C1 Casting Numbers

[Rodney R.]

The intake manifold on my 230hp March built 1960 has part number 3731388 (I think).The first four numbers are clear but the last "388" could be any combination of 3,8, or 9. The numbers are difficult to read.....though the problem may be compounded by aging eyes as well. Other casting marks on the intake are B17 and GM NO1. From Noland's book I know this is not the correct casting, but can anyone identify what I've got. How rare / difficult is it to locate the correct numbered intake, are they date coded as well, and what would be a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Casting Numbers

The correct intake should not be all that difficult to find--it will be identical to the 4-barrell intake used on the 1960 passenger cars. Make sure that you get one cast in Flint, not Tonawanda--you can determine that because the casting date should in in "0", not "60". Yes, they are all dated. Price should be $50-100 range (or less)--check in Hemmings for those who deal with full-size cars--they should have them available.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Casting Numbers

rod and mike: another good source for pass car parts that interchange with vettes--- try vintage chevrolet club of america, click their Chatter section and it'll take ya to their free, available to non-member classifieds.mike

[Clem Z.]

Re: C1 Casting Numbers

my list shows 3731398 manifold 1957 220 HP pass and corvette

[Mark G.]

[Rodney R.]

Re: C1 Casting Numbers

On the manifold that I have is the B17 the date code? How do you interpret? What is the casting mark that denotes that it was cast at Saginaw or Tonawanda and where is it found on the manifold?
As always thanks for your help.

[Mark G.]

Re: C1 Casting Numbers

Rod -

Your date code translates to B = February, 1st day of the month, and 7 = 1967.
In general the code from Saginaw uses one digit for the year and Tonawanda used two digits. On some castings Tonwanda cast a large font "T" as an identifier but this can be confusing. The hour clocks were different between the plants probably because of in plant design. The number next the GM logo is the pattern number, the same number should be on the bottom of the manifold. Have fun finding a good one for your Corvette, Chevrolet Grey Iron made quite a few.

Mark #35760

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Casting Numbers

Mark makes reference to "hour clocks"--those came in long after 1960, so you won't need to look for that on your correct intake.