Engine build date

[Michael G.]

OK, I'm sure I've seen this here a bunch of times, but I can't think of a good way to search for it efficiently, so I'll just ask again:

If, for instance, I have a 63 car built November 28, what range of casting dates would be reasonably acceptable as "correct" for the block?

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine build date

OK, I'm sure I've seen this here a bunch of times, but I can't think of a good way to search for it efficiently, so I'll just ask again:

If, for instance, I have a 63 car built November 28, what range of casting dates would be reasonably acceptable as "correct" for the block?

Thanks

Mike------


Up to 6 months prior to the car's build date is acceptable for NCRS judging. However, 2 to 6 weeks is more like the actual interval for the majority of cars.

[Michael J.]

Re: Engine build date

I agree with Joe, and if you are looking for a block that fits, the shorter time frame is more desirable, along with the engine assembly date on the pad.

[Harry S.]

Re: Engine build date

On my April 20th 250 car the block was cast April 5th. On my July 19th 300 car the block was cast July 8th. As I recall the 340 and 360 engines were a few weeks longer. I think the reason was the demand was not as high so they were built waiting on an order.

[Edward J.]

Re: Engine build date

Mike, My Mar 14 car has a Jan 15th. cast date and and Feb. 25 Assy. date. Logic really does not always come into play, I think the high horse cars had some blocks that may have been sitting in the corner waiting there turn.

[Larry M.]

Re: Engine build date

Agree with the above replies. However, Noland's Book on C2 Restoration has a section on survey cars that includes engine casting and engine build versus car VIN Number. It is also a good reference to use.

FWIW, for my 1967 SB car (327/350 HP), the engine was cast on March 14, engine assembled on March 20, and installed in the car March 28, 1967.

Larry

[Chester C.]

Re: Engine build date

What about cast Jan. 8th and build Jan 10th.

[Mike E.]

Re: Engine build date

We have documented a 62 that was cast and assembled the same day. In fact, in 1977 I documented a 62 block that was assembled the day before it was cast. Obviously there was a Flint error on one of the two. I wrote one of my dating articles in the Restorer around 18-20 years ago listing casting and stamping dates in original 62s in one specific calendar slice. There was great variation, and no correlation between horsepower and dating. Original cars varied greatly, but if you are doing a restamp, 10 days to three weeks would draw the least scrutiny.

[Dan D.]

Re: Engine build date

I own a 1962 300HP service engine that was cast and machined/assembled on the same day. Late February, 1962. I bought it new. They had to be selling these cars/engines as fast as they could make them back then.

-Dan-