67 block casting number

[Thomas C.]

On Ebay I have found a 67 427/435 conv for sale , consignment, one owner car. The seller claims that the block casting number 3869942 was almost completely ground off and the area was stamped with the number 3904351. The owner claims that the block is original. The seller claims all other numbers are correct. The car was built in November 1966. Is it possible that the casting number was ground off and stamped over at the factory? Thanks ,Tom

[Jack H.]

Re: 67 block casting number

This is very doubtful, in my opinion.... There IS precidence for the stamp pad being roughly ground and restamped (factory exception rather than the rule for engines that were marked incorrectly during original build and/or failed for some reason, got set aside, then repaired and returned to inventory at a later date), but I've not heard of a casting number or casting date being altered in this manner. Maybe others will have differing opinions on this....

[Bill Becker]

Re: 67 block casting number

As you may know 942 was the '66 BB casting number. Is is possible that some early 67s were ground off and then stamped? I would say it is more probable that the numbers were left alone. Also wouldn't necessarily consider a November car early. My advice to you with a purchase of this significance would be to pay someone in that area to "inspect" the car for you.

Good Luck,
Bill Becker

[John H.]

Re: 67 block casting number

FWIW, there's a notation in the new Colvin "Corvette By The Numbers" book on the page describing the 1967 #3869942 block that says the 942 block usage for '67 427's has been verified through VIN #15073, and that any of the 427 applications could have used a 942 block that had the casting number ground off and a #3904351 stamped into the block, and there's a photo of the #15073 car's block with the 942 ground off and the 351 stamped in its place.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: 67 block casting number

I have personally owned a '68 427 that had this treatment, in this case, it was a last week of production car and the '69 number was ground off and a '68 casting number stamped in it's place, original broached pad, and casting date was entirely in line with the engine assembly date, I had full ownership trail, and this was in '76, so I know it has happened. I've also seen a couple of other examples out of cars that I looked at very closely and they were absolutely genuine "From the General" pieces.

[Dave Henderson]

Re: 67 block casting number

Hi Tom

John's response is right on. It should appear as a ground off casting number replaced with a stamping (thinner font) in its place. Be sure to check the sizes if the oil cooler bosses near the oil cannister to verify 4 bolt configuration. A counterfeiter might overlook this, its a dead giveaway. I suggest you add the Colvin book to your library.