CE Blocks

[Michael J.]

I am researching some issues about CE blocks, were they ever stamped and if so, what were they stamped with? Thanks.

[Patrick B.]

Re: CE Blocks

Other than the CE number stamping, what stamping are you talking about?

[Tom L.]

Re: CE Blocks

I have a CE block in my '72. I believe it is a warranty replacement because the date on the block is within 8 or 9 months of the build date for the car and the heads (cast on the same day), intake, and exhaust manifolds pre-date the build date. On the stamp pad the engine build date and engine code are crudely stamped in along with the CE number. The head covers about half of it. I think that perhaps the dealer may have stamped that into the block. I hae a picture but not here, I can get it if it will help answer your questions.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: CE Blocks

I am researching some issues about CE blocks, were they ever stamped and if so, what were they stamped with? Thanks.

Check the old threads on CE blocks on here. John Z ansewered most of of the questions & miscoseptions about CE blocks.
KEN

[Mike E.]

Re: CE Blocks

The CE engine would have arrived at the dealership with the CE sequential number--the dealership would have stamped anything additional.

[Michael J.]

Re: CE Blocks

OK, thanks. I was just wondering if they always had CE on them and if the dealers ever stamped VIN derivatives.

[Tom L.]

Re: CE Blocks

The ce and engine code is all I can see. As I said, the engine code is about 50% covered by the head and the CE completely exposed. Who knows, maybe the vin got stamped and is also covered by the head. Don't think I'll pull it to find out though.

[Patrick B.]

Re: CE Blocks

I bought a 427 car in Texas that had a CE numbered block, and a '66 Corvette VIN derivative crudely hand stamped on the pad also. I don't know if a dealer stamped it or if it was just a Bubba stamping to give it "matching numbers". I still have the block and can take a picture next week if that would be helpful. I also bought a 350 car in Maryland that had a fitted block definitely installed by a dealer under warrantee with a CE number, but the dealer did not add any stampings.

[Tom D.]

Re: CE Blocks

I have seen a 427 block with only the "T", four numbers for the date, followed by "IL", same as you would expect in a 390 HP Corvette. However, there was no VIN. It was cast in late '66 or early '67.

[Jim T.]

Re: CE Blocks

My 1970 Corvette bought new from the showroom floor of the dealership in August has a CE engine block. All that is stamped on the engine pad is CE0A4753 and about two spaces away not in line with the initial stamping is a 8 that is not a perfect stamping.
It is a 3970010 block with D260 casting date. My original factory installed 350/300 failed minutes after leaving the dealership due to a oil circulation problem. The CE engine block was not painted before installation and is still unpainted.

[Patrick B.]

Re: CE Blocks

Tom:
An engine with the Tonawanda stamp on the pad for a Corvette but no VIN would have been sold as a complete over-the-counter engine rather than installed in a car.

[Tom D.]

Re: CE Blocks

Patrick: Thanks - That's a good explanation.

[Tom L.]

Re: CE Blocks

IMG_2029.jpgI didn't pull the head to look at the stamp but unfortunately I had to due to other problems. I took a pic of the stamp that was half under the head. Not sure if anyone is interested but I figured I'd throw it up anyway.

[Lyndon S.]

[Michael W.]

Re: CE Blocks

I value the post from an educational and historical point of view, nothing to do with judging.