65 ID Help

[George D. #31849]

Re: I'm with Mike

OK. I got the casting number and date off the block.

C 9 5 (March 9, 1965)

The engine is 2 months newer than the build date of the car. Very unusal !!! Again, if it were a re-stamp, then why put a foward date? I wonder if Joe is correct? Has anyone else had a similar dilema?

[George D. #31849]

Re: I'm with Mike

Also, the block is an "870".

[John H.]

Re: hey john

Clem -

It's possible, but that's a LONG time for a car to sit in Heavy Repair waiting for an engine; when a bad engine had to be pulled and returned, they just ran another engine down the dress line for the car that night or the next day, installed it, and the car was on its way in a day or two.

[Page C.]

Re: I'm with Mike

Hi George,
Thanks for the great post. It has created alot of interest and responses. If I had to guess, I would bet that the motor was not forward dated. My guess is someone found March 9 1965 engine (or bare block) that was already stamped with the F0322HE and had no Vin# stamped on it. They just stamped the 5107431 Vin #. If it was done back in the early 1980's, whoever did it probably didn't have access to the infomation that is available today as to the relation of Vin # to stamped assembly dates. I also agree with Mike-if you like the car then buy it.
Good Luck
Page Campbell

[George D. #31849]

Re: I'm with Mike

Page,
I have a couple of questions. One, is the HE code unique to Corvettes? And two, how could someone find an engine with a code date and not a vin# stamped on it?

[George D. #31849]

Re: I'm confused- more confused

Joe,
Is there any way to get this info to the person with the stamp pad library?
Thanks,
George

[Joe L.]

Re: I'm confused- more confused

George-----

Yes, I'll e-mail you Al Grenning's information. If Al has the time, and I certainly hope that he does in this case, he should be able to shed some light on this situation.

[John H.]

Re: I'm with Mike

George -

The only other usage for the "HE" code was for some 1968 Corvette 327's and 1969 350's used in other car lines. There are several ways for engines to appear with engine plant codes and no VIN derivative stamps; some service engines were made with stamped pads (and some with blank pads), and lots of blocks have been re-stamped with only the engine plant stamp so the eventual buyer can get his own VIN derivative stamped.

[George D. #31849]

Re: I'm with Mike

I can't thank you all enough for your help. I have decided today that there are just too many red flags on this car and I am going to pass on it. This thread has been very helpful and I was kind of hoping that I found a diamond in the rough. I'm going to continue my search and I'm sure that I will need your advice again soon.
Thanks,
George

[Brian McHale]

I followed this thread with great interest.

I think I like this car. Priced with a questionable history. I bet the real story is very interesting. And could be somehow real.