70-72 Big Block Stamping?

[Rob Harper]

My question is in regards to any known variations in the stamping of the engine pads on 70-72 454ci big blocks, or any of the other optioned motors. I have recently seen an unusual number (1) within the third digit on a motor. The number is about the third the size of the other five numbers on the pad, and it has been placed in the dead-center of this third digit? Was there any known reasons as to why this small digit is placed on the block?

Thanks, Rob H.

[Jack H.]

Re: 70-72 Big Block Stamping?

Factory was NOT perfect in stamping engine pads. Mistakes are known to have occurred. One 'mistake' category includes 'stamp over' wacks where original stamp gang was loaded improperly and a second wack was taken on top of the first. Also, there was that ocassional car pulled off the line for engine problems where repair by replacement was performed (thus a re-wack on either a virgin pad and/or drop-in of prior stamped and re-worked motor). Last, there was a field team of warranty exception 'cops'. Guys who worked at the dealership level correcting factory 'oops' mistakes that had escaped (wrong VIN tag, trim tag, engine ID coding).

Problem is, NCRS policy in this area puts the burden of proof on the owner to document the deviation. Simply says 'homework' is cut out for you and there'll probably be some major deductions on motor authenticity (see score sheet and judging reference manual for what the point loss is for incorrect Flint/Tonawanda and/or St. Louis pad marking) until this mystery is understood/documented....

[Jack H.]

Re: 70-72 Big Block Stamping?

Factory was NOT perfect in stamping engine pads. Mistakes are known to have occurred. One 'mistake' category includes 'stamp over' wacks where original stamp gang was loaded improperly and a second wack was taken on top of the first. Also, there was that ocassional car pulled off the line for engine problems where repair by replacement was performed (thus a re-wack on either a virgin pad and/or drop-in of prior stamped and re-worked motor). Last, there was a field team of warranty exception 'cops'. Guys who worked at the dealership level correcting factory 'oops' mistakes that had escaped (wrong VIN tag, trim tag, engine ID coding).

Problem is, NCRS policy in this area puts the burden of proof on the owner to document the deviation. Simply says 'homework' is cut out for you and there'll probably be some major deductions on motor authenticity (see score sheet and judging reference manual for what the point loss is for incorrect Flint/Tonawanda and/or St. Louis pad marking) until this mystery is understood/documented....