C2: Dates - how fast from casting to assembly?

[Dan Pepper]

I have located a BB exhaust manifold I'm contemplating buying that has a casting date 3 days prior to engine build date of my car. Would it be possible for the manifold dated B206 (Feb 20)to be assembled on an engine with an assembly stamp date of 02236 (Feb 23rd)?

This is for an AIR big block and has the correct holes for the smog tubes. Since there were not many Califonia K19 equiped 427's built, would GM run parts for these cars in batches rather than placed small orders on an ongoing basis?

[Michael H.]

Re: C2: Dates - how fast from casting to assembly?

Dan,

Looks like 20 Feb of 1966 was a Sunday. Could be a 1976 casting?

[Dan Pepper]

Michael, here are a couple pics

Here are a couple links to pictures - Do these look like '76 or '66?
Was there absolutely no casting done on Sundays?

Overview
and
Date Casting

thanks...

[Michael H.]

Re: Michael, here are a couple pics

Dan,

The casting date looks like B206, which would be Sunday, 20 Feb 66, or 76. I don't remember exactly when these manifolds were discontinued but I'm pretty sure they were still being cast in at least 1976 so it's possible they were over the counter items purchased after 1976.

It's also possible that the Monday AM first shift in Feb of 1966 was still using the Sunday, 20 Feb date, for some reason. I know some plants started their Monday shift late Sunday night so that may be an explanation for the Sunday date.

[Dan Pepper]

So, does that mean...

...that an exhaust manifold cast on Feb 20th would be kosher on an engine with an assembly date of Feb 23rd?

[Michael H.]

Re: So, does that mean...

I'm not sure Dan. It would depend on weather or not the source could have cast the manifolds on late Sunday evening, the 20th, and actually get them on the engine line by Wednesday. The time span is certainly possible. The Sunday cast date would be the only thing that would concern me but I think I'd go for it.

[Tom D.]

Re: So, does that mean...

It only takes a day to get the casting cooled down, and trucked across Canada to Buffalo. Or, was the manifold sent to St. Louis? That might have taken just a few hours longer.

I would assume a Sunday casting could be made, especially if they were running short. (OT)

I can't see a reason to worry about which decade. Unless they look different in some way?

Tom Dingman
4889

[John H.]

Re: So, does that mean...

BB manifolds were cast at the Tonawanda Foundry, then sent across the site to the Engine Plant for installation. Same-day cast and installation would not be unusual.