engine code and vin

[Dan A.]

Re: engine code and vin

For Ed McComas's list.

E56S002653 has F56GR

I don't know the sequence number. That number is not easy for me to get at this time.

[David B.]

Re: engine code and vin

Some simple math might be appropriate at this time, these numbers you can take to the '56 Corvette bank. In 1956 the total V8 & L6 passenger engines built (including sedan delivery and Corvette) was 1,626,843. From this total 918,919 were 265 cu in V8 engines. The breakdown was as follows: 656,470 V8 2- Bbl
257,004 V8 4- Bbl
5,334 V8 2 x 4 Bbl w reg. cam 225 HP
111 V8 2 x 4 Bbl w special cam 240 HP
Further breaking down the 111 240 HP engines built:
65 Corvette GU suffix
46 Passenger GT suffix
For some unexplained reason the statistics on the so called 111 240 HP Corvettes with the GU engine has been misstated for YEARS without anyone ever questioning. I made an attempt to correct this error and many other errors on current published 56-57 production quantities several years ago with an article but unfortunately was turned down (something about going against the current judging manual and referencing the '57 EN engine suffix -- another story!) Since this is an open forum '56 Corvette owners with the 240 HP engine please note: "THERE WERE ONLY 65 240 HP GU CORVETTE ENGINES BUILT" and it is possible not all of these were actually assembled on the '56 Corvette assembly line. As for 0027072, it was in all probability cast about 1 week prior to 0052229 cast 9-28-55. As mentioned, something is "goofy" here if F56GR is correct (it appears OK) engine might have been a special order for GM usage/research/testing etc..???

[Mike M.]

Re: engine code and vin

dave: good to see u posting. my literature indicates that a 55 chevy pass car 265 ci with MT would have been stamped with a "G". of course, the casting date on the 265 would be appropriate for a 54 or 55 cast date. the 55 265s's didn't have provision for a in the block oil filter like the 56 small block chevys did. mike

[David B.]

Re: engine code and vin

Hi Mike, What literature are you referring too? Curious to know why you think your '55 MT should have been stamped with a G ? I am very familiar with the '55 engine (my age??) have the original V8 lay out prints on the '55 and it's cylinder block #3703524 11-10-52. Reason I am curious is the fact the GT (240 HP '56 Pass. engine) was built and installed in passenger cars way before the '56 Corvette GU. The first '56 GT engines were all cast late 1955 and in fact available and used in the Corvettes at Sebring in 1956 (have the suffix codes).
Time to start a new thread on this subject -----???

[Edward M.]

Re: engine code and vin

Would very much appreciate the sequence number when you get a chance. The block date code would also be very welcome. Thanks.

[Edward M.]

Re: engine code and vin

Dave;

Are you production numbers just for Flint engines?

Ed

[Edward M.]

Re: engine code and vin

Here is a better picture of the 27972 engine. Personally, I think the R was added after the fact. Hard to prove, but it would answer a lot of questions about this engine.

[Mike M.]

Re: engine code and vin

Dave: i got the suffix out of a 1962 Motor's Manual.or it coulda been with an online search. i'll look into it later(after the turkey has been digested). regards, mike

[Eric T.]

Re: engine code and vin

My engine block search continues and I have found a 265 block with cast date of C216 with a serial number in 03300000F56F range according to the owner. It is nearby and I could buy it for my 56 (which I've described before but will repeat some of the info here). It is a good engine with a 2bbl carb, and standard heads. I could easily have the "G" stamp added.

My corvette is VIN E56S03011 probably built around 6/15-28/1956 my car was originally a powerglide car (no brake peddle) So could go the powerglide route (although it would not be as much fun had thought about going 3sp if I could fined a F56G block, All the vehicles I own are standard trans.) probably should anyway since I have lots of other std trans toys.

So this engine seems a bit earlier than what I would ideally like to get.

Dave Bartush (3288) Said the following:
"As an added comment: I know NCRS allows a 6 month lead time but the fact is because of the high demand for the SB V-8 in 1956 I personally question the 6 month time frame (there is always that rare possibility). If you are going to all that trouble I would suggest no more than a 2 month lead time."

