Early 1965 396

[Charles S.]

My engine date code is B295 in my 1965 Corvette with the 396 engine. I was told this is a very early 396 car but looking for confirmation. When exactly did they start production of the 396 in the Corvette prototype and likewise for mass production?

[Mike T.]

Re: Early 1965 396

Charlie - Been a while since we talked last. Gary Cowans and I have your L78 listed on 1965 396 Registry and now have about 366 out of the original 2157 made in 65 on the list. So far, we've only come across one that's earlier than your Maroon/Saddle Coupe. Keep in mind, we have been relying on the owners to provide their VIN numbers and to tell us about the telltale signs of their 1965 Bigblocks.
Most of us have read, because of nothing definitive out there, that the 65 L78s didn't start production till either late February 65 or early March 65.

[Gary C.]

Re: Early 1965 396

Mike,

Have you found a Sales "Friday Night Letter" as to when dealers could order 396 engines. That might help narrow the production date.

A "Friday Night Letter" was used to help provide info on the '63 AM/FM radio became available.

Gary
....

[Jack M.]

Re: Early 1965 396

I'm uncertain if I previously posted these images... if not, the letters & dates give you an idea of the 1965 396 intro:

Feb-1965-(396-Intro)-1a.jpg
Feb-1965-(396-Intro)-1b.jpg

Feb-1965-(396-Intro)-2a.jpg
Feb-1965-(396-Intro)-2b.jpg

[Michael J.]

Re: Early 1965 396

Check your VIN, Bill Mock had the first one, #194375S112864 built Friday March 19, 1965.

[Mike T.]

Re: Early 1965 396

Michael - for some time, it was believed that Bill Mocks L78 was the first one made but Charlies VIN is lower and we've heard from another owner that has an even lower VIN than Charlies. Pics, and any documentation available would help us figure out what's real and what's Memorex :-O.

[Duke W.]

Re: Early 1965 396

An engine date code of "B295" does not jibe with what we know about engine date codes. For example, all big blocks were built at the Tonawanda, NY engine plant, and the date code stamped on the RH cylinder block deck starts with "T".

As previously stated, the first 396 built for sale to the public has a VIN sequence number of somewhat over 11,000.

About 20 years ago I saw a purported "396" at a the B-J Scottsdale auction that had a VIN sequence number well under 10,000. It was an obvious fake, but fewer back then knew than even the few that know, today, what the first 396 sequence number is.

So what's your VIN sequence number?

Duke

[Charles S.]

Re: Early 1965 396

According to NCRS "GM official Production date was: 3/16/1965"
VIN 194375S112494
Block B295
All numbers verified during rebuild process in 2020
Other misc. items which I am aware can all be changed:
Battery opening through the fender
Correct tach
Grommets on interior trim tag are correct
What I have not sought out is the build sheet on the fuel tank

[Mike T.]

Re: Early 1965 396

Charlie - Unfortunately, the 'tank sticker' wasn't used on Corvettes till the 1967 Model Year so you're basically left with playing detective
in the absence of documentation. My 65 L78 lost it's original engine many moons ago but on original 65 396s, there is a vertical casting up front at the top, between the top of the timing cover and the intake manifold. Those three vertical ridges have been nicknamed 'the Fangs'. Sorry don't have a pic to show and all my Bigblocks are 66 on up so no help there either. Can you take a closeup of that part of your 396 block?

[Michael J.]

Re: Early 1965 396

So, we have another which claims to have been built before Bill's.

[Leif A.]

Re: Early 1965 396

An engine date code of "B295" does not jibe with what we know about engine date codes. For example, all big blocks were built at the Tonawanda, NY engine plant, and the date code stamped on the RH cylinder block deck starts with "T".

As previously stated, the first 396 built for sale to the public has a VIN sequence number of somewhat over 11,000.

About 20 years ago I saw a purported "396" at a the B-J Scottsdale auction that had a VIN sequence number well under 10,000. It was an obvious fake, but fewer back then knew than even the few that know, today, what the first 396 sequence number is.

So what's your VIN sequence number?

Duke

Duke,
If this is the "cast" date it would translate to February 29, 1965...or, am I missing something?

[Michael J.]

Re: Early 1965 396

I think he is wondering why there is no "T" in that stamp.

[Charles S.]

Re: Early 1965 396

So, we have another which claims to have been built before Bill's.

I wasn't but if the documentation takes it that way I will. Either way through the help of various people I will accomplish my objective which is to find out where my car falls into the sequence. As one person in the stream noted if my beliefs are confirmed it's only a matter of waiting for an earlier one to surface which I believe has already been determined.

[Mike T.]

Re: Early 1965 396

I'm thinking that Charlie isn't referring to the 'stamped' characters up front on the pad but rather the raised casting date for the block.
Attached is a pic of that raised casting date from the '69 vintage 427 I built for my 65 L78.DSCN5838.jpg
A 28 9.

[Michael J.]

Re: Early 1965 396

Then that brings up the question about what is the pad stamp, since casting dates are not very definitive for build dates.