Typical date code for early 56 engine?

[Edward M.]

Any thoughts on what a typical date code would be for a very early 56 Corvette (lets says SN E56S001001 as an example)? I think I understand that engine date codes "typically" precede the vehicle assembly by 1 day to 2 weeks. Does that sound correct?

If so, and assuming E56S001001 was built in early January, 1956, then the engine for this car would "typically" be dated between mid December, 1955 to early January, 1956.

I'm not really interested in other years, just what happened for 1956 Corvette production.

I know NCRS allows 6 months prior, but I am more interested in what is "typical".

[mike mccagh]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

vin 1566's original pad reads 0336693F56GR. mike

[John H.]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

Ed -

I assume you're talking about the block casting date, as '56 engines didn't have engine assembly dates stamped on the pad like all '57-up engines did. I would think 2-4 weeks would be a "typical" span from block casting date to car final assembly date.

[Edward M.]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

Yes, I do mean block casting date. I am wondering if it would be "reasonably" possible for a block that was cast in mid October, 1955 to be installed in any 1956 Corvettes?

[James F.]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

Hi Ed, I don't think it "reasonable" but stranger blocks could end up over in a shop repair corner. My mid- May built'56 Corvette has a May 6cast date code, known original engine. I understand that the "newly entroduced (1955)" Chevy'V-8's were in high demand and being assembled soon after they were cast. Regards, Jim

[Bernard M.]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

A survey of 1956 Corvette original cylinder case dates and suffix codes by Michael Hunt was published in the May 1996 issue of Vette Vues. The earliest VIN noted of over 100 shown was E56S001109. It also has the earliest shown cylinder case casting date of K195. The casting dates and engine serial numbers varied considerably but E56S001865 was the last vehicle shown in the survey with a 1955 cast block; L275. Regards, Bernard Myers

[Edward M.]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

So E56S001109, which is the 109th 56 Corvette built, has an engine dated K195 (Nov 15th, 1955). I would guess that E56S001109 was built in either late January or early February, 1956. That means the engine block is dated two months (or more) behind the vehicle assembly date. The additional info for E56S001865 would tend to support that assumption. Thanks for the info, I had forgotten all about the research done by Mike Hunt.

[Bernard M.]

Re: Typical date code for early 56 engine?

These dates were not necessarily typical, but certainly plausable. In between, are examples of later dated castings as you will see in the article.
Bernie Myers