1969 Small block engine stampings

[james Kekeisen]

In a 1969 original small block engine/chassis installation (not a CE block) will the last 5 numbers of the engine block stamping (ie the VIN derivative) be identical to that of the last 5 numbers of the vehicle's VIN?

[Robert C.]

Re: Yes you are correct! *NM*

[james Kekeisen]

1969 HX suffix?

My 68 has a 69 motor with an assembly stamp with a HX suffix (V0310HX) which I show as a 350/350 manual (L46). Was this exclusively a corvette engine or did other models have the HX suffix? Doesn't a March 5, 1968 (C58) block casting date seem early for a April 1969 assembled car?! To make this even stranger my 68 was assembled in June 68 which would be more reasonable for a C58 Block casting date, but not as a 350?

I have been keeping my eye out for a correctly dated 327/350 and thought it would be great to get the 69 engine back in the original car (probably was wrecked, which is why it is in my car?). I tried to contact the guy that runs the 69 corvette registry to see what VINs he has recorded, but no return emails.

Just a long shot but does anyone have '69 VIN ending 720706.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

James-----

The 1969 (and 1970, for that matter) L-46 was used only in Corvettes. Also, the "HX" suffix code was used only for the 1969 Corvette L-46.

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

Joe, Doesn't the block date seem early?

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

James-----

Yes, the casting date is too early to be a 1969 model year engine. However, are you sure that it's an "8" and not a "9". These are very easy to confuse with casting numbers. Also, what is the casting number of the block?

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

3956618 Casting number, I'm going to check the date again the 8 must be a 9.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

James-----

I'm confident that it's a "9". The GM #3956618 block casting was not even in production yet as of March of 1968.

[james Kekeisen]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

I looked at it every which way and can't tell for certain -- must be a "9". I guess a March 69 casting for a June 69 built car is reasonable? I picked up a couple of 3927184 intake manifolds and was wondering which would be dated "more correctly" a "B8 9" or a "D25 9". Any typical order? ie is the intake usually dated after or before the block?

Thanks, Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 HX suffix?

James------

The block casting date and the car build date are within the NCRS/NCCB allowable "window" of 6 months. In reality, the block usually preceded the car's build date by about 3-6 weeks.

For small blocks the block and intake manifold casting date are often within a week, or so, of one another. However, the "B 8 9" will do for your March block. The "D 25 9" is too late, in my opinion, but it would still qualify under the "6 month rule" and the June build date for the car.