3858180 engine block casting date location?

[William B.]

Looking at a 65, 300hp, powerglide with the original motor, car built 1/6/65, pad stamp F1228HR, I strongly believe this is the original motor, but can not locate the engine casting date? I think it may be under the transmission linkage at the rear of the block, Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Don H.]

Re: 3858180 engine block casting date location?

The casting number is at the rear of the block on the drivers side of the bell housing mounting flange. The number orientation reads outboard to inboard. It is under the transmission detent linkage and may be read with a mirror and light. The casting number should be 3782870 (both Flint & Tonawanda blocks). Good luck, Don H.

[Dan A.]

Re: 3858180 engine block casting date location?

There were some but not many Tonawanda cast Flint machined 180 blocks used in the '65 model year Corvette. It is listed in the past version of the '65 manual but dropped from the new manual. I have been advised by the team leader that it will be included in the next edition. I had thought they were found around March of '65 but I could be wrong. Do your home work.

As Don says the casting date is under the detent and a challenge to read with a mirror and small flexible light. It it possible to see it if you try hard enough. You may find it necessary to loosen it to see it.

[Tony S.]

Re: 3858180 engine block casting date location?

The second printing of the newest '65 JG will include mention of the 180 block. A missed typo listed the 870 block where the 180 was intended.

[William B.]

Re: 3858180 engine block casting date location?

I have previously found the casting #, but could not find the casting date. I am going to remove the auto kick down linkage and I think it is cast right there right below the casting#