C1 Engine ID

[David G.]

I just purchased a 62 and the owner of the last 35 years says the original 327 was replaced with a 283. The car is a 4 speed, non fuel injected, with a hi lift cam tach and die cast alum valve covers.. According to JG does this combination mean original motor was a RE code 340 horse? Heads have standard horsepower symbol but assume they were replacements also. Thanks in advance.

[John H.]

Re: C1 Engine ID

David -

There's no convenient way to determine what the original engine was, other than guessing based on the tachometer redline and whether the transmission is a wide- or close-ratio T-10 (either of which could have been changed over the years).

If you want to know what's in it now, you could post the block casting number (behind the driver's side cylinder head), block casting date (to the passenger side of the distributor), whatever is stamped on the block pad in front of the passenger side cylinder head, and the cylinder head casting numbers and casting dates (need to remove the valve covers to see them).

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Engine ID

Yes, RE engine suffix code would = 340 HP with manual trans...

[David G.]

Re: C1 Engine ID

John
Engine casting # 3959532 Engine Cast Date L 12 ?(Last number looks like 6 or

Stamp Pad CE9A 23500 (stamp not straight on pad)

Intake 3887108

Heads have low horsepower symbol, haven't removed valve covers
Thanks

[William C.]

what is the tach redline? *NM*

[David G.]

Re: what is the tach redline?

6400 to 6500 orange
6500 to 7000 red

[William C.]

Re: what is the tach redline?

That is consistant with the solid lifter engines as 340hp.

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Engine ID

David----

The GM #3959532 is a SERVICE-only block casting released in 1968 and is a 283 cid block. The "CE" pad stamping further confirms the block's SERVICE heritage.

The GM #3887108 intake casting is unknown to me.

[David G.]

Re: C1 Engine ID

Thanks Joe