3970010 block

[Charles I.]

Re: 3970010 block

I've had 2 people look at the casting date, one up here from the picture and one where the car is. The 3rd number is believed to be an 8. I restoring the original wiper motor know and I have the correct manifold in the attic. Once I strip it down I will do a hi def video. It was 15 years old when I bought it and it was a MESS. The more I take it apart the more original parts I find. I.e. Alternator, vacuum parts and hoses , wiper arms, radio, keys, etc. just the engine compartment was butchered. A/c removed power steering smog manifolds carb the normal stuff

[Charles I.]

Re: 3970010 block

When I rebuilt it I had my crank reconditioned and my rods. .030 over with new pistons. Never checked the stroke. It has normal 4 bolt main caps

[James G.]

Re: 3970010 block

Your engine is a real mystery. The stamping really looks original, but it is incompatible with the casting date. Remove the paint on the pad with the paint stripper and a stiff tooth brush. If the grain looks as good as the characters, it could be a rare plant mistake. Perhaps they meant to stamp it V1212HY. Unless the pad grain shows obvious decking, I would leave it alone. It is probably original but most NCRS judges will not believe it.

''HY'' is correct for 350/ 300 hp, with Rochester 4 V Quadrajet carb and manual trans for Corvette.

[Patrick B.]

Re: 3970010 block

No need to check the stroke. It is very hard to tell the difference between 8s and 9s on the casting date. There is really no possibility that it is an 8.

[Joe L.]

Re: 3970010 block

No need to check the stroke. It is very hard to tell the difference between 8s and 9s on the casting date. There is really no possibility that it is an 8.

Patrick----


I agree. Regardless of what anyone THINKS it is, it is almost certainly a "9". The only way it could be an "8" is if it were a foundry mistake, which I HIGHLY doubt, or if it's actually a block cast in December, 1978, which I also HIGHLY doubt.

[Charles I.]

Re: 3970010 block

So with a 12-19-69 build date and a L 9 9 cast date it is highly likely the build date was mis-stamped at best.
I appreciate your time and advise
V/r
Charlie