Looking at 3737739 block for a '58. Seems it was originally installed in a passenger car. Are there any differences between it and an engine from a Corvette. It is a Flint cast block, both by the pad stamping starting in F and the date code ending in 8 and not 58. Trying to put the right configuration engine together. Thanks for the help.
1958 Engine Block
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Re: 1958 Engine Block
Rick:
I've got a '58 block, #3737739 with a casting date of K217 (Nov. 21, 1957)which works for my early January car. The key to the car it came from, from what I've read and been told, is the stamp pad and the series of letters that follow the numbers. The last two letters of the engine code indicate engine's horsepower rating and/or transmission used with that engine. For '58, "CS" is for 3 or 4 speed trans., fuel injected and high-lift cam, "CT" is 3 or 4 speed, 2 4-barrel carbs, and "CR" is 3-4 speed and FI only, "CQ" is 3-4 speed, "CU" is 3-4 speed, dual 4 barrel with high-lift cam and "DG, DH, and DJ" are various forms of powerglide. From what I can tell, the 3737739 was used in both vettes and passenger cars since it was a standard block used by GM. How it was stamped told what car they put that block in. Someone can confirm or clarify all this, but check the stamp pad letters.- Top
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Re: 1958 Engine Block
It is my understanding that a casting date code with a single numerical digit representing the year indicates a block that was cast in either Flint or Saginaw, Michigan, and a date code with double numerical digits representing the year indicates a block that was cast in Tonawanda, New York. Blocks cast in Flint and Saginaw were assembled in Flint, Michigan and were used in both Corvette and passenger cars. Blocks cast in Tonawanda were assembled in Tonawanda. The "F" on your engine stamp pad doesn't necessarily indicate that the block was cast in Flint, but it does indicate that the engine was assembled in Flint. The engine assembly date should be before the build date of your car if you are playing the numbers game.
In my opinion this sounds like the right 283ci block for you. Pick your Corvette hoursepower; 230, 245, 250, 270, or 290. The passenger block was offered in 185, 230, 250, and 290 horses. To be NCRS correct, if that is your goal, seek tech advice from those that can get down and dirty with the differences that probably exist between the passenger and Corvette application dressed assembly, for that true Corvette under the hood look.
Good Luck, & Save the Wave .............- Top
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