Did stamp pads ever recieve the build date/suffix code, but not recieve the vin code? The engine blocks in question are a 962 396 and a 942 427. Would blocks used for marine applications recieve any stamp pad info? Can these (marine) blocks be used in a Corvette, and what kind of damage/wear would one look for on a used marine block/engine? Thanks, G.
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Yes
VIN derivative identification didn't begin for Corvette unit mid-way through the 1960 MY build. Plus, across the counter spares through service weren't associated with any particular car/engine application and they didn't receive a VIN stamp. And, as you point out, GM also had non-captive, car producing, customers (independent vehicle producers & marine) who would manufacture for their own purposes.
On an engine block originally sold through Marine channels, a block's a block. But for the random chance of selection, a '962 block sold through that channel MIGHT have otherwise been picked and built up for use in a factory produced Corvette...
What to specifically look for? Just do ordinary due diligence looking for cracks, over-bore, Etc. -
Re: Stamp pad questions
George-----
Prior to 1959 Corvette engines did not receive a VIN derivative stamping. Of course, that's irrelevent here since what you're talking about are big blocks.
There are many reasons that a block might not have received a VIN derivative stamping and a marine application is just one of them. It's not even the most likely. If originally installed in a Corvette or other passenger car, it should have had a VIN stamping. While passenger cars received the VIN stamping well after Corvettes first received them, I think that most, if not all, big blocks used in passenger cars would have had them.
While many engines purchased over-the-counter as SERVICE engines had the "CE" prefix, I don't think that all did. Also, there were many industrial applications for big block engines (the "second generation" of starter engines for SR-71 aircraft was one, small example).
Actually, the best indication of what the engine originally served as is right at your fingertips. That's the suffix code. If it's a passenger car suffix code, then it probably means that the engine was a SERVICE engine or a PRODUCTION engine that was inadvertantly not stamped. If it's an "unknown" code, then the engine was likely an industrial or marine application.
Any engine originally used for a non-passenger car application is usually just as suitable for use in a passenger car or Corvette as an engine originally used in a car. The exception are "tall deck" big blocks. These have a block deck height of 10.2" as opposed to the 9.8" used for all cars. The easiest way to ID these is by casting number. The casting number derivatives that you've mentioned are 9.8" deck blocks, however.
As far as marine applications go, the thing that is important to look for is excessive cooling system rust in an engine that was originally used in a salt water application with direct, flow-through cooling. This type cooling is not the norm, but it is possible. All engines previously used are going to evidence cooling system rust, so don't think that because you see rust, that's bad. Salt-induced corrosion is usually much more severe and is usually readily apparent.
One other thing to keep in mind: even if an engine has a passenger car or truck suffix code and was originally used in a passenger car or truck, does not mean that it wasn't also used in a marine application. Many vehicle engines were removed and later installed in boats.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Thanks guys *NM*
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