CE Engine code

[Gregory G.]

I just purchased a 1970 coupe with a 350/350. It has a documented 64,000 miles. All the numbers look right except the engine code. It is CEA135683. I have heard that a CE ment that the engine was a factory replacement under warentee. I neven heard of the CEA prefix. The blosk is the porper part number and the casting date is Feb 1971. The car was build on June 1970. It is possible that the engine was replaced under warentee. The timing is right. How will this affect judging and value of the car? How can I find out about this code. I can send a picture if needed.

[John H.]

Re: CE Engine code

The code indicates that it's a "CE" warranty replacement, built at Flint Engine in January, 1971. The correct block casting number will get full judging credit, but the incorrect casting date will result in a deduction for the casting date and the pad stamping and surface, which are not judged if the casting date is determined to be incorrect. I believe the standard deduction in this case would be 263 points (175 for the casting date, 88 for the pad).

[Gregory G.]

Re: CE Engine code

What does the A stand for? Can you tell me how to dicode the numbers?

[Gregory G.]

Re: CE Engine code

I had another question. Is it better to get a block with the right casting date that does not have the correct vin number or if the deck was resurfaced?

[John H.]

Re: CE Engine code

Greg -

The "A" indicates the month, the "1" is the year, and the 35683 is the sequential number Flint Engine assigned to that particular "CE" short block; Flint Engine was assigned the block of numbers from 20,000 to 49,999 for "CE" warranty replacement short blocks (the Flint Motor Plant [L-6 engines] and Tonawanda were assigned different blocks of numbers for "CE" blocks).

The casting number and casting date carry the most points (350 + 175), vs. the stamp pad (88 points: 25 for the engine plant stamp, 25 for the VIN derivative, and 38 for the pad surface/appearance). Due to the sequential manner in which the block is judged (casting number first, then casting date, then the pad), it doesn't make any difference what's on the pad if the casting number or date are incorrect, as judging stops if either the casting number or date is incorrect and all points are lost for the remaining items in the sequence.