1966 427/390 block stamp
I have a block stamp of F1218IL. Additionally there is a 112211 stamped in smaller numbers. Trying to determine what that is actually telling me. I believe the F is for Flint so we know its not an original Tonowanda block and the IL indicates its a 427/390. If I decide to rebuild this engine, would it be worth my while to find a T block and use it in place of the F block? This is a very nice driver and I'd like to have it as original as possible but don't intend to go up the classes of judging.
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
Sounds interesting. Is the date stamp on the left of the pad as you face it, or the right? Any chance you could post a clear close up photo? -
Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
Could this be another "Fonawanda" big block?? LOLFounder - Carolinas Chapter NCRSComment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
IMG_0493.jpgHere is a good picture of the stamp. Curious to hear your impressions.Comment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
Restamped apparently by someone who did not know much about Corvette engines. Characters are incorrect and the numbers are reversed and no broach marks from what I can tell. I can be redone to become a "Restoration " motor probably. Sorry for the not so good news.Founder - Carolinas Chapter NCRSComment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
The block is a Tonawanda block. Unlike small blocks, all big blocks came from the same plant in Tonawanda NY. Your block was restamped by someone who was very ignorant about Corvettes. The block may well have the correct casting number and date for your car. What is the casting number?Comment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
In looking at the number on the bell housing, it reads 3869942 and I believe that is what is stated in the 6th edition judging manual. So as I dig deeper into this, why would anyone go to the trouble to restamp the pad and not use correct numbers and technique. I continue to go around and around about whether I should have this engine rebuilt (rings and valves) or completely replace it with a more current high HP engine. As I find out more about this car and how much of it is still original, I don't want to make compromising changes. It has never been judged under my ownership, is now Rally Red instead of Laguna Blue and a great driver, not a 6 figure collector.Comment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
Fonawanda-1 copy.jpgThe Fonawandas I have seen at least have the engine suffix and VIN derivative on the correct ends of the pad......Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
If your goal is a reliable driver, choose whatever engine is the best suited for that. If the current engine is weak, burning oil, etc. then you can look at the cost of rebuilding vs. buying a newly rebuilt or even a crate motor replacement. If you want to keep an original style engine in it, maybe rebuilding it is the best course, as long as you have confidence in a rebuilder doing a good job and delivering you a reliable vintage engine. One thing for sure, decking the block should not be something to worry about with that pad stamp.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
Thanks to everyone for your input. I am a novice at all these stamps and codes as you can probably tell. So if I'm looking at the number correctly, it looks like a C 11 3. Does that indicate March 11 of 1963. Not sure how I could have a casting date that would precede my build date by that much??Comment
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Re: 1966 427/390 block stamp
I believe the number are "upside down" when typically viewing........so factor that into you evaluation of them. Take a very close look.
LarryComment
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