Engine Stampings

[Kevin Morris]

Hello all. New NCRS member, and new Corvette owner as I am...I have a question regarding the engine stampings on the stamp pad of my '72 Corvette. "Chevrolet By The Numbers", by Alan Colvin, states that the VIN stamping should be on the right side of the pad, as you are standing in front of the car and looking at the engine, and that the engine code stamp (in my case V0427CKW) should be on the left side of the pad. My numbers are in the opposite positions. Cause for concern, or is this not unusual?

Thx,
Kevin

[Bob R.]

Re: Engine Stampings

Chevy V8 engine blocks are stamped on a pad just forward of the right side (passenger) cylinder head. V0427CKW = Flint April 27. CKW = 1972 350CI 200HP 4 speed trans. The engine casting number shopuld be on the drivers side rear of block. For your application the number should be 3970010.

[Mike E.]

Re: Engine Stampings

I think, as I read your question, that Bob might have missed what you're asking. In the 70-72 judging manual (If you haven't bought one, you need to immediately, and read it though about 14 times) it says: "on small block engines the identifcation code stamping appears on the inboard side of the pad with the VIN stamping on the outboard side. On big block engines these two stamping locations are generally reversed." Sounds like yours is correct and Colvin is wrong again.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Engine Stampings

Good news for you,Kevin...all small blocks are just like yours. From the 70-72 TIM&JG: "On small block engines the identification code stamping (engine stamp) appears on the inboard side of the pad, with the VIN stamping at the outboard side. On big block engines these two stamping locations are generally reversed."

Inboard would the the end of the pad closest to the engine centerline, and outboard the end further from the engine centerline. As you stand in front of the engine to read the pad, the inboard side would be the "right" side of the pad. Since your engine is a small block base engine, the right end or inboard end would be correct for the engine stamp.

Using the "left" and "right" on cars gets confusing unless the reference point is clearly spelled out. Probably why the authors of the 70-72 TIM&JG chose to use "inboard" and "outboard".

[Patrick H.]

Chuck WHO? *NM*

[Chuck S.]

Re: Chuck WHO?

Just another anonymous Corvette pilgrim in search of Corvette truth as Providence gives me light to see it.

[Jerry Clark]

Yeah, What He Said

jer

[Michael W.]

A voice from my past! Chuckles, glad to see you! *NM*

[Kevin Morris]

Re: A voice from my past! Chuckles, glad to see yo

Thank you gentlemen for your insight. I felt that is was probably correct, as the casting dates on the block, on all other parts, and the build date on the inside driver's door tag all seem to correlate well. The block's casting number is correct as well. It was Colvin that threw me off. Btw Chuck, you seem to have a fan club ?!

Kevin

[Patrick H.]

Re: A voice from my past! Chuckles, glad to see yo

Chuck has been AWOL from this site for two years. It's a long story...you had to be there (here).

PH

[Chuck S.]

Fan Club??!!!

What's that line from the "Cheers" theme?..."Where they know you by your name"? Or, is it "reputation"?

Actually, Jer and I once had a common affinity for wearing black wool coats (We have given up wool; too scratchy and too hot for our climates). Mike Ward and I have tilted a few Shiner Bocks together. Good to talk with some old friends; it's hard to find other people that are this Corvette crazy.

Congratulations on your 72. Mike Ernst answered the question before I did, but I didn't see his post until after I posted. He gave you good advice...get the TIM&JG (a.k.a. "The Judging Manual").

[John M.]

Hi Chuck, Long time, no see! *NM*