1973 Replacement short block?

[John L.]

Good afternoon all;
Thanks in advance for any and all helpful advice.
I just purchased a 73 Coupe Small block Automatic, a very nice driver. VIN is in the range of 17,500
Upon cleaning and checking the stamp pad this is what I see, CE3458 73. Block number and date 3970010, C283
Is this/was this a service replacement short block that may have been replaced under warranty? I would like to know what you'all think.
Thanks,
John Liner (28230)

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

Very possibly a warranty replacement, amongst other possibilities. No way to know for sure without paperwork.

[Rick A.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

agree with Michael

[John L.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

Thanks Guys,
I wasn't sure either, I didn't know what the CE3458 stamping represented; I'll go out on a limb and guess that the 73 stands for 1973. The block date of C283 makes me think it's a 73 block.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

Does this help?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

Thanks Guys,
I wasn't sure either, I didn't know what the CE3458 stamping represented; I'll go out on a limb and guess that the 73 stands for 1973. The block date of C283 makes me think it's a 73 block.

John-----

"C283" = March 28, 1973 (couldn't be 1963 since CE engines were not used that early and block casting hadn't been invented yet; couldn't be 1983 since 3970010 block was out-of-production by then.

Whether it's a warranty replacement or otherwise really makes no difference. It's not an original engine either way. However, it does have the correct casting number and the date might be in the right range for the car. So, it does have some value for you.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

Yours is the 45,873rd CE block in 1973.

[John L.]

Re: 1973 Replacement short block?

Thank you, all. Very good information from all. Thank you for taking the time to educate me.
Best,
John Liner 28230