Engine Stamp Code Meaning

[Al L.]

I have a 1968 Corvette with the following engine stamp: T08172BZ. Could someone please tell me what it means? Thank you. Al

[Steven S.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Are you sure the last two are "BZ"? I couldn't find that one in my referrences.

[Michael W.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

T= engine built in Tonawanda NY
0817= engine assembled on August 17th (year is not specified here)
2BZ= if you're sure it's a 2 and not an alpha character, the engine was most likely intended for a marine installation. Almost all big blocks with a digit in the machine code were for marine. Yours is possibly a 454 cu in.

Got a casting number and casting date to help narrow it down?

[Al L.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Michael, The casting number (on the driver-side bell housing) is 3916321 and the casting date (below the passenger-side freeze plug) appears to be H47, but I may be misreading the first character. I'm new to this, so please excuse a stupid question: Does "matching numbers" mean that all of the serial numbers throughout the car are the same? Thank you very much for your help. Al

[Dale O.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Al,
"Matching numbers" means the car has the correct components for that year and serial number. Correct means the appropriate date code to go with the production date. Matching serial numbers would be found on the engine, vin tag, and frame. To check "matching numbers" requires a lot of cross referencing and research. Have fun because it is an interesting journey!

[Terry M.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Michael, The casting number (on the driver-side bell housing) is 3916321 and the casting date (below the passenger-side freeze plug) appears to be H47, but I may be misreading the first character. I'm new to this, so please excuse a stupid question: Does "matching numbers" mean that all of the serial numbers throughout the car are the same? Thank you very much for your help. Al

The problem with the term "matching numbers" is that there is no fixed definition for it. It can, and often does, mean something different to the buyer and seller in a transaction.

Want to have some fun: Next time you hear someone use that term, ask him or her what they mean. Then do it again the next time you hear it used, and keep doing that. Note how long it takes you to get the same answer from two different people. I guarantee you it will be a while.

[Al L.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Dale, Thank you. Al

[Al L.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Terry, I know what you mean. Thank you. Al

[Michael W.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Michael, The casting number (on the driver-side bell housing) is 3916321 and the casting date (below the passenger-side freeze plug) appears to be H47, but I may be misreading the first character. I'm new to this, so please excuse a stupid question: Does "matching numbers" mean that all of the serial numbers throughout the car are the same? Thank you very much for your help. Al

Al, the casting number and date narrow this down to a 427 cu in. block cast on Aug 4 1967, but with the suffix code provided previously this is not the original block for your car.

As to the term 'matching numbers' Terry has already commented with very valid reasons why this phrase is not used within the NCRS. My experience is that if you ask 10 people for a definition, you'll get at least 13!

There are four components on a C3 that carry the VIN, or partial VIN (derivative).

Full VIN= Windshield post
Partial VIN= engine stamp pad, transmission stamp pad, frame rail

[Al L.]

Re: Engine Stamp Code Meaning

Michael, Thank you very much for your help. Al