Engine identification

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Mike,
The car is from Nickeyu Chevrolet as per what appears to be original paperwork. Here is the casting date and a URL for the group of images. http://countycorvette.com/12353.htm
Thanks again.
Jim

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Thats a typo@! Nickey Chevrolet.

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine identification

Jim------

I'm really not surprised that a 4 bolt, GM casting #3855961 block was used for a 1965 Corvette. As I've said before, there is absolutely NO fundamental reason why a '961' block could not have been built up into a 4 bolt configuration. While it may well be that the '961' casting was not GENERALLY used for finished 4 bolt main configuration blocks, there is no reason that it could not have been done if, for whatever reason, the Tonawanda engine plant had wanted to do so. I'll bet that there were more than a few of these built up into 4 bolt main configuration for Corvettes or otherwise.

With Mark IV big blocks, the block casting and the main cap configuration are, in no way, "unalterably related". The blocks and the main caps are not cast together. In fact, in the case of 4 bolt main engines, they were not even cast in the same foundry. The blocks were cast at Tonawanda and the main caps were cast at either the Danville, IL foundry or the Defiance, OH nodular iron foundry. The Tonawanda engine plant could have installed 4 bolt caps on virtually any Mark IV block casting.

While the '961' block could be manufactured into either a 2 or 4 bolt main configuration, I don't think that Tonawanda ever manufactured this casting into a 427 configuration. Some time ago there was some discussion here to that effect. When I see a '961' casting that has a known-original 4.25" bore, then I WILL be surprised.

[Mike M.]

Re: Engine identification

Very Kewl stuff, Jim.
Contact Dale Feit, he is the '65 Team Leader and in charge of JG revisions.
Contact info on this site and the Restorer.
H. a. N. D.

[Bill W.]

Re: Engine identification

I have never seen an original 961 in a Corvette.That doesnt mean it cant be. A few questions please .Does it have the ribs on the front and back of the block?. Behind the rt head is it cast Hi per or pass.What type of bolts/nuts held the windage tray to the mains.What codes are stamped on the rear end assy.Whats the starter & carb #? If you pull the body I would like to see photos of the rear underside bulkhead,,,,Thanks Bill

[Gary #41345]

Re: Engine identification

Don't you think the "5" in the number sequence looked a bit odd? In a non original way.

[Michael H.]

Re: Engine identification

Gary,

I agree, there are some very strange things on the ID pad. The VIN characters almost appear to have been stamped with two different tools/holders, or two different strikes. The 511 group is on one angle and the remaining four characters are on a different angle.

The "F" in the Tonawanda group is interesting also. It's common for VERY early 396's to have hand stamped engine suffix characters but this isn't what I would consider a very early 396. I suppose anything is possible in the first weeks of big block producton but the VIN stamp wouldn't have had anything to do with Tonawanda since that pack was installed at the St Louis plant. I dunno.

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

If you are referring to engine stamp, no, it is a factory stamped engine as per my comparisons and those of the BG senior stamp manager to known original stamps.

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Here is another "real" stamp for comparison. Superimposed, they are IDENTICAL. Again car was passed as a SURVIVOR in 01 in ALL categories.

[Michael H.]

Re: Engine identification

Jim,

Would it be possible to post a larger pic of the number pad from the survivor car?

I agree on the wacky Tonawanda characters, as seen on the #15726 car. My very early 396, #14971, had the suffix characters hand stamped and they weren't even close to being in a straight row. Not sure how long that process continued in production at Tonawanda though but quite possible it was still happening when #15726 went through.

I definitely try not to judge stamp characters at all now, and especially on a computer screen, but the VIN package certainly wouldn't be typical. Not saying it's incorrect, or fake, just definitely not typical.

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Hi Bill,
What ribs are you referring to? I have an image of the windage tray bolts. I will photograph and post these images for viewing shortly.
Jim

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Here are the bolts. E marking grade five

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

The casting behind the passenger side cylinder head shows "PASS".

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Mike,
We are all on the same page here. This car has been around for about 5 years only no one had bothered taking the pan off! I am doing this only to assist in future judging situations where it may occur again. No offense taken to your superb observations.
Jim

[Jim J.]

Re: Engine identification

Here is the carb.