63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

[David Hicks]

I have a 63 coupe VIN #30837S111272 that currently has a 350 in it. I would really like to find the original matching numbers SB, but barring that, I can't figure out which SB is correct. It is a 2 speed powerglide trans and I know I am looking at one of two types of 327 SB, but which one. Is there any other way to figure this out?

P.S. The trim plate has been removed too, is there somewhere I can get a replica made. The interior looks original so the info can be supplied ....

Thanks

[Donald L.]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

David,
The 327 block for a 63 is casting # 3782870 in 1/2" high characters.(smaller height numbers are passenger cars)The casting number is located on the driver side flange where the bellhousing attaches.The date is located oppposite the passenger side flange.The code stating location,date, & engine-trans combo is stamped on the passenger side engine pad located next to the water pump.The lst letter should be F (Flint)followed by date in letters(A=
Jan.B=Feb ect,number representing day, followed by 2 leters indicating engine-trans combo. Yours being a powerglide had either 250HP or 300HP.(SC=250,SD=300HP)

Regards,
Donald #31176

[Michael R.]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

Hi David

I do not have an answer for you but I have a SWC # 11064, Made on March 19 1963. If I can help in any other way let me know.

mromano

[Loren L.]

Please help me with the source of

information that indicates that the smaller casting numbers were passenger car motors instead of Corvette; I was unaware that it was necessary for the man at the smelter in Saginaw to know that he was doing a Corvette motor.

[David Hicks]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

Thanks all. Based on this I figure my car was built more along the time of 3rd to 4th week of Mar 63 and I am looking for most likely a code of FBSC or FBSD. Now if I can only figure out whether I am looking for the 250 or 300HP I'm laughing .... any suggestions?

Thanks again.

Dave

[Jack H.]

Right On!!!! *NM*

[Edward McComas]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

I don't know of any way to determine if you car originally came with a 250hp or a 300hp engine, short of actually finding the original block.

One place to get a repo trim tag is http://www.trimtags.com Price is about $200 for a Corvette trim tag.

[Donald L.]

Re: Please help me with the source of

Loren,
Like I emailed Jack,you guys are more familar than I . My source of this info is the Chuck Bridgermann book "Essentials" where he states that 870 blocks for Corvettes the casting #s are 1/2" high & the passenger cars are smaller.He states
this for 62, 63 & 64 "870s".If this info is inaccurate Im sorry .

Regards,
Donald #31176

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

If you don't have original paper work on the car there is no way to tell what engine the car came with. Having a powerglide tells you it's 250 or 300 HP. That being the case I would opt for the higher horsepower. It has a better sound and more power. A friend of mine has a 250 HP and my 300 HP is a lot nicer in my opinion. There are some venders that will locate a block and rebuild it for you. Check the Driveline mag.

[Page C.]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

Hi David,
Another engine close to your car was #3111252. It was stamped F0314RD and cast on B113.
Hope this helps
Page Campbell

[Chuck G.]

Re: 63 Coupe: Help with finding correct block

I think the confusion about the casting number height is a Flint/Tonawanda thing. The casting numbers on Tonawanda 870 blocks is smaller than on Flint 870 blocks. Chuck