I would like assistance in evaluating a engine pad stamp (see photo) for a '57 FI. In you opinion, is this an original engine stamp or restamp? If restamp, will this pass NCRS flight judging?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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I am not a trained NCRS Judge
Nor do I even play one on TV. However, I will give you my comments in order to jump start this discussion. I'm sure there's someone out there who will immediately plug up my resonator if they think I am wrong.
My sample base of original '57 FI blocks is tiny. I've only seen three factory stamped "EL" blocks during the last 40 years. However, all three of these stampings had one thing in common: the "L" was not gang-stamped with the rest of the characters. In every case the "L" had obviously been added after the "F", assembly date, and "E" were stamped.
The photo you attached to your post shows a gang-stamped engine pad. All of the characters appear to have the same depth and alignment. From its appearance I would conclude that this stamping was done all at once rather than made by two distinct strikes.
Please be gentle when you insert the plug. -
Re: C-1 Engine Pad Evaluation--Help Needed
Mike..what is the serial number of the car? Jerry has a valid point about existing original EL blocks having an L that appears to have been stamped separately..but he also fairly states that this is based on a small sampling.
Since EL blocks are quite rare..I would check it against other documented cars or at least cars logged in with EL blocks so you can compare the serial # and time of production to establish a pattern of correctness.. I think a small list is posted in the 57 section of Nolands 53 - 62 book.
Personally..I think there is more to learn and we may be surprised at the results. I have an unrestored original Oct. EL engine and it falls into Jerry's description..however I have seen other unrestored 57 fuelie engines that also resemble the picture you posted.
Aside from restamped restored engines ..there may be more to this than we have learned so far.
JoeComment
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Re: C-1 Engine Pad Evaluation--Help Needed
There's an excellent 11-page article on the gory details of 1957 Flint Engine pad stamping in the June, 2003 issue of "Vette Vues", written by Ken Kayser; it goes as far as Flint Engine detail tool numbers and drawing revisions for the gang-holders and accessories, and includes the Chevrolet Engineering requirement that the "1" character be replaced by the "I" character for all engine stamps. The key focus of the article is that in 1957, only the first character of the suffix was included in the gang-stamp holder; the second character was stamped separately using an 8-1/2"-long single character die.
That back issue is still available for $4.00 at (386) 775-8454.Comment
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Re: C-1 Engine Pad Evaluation--Help Needed
Look at the crispness of the letters and numbers.Comment
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