C1 Block casting number

[Kevin Riel]

Should an late April build (staggered valve cover bolts) '59 have a block casting number 519 or 779?

Kevin Riel

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 Block casting number

Kevin,

I believe a #519 has in-line valve cover holes...

greetings,
Rob.

[Jack H.]

Block doesn't care....

about how the cylinder head's valve covers were configured for attachment! You'll find the judging guide tells you the early '739 and later '519 blocks were intermixed throughout 1959 production. You go by the cast date on the block and engine stamp pad for 'correctness' to a given '59 Corvette.

On the cylinder heads, the '58-61 JG book says:

"With valve covers installed, cylinder head identification is by casting symbols located at each end. Sometime between cylinder head casting dates May 5th and May 19th, 1959, cylinder heads 3748770 and 3755550 eliminated staggered tapped holes (as illustrated) for attaching valve covers (later heads use straight-across hole). The earlier (staggered) type heads will appear on cars assembled as late as June or July of 1959."

So, cylinder head configuration is a separate consideration from the engine block. Obviously, there was a 'typical' degree of overlap in early vs. late style part usage while stored inventory worked its way through and out of the system.

[Rob M.]

Re: Block doesn't care....

Jack,

How about a 3767465 cylinder head ? Staggered or in-line ?

greetings,
Rob.

[Robert Willis]

Re: Block doesn't care....

3767465 are in line.

http://members.kos.net/willisb/