date code question

[John C.]

Hey Corvette Guru's, I have one for you. I'm trying to get a couple items replaced on my car with the correctly dated pieces and and upon searching, I came across something that was questionable concerning dated parts. Here's the question : Lets say a guy has a car with an engine stamp showing a build date of July 15. I've been told that judges will accept parts with a date code as far back as 6 months, although a date in may or June would be more likely to be what was actually put on the car on the assy line. But how close to the actual assy date of July 15 is acceptable. Would an alternator dated July 12 be acceptable ? the 13th ? 14th ? Could there have been a part installed on the assy date with the same date as the build date of the 15th ? Just wondering as I search for the few correct parts I still need.
JC

[Patrick H.]

Re: date code question

John,

What year? You clicked the C5 logo for this question. Is that what you intended?

Note that some accessories were installed at the engine plant and some were installed at the assembly factory (St. Louis or Bowling Green). Where it was installed will make all the difference as to the proper date when compared to the engine. So, it is possible that some accessories installed at the assembly factory have dates after the engine was assembled. After all, they didn't meet until they each traveled to the factory and were mated together.

Patrick

[John C.]

Re: date code question

65, I tried to edit that, but couldn't figure out how to, sorry. Interesting, but that makes sense Patrick. Generally wondering. What got all this started was my search for an alternator. My car has an engine stamp ( 300 / 327 ) of May 10th. I found and bought ( haven't received it yet ) an alternator with a date stamp of 5E7 ( may 7th of 65 ). Then I got to wondering if an alternator with a date code within 3 days of the engine assy could even be possible.
I don't see how you guys keep up with all this. Geez
JC

[Douglas L.]

Re: date code question

When it comes to alternators I think in reality(not by the book) it depends on the alternator. If the alternator is a common one(like a 693 37a)the date could be very close because they used alot of them in all kinds of cars but if its a uncommon one(like a 696 42 amp only used for T.I. cars) the dates could be very far apart because the alternator may have sat for awhile waiting for a T.I. car to be built.

But back to your question, I'm guessing the engines were shipped from Flint or Tonawanda w/o alternators so the car's build date may be more important than the engine's build date in this case.

[John C.]

Re: date code question

Interesting, and that does make sense looking at it that way. It appears there may be somewhat of a "gray" area when it comes to some things and definite answers on other date related issues. I'll take it that most of you are OK with an alternator dated 3 days prior to the engine assy date, esp on a very common 300 / 327.
Thanks fellas.
JC

[Joe R.]

Re: date code question

Hi John,

I looked through the few engine plant photos I had. I didn't see any alternators (though the pictures were not what I would call high quality). Anyhow, I suspect the alternator was installed in St. Louis. Does it show up as a part number in the AIM? If so, it was definitely installed in St. Louis and the date that matters is the car build date, not the engine assy date. Oh and yes, I don't see why three days prior would be a problem. A little tight maybe, but why not?

Joe

[Michael W.]

Re: date code question

Interesting, and that does make sense looking at it that way. It appears there may be somewhat of a "gray" area when it comes to some things and definite answers on other date related issues. I'll take it that most of you are OK with an alternator dated 3 days prior to the engine assy date, esp on a very common 300 / 327.
Thanks fellas.
JC

The alternators and many other items were installed at St. Louis and not the engine plant. It is therefore possible to have one that is dated before, on or after the engine assembly date. It must be dated before the car assembly date obviously.

[John C.]

Re: date code question

Got cha. I looked it up and the car assy ( build ) date is May 26th. ( 18494 ) Engine stamp is 5-10. So I guess I'm ok with a May 7th alternator. Maybe I can get as lucky with a 3721 carb ! Thanks Guys !!!!!
JC