350 Block question

[Paul K.]

this block came with my new corvette 66 coupe project,
casting 3932388, also has a T15 also ONV 1 also D8

Can someone tell me what the T15 and ONV1 are
I know it is 350 for 68-74 Pass, Chevelle, Camero, Nova, Monteand 69-76 truck

Paul Klemetson

[Joe L.]

Re: 350 Block question

this block came with my new corvette 66 coupe project,
casting 3932388, also has a T15 also ONV 1 also D8

Can someone tell me what the T15 and ONV1 are
I know it is 350 for 68-74 Pass, Chevelle, Camero, Nova, Monteand 69-76 truck

Paul Klemetson

Paul-------


The "T" likely represents Tonawanda which is where the 3932388 block was cast. The "15" likely represents a pattern number.

I think a preceding "C" is missing from the "ONV 1" and should be "CONV1". If I recall correctly, this identifies the foundry line the block was cast at.

I believe this block was used only from late 1968 to early or mid 1969. It was replaced by the 3970010 and 3970014. What is the date on this block? It should be cast somewhere on it.

[Edward B.]

Re: 350 Block question

I blew up the picture on the right and the date appears to be D 8 9 (see attached).

What's the suffix code and partial VIN on the front passenger side pad?

Ed

[David L.]

Re: 350 Block question

The 3932386 blocks were used on 302, 327, and 350 engines at the beginning of the 1969 production (fall of 1968 and thereafter). The 3932386 was then replaced with the 3956618 block (302 & 350) with late 1969 models using the 3970010 block (302 & 350). I have never heard of a 1969 small block made in Tonowanda that was originally on a 1969 Corvette or 1969 Z28. I know that the 3970014 Tonowanda block was used on the 1970 Camaro SS 350 models as I have one of these blocks made in May 1970 with a partial 1970 Camaro VIN and a 300 HP suffix code.

Colvin's 1965-69 book lists the 3932388 block (made in Tonowanda) for 1969 Passenger and Camaro models with 300 HP engine and 4-bolt mains. The 1969 Camaro SS 350 came with a 300 HP engine.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 350 Block question

The 3932386 blocks were used on 302, 327, and 350 engines at the beginning of the 1969 production (fall of 1968 and thereafter). The 3932386 was then replaced with the 3956618 block (302 & 350) with late 1969 models using the 3970010 block (302 & 350). I have never heard of a 1969 small block made in Tonowanda that was originally on a 1969 Corvette or 1969 Z28. I know that the 3970014 block was used on the 1970 Camaro SS 350 models.

Dave

Dave------


This not a 3932386 block; it's a 3932388. This is a Tonawanda-only block used for 1968-69. There was no Tonawanda small block used in any 1969 Corvette. However, I don't think anybody thinks the block in question was originally used on a Corvette.

[Joe L.]

Re: 350 Block question

I blew up the picture on the right and the date appears to be D 8 9 (see attached).

What's the suffix code and partial VIN on the front passenger side pad?

Ed

Ed------

Yup, I'd say that's just what the date is and it's right within the date range I'd expect it to be. I don't think it was manufactured much after this time.

[David L.]

Re: 350 Block question

Dave------


This not a 3932386 block; it's a 3932388. This is a Tonawanda-only block used for 1968-69. There was no Tonawanda small block used in any 1969 Corvette. However, I don't think anybody thinks the block in question was originally used on a Corvette.

Joe,

I was much to quick with my comments and made corrections. My guess is that the 3932388 block will have a "HA", "HB, or "HE, suffix code stamped on the front "pad" assuming the block has not been milled.

Dave

[Paul K.]

Re: 350 Block question

Thanks for all the info, I think the block was milled, because there is no stamp pad or vin, piston are 40 over
Paul Klemetson

[David L.]

Re: 350 Block question

Paul,

You will not be able to use the 3887158 vent tube (1966 AIM, UPC 6, sheet A3) and 1966 air cleaner base on this block. You will have to use the 1968 and up valve covers and air cleaner base.

Dave

[Paul K.]

Re: 350 Block question

Thanks for the tip. I was not planning to use this engine, I was mostly interested in the history

Paul

[Edward B.]

Re: 350 Block question

Thanks for all the info, I think the block was milled, because there is no stamp pad or vin

Paul, check the rough casting area by the oil filter (see picture). If it originally came out of a Camaro, the partial VIN will be stamped there and not on the deck. Look carefully because it may be VERY light (if it's from a Camaro). Try some chalk and a flashlight at a 45 degree angle.

Ed

[David L.]

Re: 350 Block question

My "3970014" Tonowanda block dated "E 16 70" has the partial VIN stamped near the oil filter area. The 9-digit stamping is on a cast surface and is somewhat hard to read. The letter "N" is the 3rd digit ("N" = Norwood, Ohio, where the Camaro models were made).

Dave