Engine Block Identification Help

[Ed McGettigan]

I'm trying to identify this block:

Casting: 3782870
Front Pad: F1105HP and V115583

Here's what I think it is:

The casting identifies it as a 1962 - 1965 Corvette block. The front pad identifies Flint Plant, built on Nov 5 with a 327/300 AT. The VIN sequence number is 15,583.

What does the "V" denote? Is this a 1965 block?

Thanks, Ed

[Bob R.]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

The rear top passengers side of the engine block should have a date cast into it. For an engine stamped November of 65 the number should be a J or K with the day and year. The last vehicle built in November 65 was number 3347. That does not fit with your numbers. Your numbers show a vehicle built late in December.

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

The pocket guide shows HP engine codes starting in '65 as a 300hp, AFB 1x4C & Powerglide and '66 -'68 as a 350hp, Hi Lift Cam, A/C, P/S, & 4-Speed.

Getting the block casting date will probably get it exactly.

I do not know what the "V" is all about, maybe a non-Corvette application?

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

Ed----

The "V115583" stamping is the VIN-derivative of the car that the block was originall installed in. The "V" denotes the vehicle assembly plant where that vehicle was built. At the moment, I don't recall which assembly plant that "V" decodes to for 1965, or so. It MAY have been Van Nuys, CA. But, it was not St. Louis. That would be an "S". Incidentally, not just Corvettes would have had an "S" code as part of the VIN-derivative. Many other passenger and light trucks were also assmbled at St. Louis and would also have an "S" in the VIN sequence.

[Tom Freeman]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

Believe the "V" for for the Pontiac MI assembly plant.

tom...

[Ed McGettigan]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

Now I'm really confused...Was this engine block(3782870)number used in cars other than Corvettes?

Is this a Corvette Pad Stamping (F1105HP / V115583)?

It looks to me to be 1965 (due to the block casting number 3782870 - used from 62-65) and the HP code matched 1965 engine codes)...

[Bob R.]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

All chevrolet 327 engines made in 62 - 65 were 3782870. This is regardless of horsepower or vehicle in which it was to be installed.

[Robert C.]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

It all looks like a 65 until you get to the vin stamp. The VI part before the vin sequence is not typical. Should be a "5xxxxxx" for 65etc. The vin number is also off from the Nov. date code. The last #produced in Nov. was #3347, the last car # in Dec. was #5754.
Yes other Chevrolet passenger cars had the 870 block casting #.You don't have the car to check the trim/vin tags?

[Ed McGettigan]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

The engine is out of a car so I don't know what it came out of. My Uncle is looking to buy this block from someone to put in his 1962 Corvette. The seller claims that it is a Corvette block.

It sounds like it could be out of any Chevy that offered a 327?

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine Block Identification Help

Ed-----

This particular block was never originally installed in a Corvette. However, it is absolutely no different than an "870" block which was installed in a Corvette. Were it not for the non-Corvette VIN-derivative, there would be absolutely no way to tell what it was originally installed in. As it is, all we know is that it was not installed in a Corvette.

As far as most block castings go, there is no such thing as a "Corvette block". While a particular block may have originally been installed in a Corvette, all that means is that it was originally installed in a Corvette. The exact same block could just as easily have been installed in another Chevrolet model.

I'd be much more concerned about the CONDITION of the block than what sort of car that it was originally installed in. If the condition is good with respect to all the important parameters and I needed such a block, I'd go for it. The VIN derivative stamping is irrelevent.

[Ed McGettigan]

**Thanks Everyone!!!** *NM*