers? It was not a warranty block.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

could be either way you suggest.mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Terry-----

Most likley, the pad will be "blank". Why don't you look at it and tell us what's on it?

By the way, after all this time, there's a very high probability that the pistons will be seized in the bores due to galvanic-induced corrosion.

[Terry B.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

The motor is still free. It is turned over on regular intervals. Was wondering if the dealer pulled something because the motor has the CE stamping which I thought was just for warranty purposes. The dealers used to pull all kinds of tricks with warranty until GM cracked down. They dented my bumper but charged GM for dirt in the quarter panel repair to cover their mistake!
Stamped CE OA 482 70. Block is 3970010 Cast date D 30 0 (April 30 1970).

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Terry---

The "CE" stamping was definitely NOT used for warranty purposes only. An engine replaced under warranty was simply replaced with a SERVICE engine assembly, fitted block, partial engine, or complete engine, as-required. Engines used for warranty replacement were the same as any other SERVICE engine assembly of the period as purchased "over-the-counter" and the dealers ordered them exactly the same way---through GMSPO.

However, I thought that by 1970 the practice of using the "CE" prefix for engine assemblies was limited to complete engines only. Apparently not, though, as evidenced by your short block. I know, for sure, that by 1975 the practice had ended since I purchased a complete 350 cid/300 hp GM short block (partial engine) assembly, GM #3970655, in 1975 and the pad was completely unstamped.

[John H.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Joe -

"CE"-stamped 5/50 warranty replacements during the brief duration of that program were only available as short blocks or fitted blocks, and were ordered by part number from a "chart" so the innards (crank, rods, pistons/rings, etc.) would be a correct replacement for the failed engine; that part number didn't appear anywhere on the engine - only on the shipping paperwork. Customer-paid service engines (and over-the-counter partial and complete engine assemblies) generally were un-stamped. Many "CE"-stamped assemblies were still in warehouse stock when the 5/50 replacement period ended (which was a VERY happy day for the GM beanies, who went into catatonic shock as the 5/50 claims POURED in), and I'm sure those leftover CE's wound up as customer-paid service replacements or for over-the-counter sale.

[Terry B.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

This was an over the counter purchase in Mid 1970 and was ordered as # 3966921. Should be a 370 HP 350 cu in LT1 type engine. Apparently this is a CE left over short block?

[John H.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Terry -

Could be - have looked for years both in the Corvette and Camaro sides of my hobby for a copy of that "CE" engine chart showing intended applications vs. part numbers, but haven't been able to find one. The parts manager at one of my local dealers remembers it from his days as a counter guy, and said it was issued each year as part of a Service Letter, not as a supplement to the Parts Book; that's about all I know about it.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Joe, in the 1970-71 era I purchased two L/88 engine assemblies and one LT-1. Neither had a CE designation.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

John,

I'm looking through stacks of GM paperwork hoping to find the sheet that explained the whole "CE" stamping issue. (could still be in Illinois and not here in FL tho)

I seem to remember the "CE" info and the first appearance of these blocks in mid or late 69 and I remember no difference between over the counter blocks and warranty blocks. They were all supposed to have the new CE and sequence number in order to better control warranty on the replacement blocks.

In that time period, many racers were turning in "slightly used" warranty short blocks a month after they bought them over the counter and getting replacements for their replacements. However, they didn't always turn in the correct block and most of the warranty rep's didn't bother to check casting numbers and dates so many phony claims were submitted and paid. Unfortunately, several dealers were involved in this practice also and GM was replacing short blocks that weren't even of the correct dimensions. I know of one L88 short block that was replaced three times and none of the correct originals were turned in.

Another thing that mixes the brew on this is the fact that many dealers stocked short blocks at that time so it would have been possible to purchase one in 1970 that had no CE stamp because it may have been in inventory at the dealer for a year or two prior to purchase which would result in an unstamped block while others, like a new LT-1, would have to have been reasonably new as that motor just arrived on the scene.

If I find the paperwork on all of this, I'll post it.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Terry-----

GM #3966921 was the part number for the over-the-counter 1970 LT-1 short block. It was first available in May, 1970 and it was discontinued from SERVICE in June, 1992.

[Roy B.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

I also have two LT1's 1970 in a crate ,motors having NO numbers on the pad 370HP.

[Jerry G.]

Re: LT 1 purchased in 72.

I purchased an LT 1 long block, 370 HP in 72 . Still have it, in sealed container. It has CE. Jerry

[Michael F.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Remember dealers of the day, ie Berger Chevy, advertised in car mags for complete, short blocks, etc. engines for LT-1,L-88 etc. for cheap prices like 5-800 for complete motors, those were the days

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 LT1 Short Block

Terry I have a CE engine that was installed in my brand new 70 in August of 1970. It is stamped CEOA 47538 block #3970010 cast date D260 (April 26,1970). Produced just a few days before yours. My short block is supposed to be a replacement for a 350/300. Remember being told one reason for getting the car on the road again was getting the correct engine block. It was installed as a short block assembley. I probably have the record of quickest time after picking up a brand new Corvette at the dealership and having engine failure under normal driving use.