69 427 block question

[Joe T.]

Hi (generic) guys
My 69 coupe has a replacement block and I was wondering if I could get some data from the casting numbers?
behind the left bank cylinder head, and above the bellhousing is (I think) a 3999289

Above that, behind the distributor is GM T 7 and J5 71

Above the oil filter, on the oil filter mount/boss is HI PERF PASS

The engine has the 4 bolt main configuration.

Thanks for any help...Regards...Joe (now joe 46448..it just came today!)

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Joe----

The GM casting #3999289 block was a 454 block first used for the 1972 model year and thereafter used through the 1975 model year for passenger cars and even later for trucks. Although originally used in PRODUCTION only as a 454 configured engine, it can be used to build up a 427, too, if a 427 crank is used.

All of these blocks used for PRODUCTION passenger cars were of 2 bolt configuration. However, some SERVICE and HD PRODUCTION truck blocks (short deck type like the one you have) may have used 4 bolt configuration. Or, this block could have been converted at some time to 4 bolt configuration. It's very easy to do with a big block.

Are there any numbers stamped on the stamp pad forward of the passenger side cylinder head?

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Good Morning. Thanks for your response, Joe. The pad on the passenger side block has CE257200 on it. How could I tell if someone changed it to 4 bolt mains? I don't think anyone messed with the main bolt configuration, since my understanding was it was a service replacement. Nothing else seemed "tricked out" on the engine.

Also,since it was a service replacement due to running with no oil, is this a 427 or 454? The short block replacement comes with crank, pistons cam and other "internals" installed, so I guess my next question is: Is this the original block with just new innards?
Thanks...and this gets more interesting as I get into it!...Regards...joe

[John H.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Joe -

It's not the original block - the CE257200 ID's it as the 7200th "CE" short block made at Tonawanda during the 1972 model year. There's no way to determine the "innards" from the CE number.

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Thanks for the response John. I am just trying to figure out the pedigree of this without disassembling the whole thing. You mention that this was a short block out of Tonawanda: That would have come with crank; cam; pistons etc? Everything but the mainfolds/carb/starter/distributor/oil pan etc?...Regards..Joe

PS: what is "CE? (pardon my ignorance?)...thanks again...jt

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Joe------

It could be either a 427 or a 454. GM was still making 427 SERVICE engines in 1972 and those engines would likely have used the then current production block casting.

You could tell if it's a 427 or 454 by examining the rear of the harmonic balancer and seeing if it's counterweighted. You can usually determine this by rotating the engine and, from under the car, observing the configuration of the rear of the balancer.

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 427 block question

thanks! I should have known to look there. Its documented in a couple of manuals that I have. 427/454 is relatively unimportant to me, but I rally am interested in what I am trying to put together. I will let you know what I find...Many Thanks..joe

[John H.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Joe -

The short block was composed of the block (with cam bearings), crank, main and rod bearings, rods, pistons, pins and rings. All the other bolt-on parts were to be transferred from the failed engine (or ordered separately if they were damaged).

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 427 block question

John:
So pretty much everything between the heads and the pan was included except the cam and pushrods?
ooops! I confused short with long block terminology? Anyway, I checked the vibration dampner as Joe suggested and see no counter-weights so it looks like a 427. Thanks to you all

[Clarence K.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Joe, CE stands for Chevrolet Engine. You can get a good idea of what the original engine was by looking at the tach red line. If it has a 5600 red line it came with either a 390 or 400 hp 427. If the red line is 6500, then if was a solid lifter 435 hp.

The 390 and 400 hp were good engines as far as I am concerned, even though they don't get the recognition of the solid lifter ones.

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 427 block question

Thank-you Gene: I REALLY liked the 390hp. When it was idling, a glass of water on the intake manifold almost wouldn't even ripple, it was that smooth. I am going to be a little disappointed if the guy who rebuilt it turned it into a bear, but I can always rip it out and start over! This wasn't the quickest car I ever owned (acceleration). That was my "67 442. Man how I wish I still had THAT. The original 390 hp would pull right to the redlime and only seemed to REALLY gets it legs about 3500RPM. The car has a 3.08:1 rear. so its top end is awesome. The solid lifter enginers are for those guys who are young enough to srtill want to put up with the extra patience and pain that goes with them. I love my L36!

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 427 block question

I checked Joe, and no counter-weights or any other suspicious markings on the vibration dampner. I am happy with the 427...Thanks again...Joe