So it seems to me since I'm in no real hurry I should wait and look for a block with a cast date D156 to F106?
There must be some lead time from cast date to car build date. Is that 5 to 15 days or is it more?

A second question. I have a set of 3731762 heads Dated E106 code, could those heads reasonably go with the date range I'm looking at above.

A third question. I may not have mentioned this option before. Alternatively I have a block I have had for years that is Date code E286 Block Stamp 0515150F56FB. That is pretty close to the build date at the date on my heads. Can I have the "B" removed and a "G" added so it looks original or is that hard or impossible to do?

Thanks for all the help.

ET

[Edward M.]

Re: engine code and vin

1956 Corvette E56S003011 has an estimated build date of 6/16/56 (June 16, 1956). The estimated engine date for this car (or any 1956 Corvette) would be 1 to 2 weeks prior to the car build date.

Most likely engine time frame = June 2, to June 15, so say the first 15 days of June 1956. So, look for en engine with a casting date of F 1 6 to F 15 6.

Now, having said that, en engine in the 2 to 4 week period is fine, and would not really get questioned, so that takes your range starting at May 19th. So now we are looking at an engine casting date E 19 6 to F 15 6.

Considering the heads that you have, a date coded block of E 10 6 is also "reasonable".

So, all things considered, I would say a block dated from E 1 6 to F 15 6 works for you.

F56F engines are pretty easy to find, F56G engine are a bit tougher. But they are out there.

Don't forget to check the classic tri-five chevy sites as well.

[Edward M.]

Re: engine code and vin

I also found a picture I have been looking for....

This engine was clearly a added stamp, but a pretty good one.

[Gary C.]

Re: engine code and vin

Personally know 1956 VIN 4026. The engine is original and not a restamp. Car belong to my friend Gilbert Scrivner. Was a fairly intact car in need of a restoration when Gilbert bought in the early 90's.

JMTCW,

Gary
....

[Eric T.]

Re: engine code and vin

Hi Edward:

Your reply dosen't quite make sense to me. You are suggesting the build date for my care was June 16th and that it could have had an engine that was cast one day before it was built. That would mean in 1956 it would be cast, be bored, sent from Flint to St Louis, assembled with the correct parts and installed in as little as one day?

If I interoperate your statement this would take at least a week so the latest cast date might be F96, (one to two weeks before the build date).

Based on that thinking I would think the 4 week prior to build range would be E126 to F96.

Interested in your thoughts.

Thanks

1956 Corvette E56S003011 has an estimated build date of 6/16/56 (June 16, 1956). The estimated engine date for this car (or any 1956 Corvette) would be 1 to 2 weeks prior to the car build date.

Most likely engine time frame = June 2, to June 15, so say the first 15 days of June 1956. So, look for en engine with a casting date of F 1 6 to F 15 6.

Now, having said that, en engine in the 2 to 4 week period is fine, and would not really get questioned, so that takes your range starting at May 19th. So now we are looking at an engine casting date E 19 6 to F 15 6.

Considering the heads that you have, a date coded block of E 10 6 is also "reasonable".

So, all things considered, I would say a block dated from E 1 6 to F 15 6 works for you.

F56F engines are pretty easy to find, F56G engine are a bit tougher. But they are out there.

Don't forget to check the classic tri-five chevy sites as well.

[Edward M.]

Re: engine code and vin

We have seen it before. It is not likely, but possible. There are numerous examples of cars with engines assembled the day before the build date of the body (which may actually be a day or so before the car comes off the line).

There are known examples of engines being air freighted from the engine assembly plant to the vehicle assembly plant. When the car market was hot, getting the cars out was top priority.

Most likely, based on analysis of real car data, is 1 -2 weeks before the car was built.

[Eric T.]

Re: engine code and vin

Thanks:

Good to know, I would not have thought that possible.

We have seen it before. It is not likely, but possible. There are numerous examples of cars with engines assembled the day before the build date of the body (which may actually be a day or so before the car comes off the line).

There are known examples of engines being air freighted from the engine assembly plant to the vehicle assembly plant. When the car market was hot, getting the cars out was top priority.

Most likely, based on analysis of real car data, is 1 -2 weeks before the car was built.