327 Engine block w/o VIN

[Chris J. Yates]

I have recently acquired a 327 engine block that has the correct code stamping for a 1964 Corvette, but does not have a VIN stamping.
This block has not been decked, and the code stamping appears original.
Block Casting: 3782870
Cast date: B 1 4, Feb. 1st 1964
Date code: F0213RT Flint / Feb. 13th / 365HP 4SPD T/I
The block is standard bore and in excellent condition for it's age.

My questions are: Was this installed as a warranty replacement engine?

What possibles explanations are there for the lack of

a VIN stamping?

[Dennis C.]

OTC...

Over the counter purchase or warranty. As you might imagine, these blocks can be quite valuable to the right person...

[Jerry S.]

Re: replacement

I've got mine and the car it belongs into. My car will not have a vin number stamped to the virgin block. Of course I have no courage to have a car judged.

[Tom B.]

Re: replacement

I have a late June '61 270 horse engine like that. I took it out of a '55 Corvette in 1975. I always figured that it was an OTC engine too.

Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: OTC...

Dennis----

Yes. Blocks like this are like a "wild card"; they can "become original" for any one of a whole bunch of cars. Blocks with completely blank, original stamp pads can be a "wild card" for even more cars.

[Lawrence S.]

Re: OTC...

I thought warranty blocks or over the counter blocks were CE coded?

[Dennis C.]

Lawrence, You are right, but the CE did not...

...start until a year I am uncertain of... I would guess, some of those on this board have that date dialed in pretty close... Value of a CE cylinder case drops the value instantly - for those interested in certain types of endeavors.

[Dick W.]

Re: OTC...

I purchased several L/88 and LT-1 engines from the general over the years and none of them were CE stamped. They had the assembly info with no VIN