I finally got the date code off my CE block. It is K102. The pad number is CE3N42352 S1206XCB. The block casting number is 3959512. As I mentioned in a previous message, the carb, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and transmission numbers all indicate to be from a 64. Anyone have any idea on the block?
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
The MorTec site ( www.mortec.com ) list the block casting number as a 62-63 327 ci with two bolt mains.
tom... -
Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
George---
Well, it was cast on October 10, 1972. It's a service replacement block as indicated by the "CE" prefix. The "X" first character of the suffix code was used on many service replacement engines, but I don't have any way to decode these.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
Tom----
The "mortec" site is incorrect on this one. This casting number wouldn't have been issued until around 1969.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
Joe, The letter K is the eleventh letter. I was thinking the date could be November 10, 1962. Please educate me. Thanks, GeorgeComment
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Re: CE Mystery Block - "S" Prefix Decode
Joe -
If memory serves me correctly from "the old days", the "S" prefix on this block identifies it as having been assembled at the St. Catherines, Ontario GM engine plant. St. Catherines was a low-volume operation in those days, and built mainly service replacement and marine engines.
JohnComment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
George----
You're correct on the date with respect to month; I was thinking of the "non-I" date system, but castings generally used the "I" (for September)system in which "K" does represent November.
With respect to year, I really don't think that it could have been 1962. I would have a VERY hard time believing that the casting number in question could have been issued that early. Seven digit, "39"-prefixed part numbers began to be issued about mid 1967. Of course, that's just my "rule-of-thumb" and not precise. Sometimes, "unused", "straggler" part numbers were initially issued well after the rest of the series, but I've never seen a case where one was used several years PRIOR to the rest of the series.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
Joe,
In the March 2000 issue of "Corvette Fever," in the resto clinic section, a guy wrote about the CE block he has for his 65 that he is trying to ID. He stated the block number to be 3959512, with a suffix code of S1202XOB. Noland responded that the block is a 327ci V-8 used in 62-69 Chevrolet cars and trucks, but not Corvettes. My block 3959512, with suf*** S1206XCB is pretty darn close. Therefore, if Noland is correct about the year range, then I think it would be possible that the date code of K102 is November 10, 1962. Now to get to my theory. Since the build date of my 64 is December 1963, and the date of my replacement block is POSSIBLY Nov. 1962, I am hoping that this block was a dealer replacement put into my car soon after it was purchased. What do you think ? I value your opinion. Thanks, George #31849Comment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
George----
With all due respect to Noland who is rarely incorrect, I think that he's a incorrect on the production years for the 3959512 cylinder block. I just can't see that casting number having been used as early as 1962. I suppose that it could be a "fluke", but I really doubt it. However, there is a way to tell "pretty much" for sure. 1962-era 327s used the small journal crankshafts with 2.30" main journal diameter. Most all 69+ small blocks use the 2.45" main bearing journal diameter and I would expect that the 3959512 would be in that category. So, if you have or will have the engine apart, simply measure the crankshaft main bearing journals. Then we'll "pretty much" know for sure. I'm not a betting person, but, if I were to bet, I'd bet that you'll find 2.45" journals. I'll be interested in learning of what you find.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
George, John, Tom and Joe --- FWIW, Alan Colvin's '65-69 "By the Numbers" shows no reference to usage of a "512" small block in this period.Comment
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Re: CE Mystery Block Revisited
Wayne----
Yes, I previously found the same thing when I researched this issue several months ago. But, the 60-64 edition of Chevrolet By the Numbers or the 70-75 edition don't have any reference to it, either. I believe that's because Alan's books only deal with parts used on PRODUCTION Chevrolet PASSENGER cars. I suspect that the block casting number in question, 3959512, was never used in a PRODUCTION passenger car application. It may have been a truck-only block or a SERVICE-only block, or both.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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