396 Block with RLC Stamp

[Jack O.]

I have a 396 4 bolt main block, casting 3855962, dated Dec '65, with pad stamped RLC 4433 7. Anyone know what an RLC stamp indicates? Not sure of the 4437, the first 4 may be a double stamp and there's a space between the 3 and 7. Thanks! Jack

[Edward B.]

Re: 396 Block with RLC Stamp

Jack, post a picture, but I would bet it's a rebuilders stamp. That's not a factory format. Ed

[Jack O.]

Re: 396 Block with RLC Stamp

Hi Ed, Took a while but I finally got some pictures of the stamp. They're not the greatest but have a look and let ,e know your thoughts. Thanks, Jack.

[Edward B.]

Re: 396 Block with RLC Stamp

Yeah, that's not factory and probably some kind of rebuilders stamp like I indicated above.

Ed

[Bruce T.]

Re: 396 Block with RLC Stamp

It sort of looks like there might be broach marks, indicating that the pad was blank before the rebuilder? stamp. If so, that could be a service replacement block, and there would be a Tonowanda stamp on the oil pan rail down by the starter. It would look like a regular pad stamp with date code but with no suffix. Look for something like T1206 down there.

[Jack O.]

Re: 396 Block with RLC Stamp

I'm no expert but I believe it does have original broach marks. I'll check the pan rail like you suggest. Thanks.