C2 Flint vs Tonowanda Small Block Heads

[Mike E.]

Re: C2 Flint vs Tonowanda Small Block Heads

I'm having trouble understanding how/why Chevrolet would ship a cylinder head or batch of heads from New York (Tonowanda) to the engine plant in Flint. I know of no work stoppages or production issues in casting (separate from engine assembly) that would have necessitated that. We know that all Corvette small blocks in that vintage came from Flint, don't we?

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 Flint vs Tonowanda Small Block Heads

I'm having trouble understanding how/why Chevrolet would ship a cylinder head or batch of heads from New York (Tonowanda) to the engine plant in Flint. I know of no work stoppages or production issues in casting (separate from engine assembly) that would have necessitated that. We know that all Corvette small blocks in that vintage came from Flint, don't we?

They shipped 014 blocks from Tonawanda to Flint, and many of those made it into late 1972 Corvettes. I suspect that similar swapping or testing occurred in other years too, with 1965 engine blocks being another known instance. There is no reason that heads could not have made the trip over just like engine blocks did.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Flint vs Tonowanda Small Block Heads

They shipped 014 blocks from Tonawanda to Flint, and many of those made it into late 1972 Corvettes. I suspect that similar swapping or testing occurred in other years too, with 1965 engine blocks being another known instance. There is no reason that heads could not have made the trip over just like engine blocks did.

Patrick------


I'll bet those 014 blocks had a large "T" cast on them. The Tonawanda foundry was very good about placing this casting mark on all their castings. So, in the case of Bill's heads, I'd say no "T" indicates they were Saginaw castings machined at Flint.