A few days ago, I went to a friends machine shop to look at a 62 "870" block. It was cast dated November 62 (which was actually for a 63). But anyway, what caught my eye was the font size of the 3782870 casting numbers (above the bellhousing). They were much smaller that the casting numbers on my 62 "870" corvette block at home. Why the difference? I know my engine was made in Flint. Could his engine be made in Tonawanda? Are corvette casting numbers BIGGER than those on passenger car blocks? Thanks, Steve
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Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
Steve,
You are absolutely right! Flint 870 blocks have block casting numbers approximately 7/8" high, while T smallblocks have roughly 3/8" tall numerals. I'll bet'cha that if you look further at that Tonowanda block, you'll notice a date code with a 2 digit year (i.e 62 rather than 2), and the lack of the drilled and plugged hole in the oil gallery above the water pump.
Joe -
Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
Thanks for the response Joe. Do you know if any T blocks were ever installed in any early corvettes (i.e.1962). I know anything was possible... but... was it likely?Comment
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Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
Steve,
I don't know the answer to that. But as you know, for any unusual circumstance, lacking any proof positive (docs) you'd better go by the "book".
JoeComment
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Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
"Thanks for the response Joe. Do you know if any T blocks were ever installed in any early corvettes (i.e.1962). I know anything was possible... but... was it likely?"
There are isolated cases (documented in applicable Judging Guide books) where Tonawanda cast blocks were used for Corvette. But, these are very RARE instances and the 1962/327 build is NOT one of those exceptions.
The reason for exclusive use of Saginaw cast/Flint build small block engines in Corvette is pretty straight forward--economics. Freight in cost from Flint to St. Louis were superior to Tonawanda -> St. Louis.
Expect a '62 Corvette with a Tonawanda cast/built engine to take a full deduciton for the cylinder case on the judging field based on NCRS judging rules... While it's the 'correct' casting number, it's NOT the correct 'configuration' which is part of the judging examination...Comment
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Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
Thanks Jack...I appreciate the info. I learn something every day on this board!
SteveComment
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Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
Steve----
Also, generally speaking, Tonawanda-cast blocks will have a "T" cast somewhere near the casting number, either as a suffix to "GM" (i.e. "GMT") or a a stand-alone character. Finding that on a block absolutely confirms a Tonawanda-casting.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Casting number size. Is bigger better?
Joe,
The block I saw also had a 'T' cast into it behind the timing chain cover. Anyway, I have really learned something today on this subject. I have been looking for a mid june dated '870' block for our 62, that we have owned for over 30 years. I am ready to 'refreshen' the car and 'reward' it with the right motor. Keep me in mind if you run across one.
Thanks so much, Steve Chattanooga, TNComment
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