327 smallblock numbers

[Joe L.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

I appreciate the feed back provided regarding my initial question. I know the block in my car was replaced at some point in the cars life, however I'm curious because the partial vin is stamped on the block pad and I'm not sure why anybody would have bothered considering the condition the car was in when I bought it. My only other thought was if the motor was replaced under warranty, because it has the right heads, intake, carb, and exhaust manifolds, and the block casting date is Sept 24, 1965. The block casting number is 3858180 which would not have been seen on a production 1966 Corvette. I'll just enjoy the car and drive it like I have for the past 8 years. Life's to short to sweat the small stuff. Thanks again.
Jeff

Jeff-------


Given the casting date of the block and the fact that you seem to have the original heads, intake, carb, etc., I'd say it's very possible that the short block was replaced under warranty. There was no reason I know of that one would be guaranteed a Saginaw/Flint block for a warranty replacement. At that time few people would have known the difference and even fewer would have cared.

Is there a stamping on the engine stamp pad? That would answer a lot of questions in this regard whether there is a stamping or not.

[Jeffrey B.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

The stamping on the pad reads: S110131 M7961HE which is even more of a mystery to me. Like I said why would anybody stamp that on a motor since the second part is not typical. I'm thinking maybe warranty.
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

The stamping on the pad reads: S110131 M7961HE which is even more of a mystery to me. Like I said why would anybody stamp that on a motor since the second part is not typical. I'm thinking maybe warranty.
Jeff

Jeff------


Yes, that stamping does raise more questions. Do the stampings appear to be original (i.e. gang stamped and proper configuration)? Does the "S110131" represent the last 7 characters of your car's VIN? A photo of the stamp pad would be very helpful here.

It is possible that the "M7961HE" was some sort of SERVICE engine code for the 300 HP engine (i.e "HE") used at the time. But, if it were a SERVICE engine I don't know why the VIN derivative would have been stamped (unless it was done at the dealership when the engine was replaced). Once again, a photo of the pad would be helpful.

[Jeffrey B.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

Joe,
Here is a photo. Whoever stamped it was certainly not concerned about trying to duplicate the look of a production stamping, go figure?? When I bought the car I was not concerned about the stamping, but over the years it has stirred my curiosity.
Jeff

[David L.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

The block has been re-stamped since the digits are not the same size and they are not in alignment.

I have a 1966 Chev. 327 engine with a "3858180" casting number and a "E 18 6" (or maybe "E 16 6") casting date stamped "T0521HAR" (Tonowanda, May 21, 327 w/M.T. and Roch. 4 bbl.). I bought the engine back in the 1980's complete with all the original matching date components (starter, fuel pump, carb, etc.) for $25. I have never seen a 3858180 block in a Corvette but have heard that they were used for a short time during the 1964 Corvette production because of a shortage 3782870 Flint blocks.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

Joe,
Here is a photo. Whoever stamped it was certainly not concerned about trying to duplicate the look of a production stamping, go figure?? When I bought the car I was not concerned about the stamping, but over the years it has stirred my curiosity.
Jeff

Jeff------


The only part of this that MIGHT be original is the "HE". The rest of it was "field stamped".

[Jeffrey B.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

I absolutely agree with you on that assessment. I'm not sure why anybody would have bothered to re-stamp the pad like they did and probably will never know. Anyway, I appreciate you feedback on my questions.
Thanks
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

I absolutely agree with you on that assessment. I'm not sure why anybody would have bothered to re-stamp the pad like they did and probably will never know. Anyway, I appreciate you feedback on my questions.
Thanks
Jeff

Jeff-------


I expect the stamping was done merely for identification purposes and had absolutely nothing to do with anyone trying to make it appear authentic for restoration purposes. I'm sure this was done long before anyone would even have cared about such a thing. It's possible that the "M" prefix stamping was some sort of work order number or other shop identification number. Also, if I recall correctly, I think that at one time GM dealer service shops were instructed to stamp the VIN derivative on the engine pads of replacement engines. I'm not sure about that but, even if it wasn't an instruction, some may have did it anyway.

[Dan A.]

Re: 327 smallblock numbers

I have never seen a 3858180 block in a Corvette but have heard that they were used for a short time during the 1964 Corvette production because of a shortage 3782870 Flint blocks.

Dave

Dave it was in the 1965 model year and may have been labor dispute related.