1957 engine pad stamp

[Ronald B.]

I own a 1957. The engine was rebuilt at some point and the heads and stamp pad have been resurfaced and has circular marks. There are no visible marks on the stamp pad. The vin number is E57S105417. The assembly date was approx. July 23rd 1957. The engine block casting number is 3731548 which is correct for a 1957 Corvette 283 c. i. engine. The engine block casting date is F47 indicating it was cast on June 4th 1957. I have 2 x 4 Carter carbs, four speed and solid lifter cam for 270 hp. I believe all of this indicates it could be the original engine. If so, what is the correct information that was stamped on the engine stamp pad? Thanks for your replies!

[Ed H.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

Ron, my 270hp 57, vin #E57F 103745, an early May car had a stamp of F407EG
Indicating 270, posi and a 3spd.

[Ronald B.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

Thanks Ed!

[Mike M.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

7 week interval between block casting date and car assembly is extreme. I like to see the interval between few days and a week or two. Mike mccagh

[Ronald B.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

Thanks for your input Mike. Is there any way (records?) to determine the engine assembly month and date for this engine?

[Ronald B.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

Mike, I have read articles that indicated that Chevrolet did not always practice consistent first in/first out inventory control on engine blocks and other parts. Is the 7 week interval between the block casting date and car assembly possible?

[Ed H.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

Ron, in 1957 anything was possible. What parts came with motor, check the casting date on the rear passenger side of the engine, that will a clue if it is an early, middle, or late car. The heads should be 997 last three numbers, there will be casting dates on the heads. Then you have the generator, distriburator, starter and carbs. Have you purchased the tech Ops manual. This is like a puzzle that the NCRS 56/57 book will solve the mystery, let us know how it goes.

[Ronald B.]

Re: 1957 engine pad stamp

Mike, Thanks for all of this information. I took a photo of the casting date on the rear side of the engine; it is F47 indicating it was cast on June 4th 1957. I have photos of the casting date and the casting number which is 3731548. I have the fourth edition of the Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide. I will look on the website and purchase the current technical ops manual. I believe the carburetors are correct as they have the correct model numbers and the correct tags on them. Once I have the manual I will check the generator, distributor, starter and carburetors again. I have checked several sources and believe the car assembly date is July 23rd, 1957 based on the vin number. Thank you so much for your help. I need a pair of original air cleaners for my car if you know anyone who might have them. Mine are incorrect. Thanks!

[Perry M.]