Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

[Frederick H.]

I checked the forum for recommendations and could not find any recent postings that included a recommended source for engine block re-stamping. The original 327/340 motor to my '63 Coupe was lost even though the car was only 7 years old when my Dad purchased it in Galena Park, TX in January of 1970.
Current Info;
- TRIM TAG Build: G4 (4th week of March); last of VIN 11068
- Current engine is an original '63 340HP motor that I found at the first Bloomington Gold meet I attended back in the mid-1980's with a casting date of is J-3-2 (October 03-62), that has been rebuilt and re-stamped to reflect the matching VIN on the car.
- While it is 6 model months prior to the build date, it is technically outside of 6 months if considering actual days/weeks.
- I purchased another original '63 340HP motor from an NCRS member in Connecticut in the mid-90's that was out of a '63 survivor car that had been wrecked. Casting date is C-8-3 which would be correct for my car and the last of the VIN is 11078!

1) I invested a lot to have the current replacement motor rebuilt and re-stamped (it only has about 400 miles on it since it was built in the late '80's. Any opinions/thoughts on how it might be judged assuming the broach marks are correct? (I would fully disclose that it is a re-stamp at time of judging).
2) Any recommended sources for re-stamping on the C-8-3 block, preferably close to the Dallas area?

Thanks in Advance.

[Paul D.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

It is very early as I post this, but by my figuring, October 03-62 is within the 6 months for a March built car. That said, assuming broach marks are correct on a restamped block is a big assumption. If you are confident in the restamp, I would go ahead with flight judging. I think I would let the judges determine if block is restamped or not. No need to issue a challenge to find issues with stamps. Disclosure of restamp should be made to any potential buyers.

As for the C-8-3 block, I would NOT restamp and install as is. You should only get points deducted for VIN portion. I would much rather see a KNOWN, original Corvette engine, even though not original to your car, vs a restamp. This is my personal opinion and not necessarily best approach to judging. Chip.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

As for the C-8-3 block, I would NOT restamp and install as is. You should only get points deducted for VIN portion. I would much rather see a KNOWN, original Corvette engine, even though not original to your car, vs a restamp. This is my personal opinion and not necessarily best approach to judging. Chip.

There are cars out there, one 1963 I know of has achieved a Duntov Award with an original '63 engine but with an VIN different than the car. Better to keep the original and only receive a partial deduction for the VIN

[Patrick H.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

There are cars out there, one 1963 I know of has achieved a Duntov Award with an original '63 engine but with an VIN different than the car. Better to keep the original and only receive a partial deduction for the VIN

My thought as well.
If you switch to the "more correct" motor I would not have it restamped.

[Rick A.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

I was the prior owner of a Duntov 1963 Z06 Vinnie spoke of with a "correct" motor and the only deduction was for the VIN derivative

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

[QUOTE=Rick Aleshire (38392);858058]I was the prior owner of a Duntov 1963 Z06 Vinnie spoke of with a "correct" motor and the only deduction was for the VIN derivative[/QUOTE

Actually Rick, I was thinking of another car...totally forgot about your Z06, hope you are well on the road to a full recovery, good to see you at the 25th in BG

[Chris H.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

I know of a car that sailed through judging with an original pad, but the judges never picked up that the VIN was from a different car.

[Joe R.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

Send me a message and I'll recommend one not to be published.

JR

[Frederick H.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

Thanks Paul. I have also thought about leaving the pad as is just from the originality point you mentioned. I will try to get better photos of the October pad and post.

Thanks,
Fred

[Frederick H.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

Thanks Vinnie - that seems to be the concensus and after some more thought, leaning hard toward leaving as is.

Thanks,

Fred

[Jack H.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

That is simply amazing that you found another 327/340 that was only 10 spots behind your car on the assembly line...same HP and likely rolled off the line the same day (3/20?). What are the odds?!?!?

Another vote for leaving the 11078 engine stamp as-is...with a great story to tell.

[Jim L.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

I know of a car that sailed through judging with an original pad, but the judges never picked up that the VIN was from a different car.

As a single data point which suggests how subjective judging an engine pad can be: I know of a car with its born-with "CS" engine and its unmolested pad stamp which was declared to be a re-stamp by a self-proclaimed expert on engine pads.

[Frederick H.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

Exactly. I remember asking him to be sure of the numbers before I purchased. Really rare opportunity that I didn't want to pass up.

Thanks,

Fred

[Edward B.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

Re-stamping is not restoration.

[Tim S.]

Re: Any Recommendations for Small Block Engine Re-Stamping?

Re-stamping a block serial number is illegal and the fact that NCRS supports and encourages this immoral behavior reflects poorly on the NCRS as an organization.