1964 C2 Motor Authentication

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Just a statement and a few questions: Just looking to help figure out what this is!

1) Why would anyone fake a 250 hp base engine.
2) what heads are on the car, power pack?
3) what size is the exhaust and the center exhaust hanger. 2 inch or 2.5 inch.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

That is correct Gary. Those Tonawanda cast cylinder cases that were sent to Flint for machining and assembly had that tapped and plugged hole in spite of their Tonawanda cast beginnings. The machining operation and location dictated that feature.

Agreed.

I just pulled up the pictures of my 1972 Tonawanda block, and it has the Flint-type plug and the rear lip is not machined.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Is it being suggested there are no absolutes?

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Is it being suggested there are no absolutes?

I think we are being open to the possibility that there is always something new to learn about Corvette history. This block is suggestive that some 1964 model year Tonawanda block castings were machined in Flint. I am sure when the same idea was brought up about 1965 and 1972 Tonawanda blocks, some strong proof was needed. In this case we still need to see the machining at the rear of the block or some other example of a Flint stamping of the same day and usage code. It is still possible that the front plug was installed on an ordinary Tonawanda passenger car block to make it look correct for a Corvette, but the odds seem good that it is a legit block and a formerly unknown permutation.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

I've put the 2 photos from my earlier post in the same orientation for comparison.

The Tonawanda Pass car reference block, Tonawanda machined.
Tonwanda_870_Tonawanda_Machined_1964_Mag_Mod.jpg

The Tonawanda block in Michael's car, Flint machined.
Tonwanda_870_Flint_Machined_1964_mag_mod.jpg

Rich

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

I've put the 2 photos from my earlier post in the same orientation for comparison.

The Tonawanda Pass car reference block, Tonawanda machined.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]111059[/ATTACH]

The Tonawanda block in Michael's car, Flint machined.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]111060[/ATTACH]

Rich

Good observation, Rich. This certainly supports the prospect that this block was machined at Flint. It has the big numbers for 3782870 (oddly upside down) like Flint blocks, unlike your Tonawanda example. Actually, the only Tonawanda feature the block has is the casting year expressed in two digits rather than one. Looking at it from the other direction, could this be an oddball Flint casting with an upside down casting number and an unusual date tag on the wooden pattern used to make the sand mold?

On second thought, the OP’s pictures show a 4T in the casting next to the shift hour clock symbol. Does this T stand for Tonawanda? Are the any other places to look for a T symbol on a Tonawanda cast block?

[Richard M.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

I found some 1964 engines close to Michael's vin/assy date. Unsure of the validity. They were on the c2registry.

Here's is Michael's.
#10314



#10253
car_40867S110253SM5ebdc20e1b716.jpg

#09956 (Note the "4" and compare to Michael's)
car_40837S109956SM593536c392ef0.jpg

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Since a stamp holder was set up each day for each usage code, only the holder for RC on that day would contain the same array of character styles. But the RC holder for a few days before or after Jan 4 may contain many of the same characters in the same order.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Since a stamp holder was set up each day for each usage code, only the holder for RC on that day would contain the same array of character styles. But the RC holder for a few days before or after Jan 4 may contain many of the same characters in the same order.

Good point. Thanks Patrick.

[Mark F.]

1. 04 (Jan 4^th18 (Jan 18^th24 (Jan 24^th)

#2 is 61 VINs BEFORE #1; but the engine assembly stamp is 14 days AFTER #1
#3 is 358 VINs BEFORE #1; but the engine assembly stamp is 20 days AFTER

[Michael W.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

I know this is not proof, but I have a binder full of documents like these that make it difficult for me to believe there has been a motor swap. Or if they did swap the motor, why would someone go to all the trouble to forge a stamp pad so perfectly in such a low option car?

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Your engine is very unusual as a Tonawanda block machined in Flint, and it took a little longer than usual to get from the engine assembly in Flint to installation at St. Louis. However, for what its worth, I am convinced like you that it is original.

[Mark F.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Very cool to see how many miles this puppy apparently has on it - and to so many cool places as well in a 3-speed!
It would be nice to see a shot of the car, too!

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

Michael, I see in the paperwork that an AM/FM radio was ordered. What radio is in the car?

Thanks

[Michael W.]

Re: 1964 C2 Motor Authentication

The original Delco