69 with a replacement block

[Jimmy D.]

I just found a 69 conv from the 2nd owner who had the car for 40 years. He told me it didn't have the correct block when he bought it in 76. I'm rebuilding the motor and found these numbers on the pad. CEC1315 35 also on the starter pad V1271466. Is it possible this block was a warranty block from GM and I do have an the correct motor. My fist time on the site and a new member. Thanks Jimmy

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

Jim, It sound s like you have a replacement block from GM, The first two letters CE says that its a service replacement of some sort. as far as the correct motor. Its not the engine that left from the factory, It may still have some of the components like intake manifold, Carburetor, cylinder heads exhaust manifolds that are still in tack but you will have to look for the dates on those components.

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

Ed, thanks for the info. I have what looks to be the correct heads. The intake is alum. and the car has headers on it and a holly. The trans and rear end look correct also. I did notice someone did a repair on the timing chain cover. So it looks like just the block was replaced. In 84 the past owner build the engine into a LT1.

[Michael W.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

Jimmy,

If you can supply the engine case casting number and date we could offer a guess as to how correct it might be.
Given the production year of the car and the configuration of the CE code on the engine, it's unlikely to be a warranty replacement engine vs. and GM over the counter spare.

[Domenic T.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

Jimmy,
My May 67 BB has a CE block dated in late 67.

Dom

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

The block casting # is 3970010 and the date code is L 3 1. Does that make sense?

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

The block casting # is 3970010 and the date code is L 3 1. Does that make sense?

Trim tag says build date of N17

[Patrick B.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

The block casting number is the same as what would have come in a late 69 (Sept 17, 1969) 350 Corvette, but your replacement block was cast on December 3, 1971. It is most likely a warranty replacement of either the bare block, the block and pistons (a fitted block), or a complete short block. They were all stamped with the CE designation on the pad.

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

The block casting number is the same as what would have come in a late 69 (Sept 17, 1969) 350 Corvette, but your replacement block was cast on December 3, 1971. It is most likely a warranty replacement of either the bare block, the block and pistons (a fitted block), or a complete short block. They were all stamped with the CE designation on the pad.

Pat, I did notice that each hole had a letter stamped for the piston size.

[Patrick B.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

I'm sure that a fitted block or a short block would have had piston codes on the oil pan rail, but even a bare block could have had them. I think a fitted block was a common warranty fix for complaints about excessive oil consumption, so my bet is that your car got that service sometime in 1972.

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

So now to the bigger question. Does anyone have records for this type of work at GM? The Dealer code on the build sheet is Zone 15 dealer 76. I believe the car was sold at Berwick Chev in Berwich Pa. no longer in business.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

So now to the bigger question. Does anyone have records for this type of work at GM? The Dealer code on the build sheet is Zone 15 dealer 76. I believe the car was sold at Berwick Chev in Berwich Pa. no longer in business.

No. The records at GM are long gone, and the ones from Berwick Chevrolet are as well.
Whatever parts are dated correctly for a 1969 likely came on the car originally, and anything else was replacement. I would suspect that the intake and possibly heads are all you're going to find that are "correct."

A friend of mine is restoring the 1969 his Dad bought new. As with many 435s it lost a valve, and the short block was replaced. He is restoring it using the short block, as it's part of the car's story. He did not see the benefit, other than in judging, to have a different block stamped as original.

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

Thank you for your knowledge in this area. I love to do research and kind of go over the top. I have the tank sticker but it's hard to read. I think I will take it to UW Wisconsin and see if the crime lab can help me read it. I'm hearing I can't get a replacement. This forum has been very help on my first day.

[Michael W.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

I have the tank sticker but it's hard to read. I think I will take it to UW Wisconsin and see if the crime lab can help me read it. I'm hearing I can't get a replacement.

Repro tank stickers are commonly available in the aftermarket and can be made up claiming whatever options you wish GM had originally built the car with.

[Jimmy D.]

Re: 69 with a replacement block

I would like to preserve the history of the car to its original build. It is what it is. But I will know that. I just spoke to my father and he worked in the foundry in Milwaukee for 30 years in the 60s to 80. He told me he had a business trip to GM in 69 he thought Flint to see the new ductile iron molding process. He also said they had two pouring lines running molds for GM blocks. Unheard of for the time. He might have seen these blocks make. Dad said it was common to run a pattern numbers for several years and just change the date of casting. He worked for Case, Allis then Gradey foundries.