Tweet
I would appreciate some help in identifing the engine in my 67 roadster. For some time I have been under the impression it was a 327/300 chevy replacement engine since the only numbers on the stamp pad are CE9951 and 51 and the block date code is L 10 8. I assumed the date code means Dec 10 1968. However,I have been unable to find a confirming reference for the casting number which is 3959512. I have checked in "Chevy by the Numbers" and other references but have not found this casting number. The engine is in need of a major rebuild and I am tring to decide if I should focus on rebuilding or replacing it with a correct date and casting engine. Could someone give me any insight if it is possible this was a correct chevy replacement engine or just a previous owners swap out.
-
-
Re: Engine Identification
My source (http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm) shows this as a 327 from '62-'63.
Casting numbers -
Re: Engine Identification
My source (http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm) shows this as a 327 from '62-'63.
Casting numbersComment
-
should have added
I should have said that it show the CASTING # as a 62/63, and it a two bolt main.Comment
-
should have added
I should have said that it show the CASTING # as a 62/63, and it a two bolt main.Comment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Steve---
The 3959512 block casting number question has come up before with respect to "CE"-coded engines. I have researched it myself and came up with nothing. It is very possible that this casting number was a "service-only" casting number or a casting used primarily in trucks and also for service applications. In that manner, it might "escape" appearance in most of the references which I have available to me.
"CE" engines, as you may already know, were usually warranty-replacement engines but may also have been otherwise available from GM parts as a replacement engine assembly. Given the year model of your car(1967) and the casting date of your engine(1968), it is likely that your engine was a warranty replacement engine since it would seem to have been installed in your car during the warranty period.
As far as what you should do, I guess that depends on what you intend to do with the car. The original engine is very, very likely unobtainable by definition; GM wouldn't have replaced the engine if the original was serviceable. If you intend to drive the car and just have fun with it, I'd leave it be. Except for "numbers" your engine should be configured exactly as original. If you intend upon entering your vehicle in Flight Judging and/or NCCB Judging with the goal of obtaining a Top Flight or Gold award, then I guess you'll have to "re-create" the original engine.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Steve---
The 3959512 block casting number question has come up before with respect to "CE"-coded engines. I have researched it myself and came up with nothing. It is very possible that this casting number was a "service-only" casting number or a casting used primarily in trucks and also for service applications. In that manner, it might "escape" appearance in most of the references which I have available to me.
"CE" engines, as you may already know, were usually warranty-replacement engines but may also have been otherwise available from GM parts as a replacement engine assembly. Given the year model of your car(1967) and the casting date of your engine(1968), it is likely that your engine was a warranty replacement engine since it would seem to have been installed in your car during the warranty period.
As far as what you should do, I guess that depends on what you intend to do with the car. The original engine is very, very likely unobtainable by definition; GM wouldn't have replaced the engine if the original was serviceable. If you intend to drive the car and just have fun with it, I'd leave it be. Except for "numbers" your engine should be configured exactly as original. If you intend upon entering your vehicle in Flight Judging and/or NCCB Judging with the goal of obtaining a Top Flight or Gold award, then I guess you'll have to "re-create" the original engine.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Tom----
I believe that mortec is incorrect on this one. First of all, the 3959512 casting number would be consistent with a 1968 or 1969-issued number. As far as I know, no "39" series numbers were issued as early as 62 or 63.
Second, Steves's engine apparently has a 1968 casting date. That would also be consistent with the "39" series number issue date.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Tom----
I believe that mortec is incorrect on this one. First of all, the 3959512 casting number would be consistent with a 1968 or 1969-issued number. As far as I know, no "39" series numbers were issued as early as 62 or 63.
Second, Steves's engine apparently has a 1968 casting date. That would also be consistent with the "39" series number issue date.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Steve, I went through the same thoughts last winter in regard to my engine. The engine that came with mine was a 327/300 from a 67 pass. car and I decided to find a casting match 327 for my 62. Like the others had said earlier it all depends on what direction you want to take your project. If you do decide to go with a 67 block the one I have has a F247 date on a 3892657 block with 462 heads. Good luck with your decision, EricComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Steve, I went through the same thoughts last winter in regard to my engine. The engine that came with mine was a 327/300 from a 67 pass. car and I decided to find a casting match 327 for my 62. Like the others had said earlier it all depends on what direction you want to take your project. If you do decide to go with a 67 block the one I have has a F247 date on a 3892657 block with 462 heads. Good luck with your decision, EricComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
512 is from chevy vans they made a million of themComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
512 is from chevy vans they made a million of themComment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Thanks to all for the help on identification. As I continue to find during this restoration not all decisions are simple.
Phil, is there a published reference on the 512 block being from chevy vans or is this useage your personal knowledge?
Joe, I assume if it was a chevy van engine that means it is not possible that it was a chevy warranty replacement for my car. Right??
If true sounds to me like there is little reason to try and preserve this block as it would have no important historical tie to the car. As simply the current transient owner of this car I don't want to destroy important pieces of its history but if it is just a previous owners convenient swap out I'd rather put my time and effort into restoring an engine that is typical of this vintage car.Comment
-
Re: Engine Identification
Thanks to all for the help on identification. As I continue to find during this restoration not all decisions are simple.
Phil, is there a published reference on the 512 block being from chevy vans or is this useage your personal knowledge?
Joe, I assume if it was a chevy van engine that means it is not possible that it was a chevy warranty replacement for my car. Right??
If true sounds to me like there is little reason to try and preserve this block as it would have no important historical tie to the car. As simply the current transient owner of this car I don't want to destroy important pieces of its history but if it is just a previous owners convenient swap out I'd rather put my time and effort into restoring an engine that is typical of this vintage car.Comment
Comment