C2 1966 Big block numbers question

[Ty T.]

Hi guys. I'm still circling on the purchase of a 66 big block, but I'm concerned after my second look. It is being sold as a "possible" original engine car, and the vin# is on the front pad, but when I researched the casting number it appears to be a 454 engine. My eyes not being what they used to be it appeared to be 4015445. I believe I read it correctly. In researching the archives, it appears that this is a 454 truck or service engine. I have two questions. Did any of the 1966 big block engines have a casting number close to this that I could have mis-read it?(I don't think so). Second question-Can someone tell me what this number stamped on the front pad means? T0210HIP? I got as far as Towanda and I'm lost. I tried, but couldn't make out the date code at the right rear of the block. As always thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

Ty Truax

[Gary B.]

Re: C2 1966 Big block numbers question

Ty,

According to the Corvette Black Book, the IP suffix corresponds to a 427ci, 450/425HP, manual transmission car, so that part seems reasonable. The Black Book doesn't list anything close to the block casting # you give.

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 1966 Big block numbers question

Ty-----

I believe that you will find that the casting number is "14015445". This casting number was used for standard deck height, 1975-1987 truck applications. It was never, ever originally used in a Corvette. In fact, that casting number did not even exist when the last big block was installed in a Corvette in 1974, let alone 1966.

It's possible that someone may have ground off the initial "1" in order to "confuse the issue". However, you can rest assured that this engine did not originally reside in this car. Whether the car was otherwise an original big block, I cannot say. I can say that if it was an original big block, you couldn't prove that by the block that's currently in it.