59 Block #

[Dr F.]

Hello, Any thoughts on the correct block casting number for a 1959, #3376 would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Chuck

[Joe M.]

Re: 59 Block #

The block casting number for all 1959 Corvettes is 3756519. Did you mean acceptable block casting date for VIN 3376?

[Dr F.]

Re: 59 Block #

The block casting number for all 1959 Corvettes is 3756519. Did you mean acceptable block casting date for VIN 3376?

Hello Joe. Thanks for your note. Two websites state that two blocks were used in the 1959: 3737739 in 1958s and "early" 1959s, and 3756519 in late 1958s through 1961s. What do you think? Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: 59 Block #

Hello Joe. Thanks for your note. Two websites state that two blocks were used in the 1959: 3737739 in 1958s and "early" 1959s, and 3756519 in late 1958s through 1961s. What do you think? Chuck

Chuck-------


The 3737739 block may have been used for very early 1959 Corvettes. However, I would say that your car is quite a ways from being a very early car as it was built about 4 months into 1959 production. It's like this, though: if you could find a block that was cast about 1 month prior to your car's build date, then that block, whether it's a 3737739 or a 3756519, could have been installed in your car. My guess is that you won't find a 3737739 that "fits the bill".

[Dr F.]

Re: 59 Block #

Thanks very much, Joe. What you say makes sense. Have a good night....Chuck

[Joe M.]

Re: 59 Block #

I misspoke about "all" 1959s having the 519 block, but I agree with the other Joe, it is unlikely that the 739 blocks would have still be available when your car was built. We don't have a definitive VIN date definition for what is early, middle, or late build, but I would not consider VIN 3376 early build. I would be looking for a 519 block with an early Jan. 1959 casting date.

[Dr F.]

Re: 59 Block #

Thanks, Joe M. Let me know if you ever see either block with a November, December or early January casting date! Regards, Chuck

[Bill M.]

Re: 59 Block #

I misspoke about "all" 1959s having the 519 block, but I agree with the other Joe, it is unlikely that the 739 blocks would have still be available when your car was built. We don't have a definitive VIN date definition for what is early, middle, or late build, but I would not consider VIN 3376 early build. I would be looking for a 519 block with an early Jan. 1959 casting date.

I agree.
I have '59 #2520 and have been watching for spare blocks dated Nov. '58 for decades. I have bought 2, both Flint 519s.
I've never seen a 739 dated Nov. '58.
If you find a 739 dated correctly make sure it is a Flint block. Maybe Tonawanda switched from 739 to 519 at a different time?

[Dr F.]

Re: 59 Block #

Hello Joe, Still searching for a 3756519 block. May I ask you about cylinder heads? Is 3755550 correct for a 1959 fuel injected model? Thanks very much. Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: 59 Block #

Hello Joe, Still searching for a 3756519 block. May I ask you about cylinder heads? Is 3755550 correct for a 1959 fuel injected model? Thanks very much. Chuck

Chuck-------


Yes, the 3755550 is the correct head casting for most 1959 Corvettes of all engine options. Very late-build cars, after about May, 1959, probably received the GM #3767465 casting.

You need to be careful, though, that you're looking for a Saginaw-cast head and not a Tonawanda-cast head. Among other differences, the Tonawanda-cast heads usually have a "T" casting symbol visible in the under rocker cover area.

[Dr F.]

Re: 59 Block #

Thank you Joe. I'll check them out. Chuck (62859)