64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

[John D.]

Those of you that judge or have had your car judged know the terminology used on the judging sheets. Not typical, service replacment, etc.
I have in front of me a weird 64-65 baseplate (also know to some as an adapter plate or just a plain old intake manifold).
It's the typical 3826810 casting number with GM under the number. The number is in the usual spot on the top side. Above this number there is a raised pad like an engine block casting date which has 2/27/65. Those of you that know FI's are aware of the fact that this is NOT TYPICAL.
Now a TYPICAL FI baseplate from '57 to 65 is dated underneath where the hot oil hits the numbers.
This baseplate is dated underneath also. Dated: 2 3. 64 EJ !!!
JD here has been playing with FI's since 1961 which is more years than I care to remember. Anyhow in all these long years this is the 3rd one of these critters I have seen.
Recap: It has two casting dates on it. Underneath is 2 3 64. On top it is dated 2/27/65.
Any ideas guru's??? Thanks very much, John D.
P.S. It is a loose part. Meaning it did not come with a customers FI unit so I have no clue of the serial number of the Corvette.

[Bob J.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

Is the area where the distributor mounts "typical" ?

[John D.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

Robert, The distributor area is the same. I bet you are thinking of one of the old Kinsler base plates that had a raised boss like a typical carb intake.
This base plate is 100% identical in every way shape and form except for the two different casting dates in two locations. One on top and one on the bottom. The winter leaf snowflake appears in two places just like say March 0f 63 to end of 65. Next to top water outlet and a few inches behind the top water outlet. By the way I said March of 63. Should have said I see a lot of Feb something 63 base plates with the two snowflakes. Forget what the manual says on when this started but it's late Feb early March when the change over started. Changover means when winters foundry changed the mold for some reason. Thanks, JD

[John D.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

Well I see I stumped the chumps on this one. I didn't think anyone here knew the answer but was hoping for a good reply. I have been asking this same question to my FI pals for about 20 years now and so far no one has known why one part has two casting numbers. My thoughts are that bubba on the line screwed up but what do I know. JD

[Joel F.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

John,

I heard Jack Podell is an FI expert, maybe you should ask him?

Sorry, could not resist.

[John D.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

I'll call poor Jack up today as all ur guru's here failed the test. If he doesn't know I am sure his lovely wife will. Anytime you get a part that is not typical its difficult. Now if this baseplate were on a show car I am sure it would send up a flag. John D.
j

[Joe M.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

John,

Can't help but please clarify. Is the date on the topside cast or stamped?

Joe

[John D.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

Joe, The date on both the top side and the bottom side are cast. Raised letters sitting in a very neat pad. Definitely done by the foundry and not a back yard bubba. Someday I am gonna get me a digital and learn how to post pics. Thanks for asking. John

[Ridge K.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

John, I'll get an answer for you. You know, there's really nothing to FI units!

[John D.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

I can see by your high NCRS number that there is nothing to FI units.LOL. The fact remains Ridge that if some of the younger generation doesn't start to learn how to rebuild these old FI units we are going to be in trouble. The mean age of the restorers today is over 60!!! Or over the hill. My 19 yr old son is not interested as he is on the PC era and that's what he likes.I was counting on him learning but.... I only know of one fellow under say 55 that is interested and that is Dale Pearman's friend Ken from Orin Dales restoration in TN. I think Ken is around 40 or so. Outside of Ken I can't think of anyone.
Problem we are having in repro parts for FI's and other aspects of the car is the fellows are dying off rather quickly that have made these parts. It's getting tougher to keep an FI parts catalog.
I realize I should be complaining on another post though. I don't mean to pick on you. But seriously we must do something about this or you guys with all the fuel cars are gonna be in deep trouble unless you learn how to fix them yourself. The demand for restorations right now is at an all time high ever since the FI's seem to be attracting more attention than the big blocks. Anyhow thanks for the reply. I don't think I am going to get an answer on this base plate thing. Next time I see your namesake Ken Kayser I will ask him. I assume you two are related. Take care, John D.

[Ridge K.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

John, I wish I was related to Ken Kayser, but, no relation that I'm aware of. I would sure like to have a family member like that, that I could pick their brain. I'm sure our wives would love the talk at a Christmas gahering to be on Rochester '57 fuel units! You're 100% correct, on needing some young blood in the parts restoration business. John Pirkle is still a young fellow, but his son is sure deeply involved with John's business, and does a great job. Huge plus for our hobby. Take care, and look forward to seeing you at Carlisle. Ridge.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

I can see by your high NCRS number that there is nothing to FI units.LOL. The fact remains Ridge that if some of the younger generation doesn't start to learn how to rebuild these old FI units we are going to be in trouble. The mean age of the restorers today is over 60!!! Or over the hill. My 19 yr old son is not interested as he is on the PC era and that's what he likes.I was counting on him learning but.... I only know of one fellow under say 55 that is interested and that is Dale Pearman's friend Ken from Orin Dales restoration in TN. I think Ken is around 40 or so. Outside of Ken I can't think of anyone.

I'd love to learn, but at $5k as a starting price for an FI unit to "practice my skills" it's been far cheaper for me to learn how to self-teach Quadrajets by trial, error and experience.

Patrick

[John D.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

Well Patrick what can I say. Money should not be a deterrent to learning. If one if focused on a particular project wonders can be accomplished. Amen. John D.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

Well Patrick what can I say. Money should not be a deterrent to learning. If one if focused on a particular project wonders can be accomplished. Amen. John D.

I've spent PLENTY of money on learning -20 years of school (though only 8 out of my pocket). I'm sure I'll spend more.
But, the big stack of carbs in my basement cost a fraction of one FI distributor.
You're welcome to send a few units my way for "educational purposes."



Patrick

[Bob J.]

Re: 64-65 fuel injection part that is not typical

I've spent PLENTY of money on learning -20 years of school (though only 8 out of my pocket). I'm sure I'll spend more.
But, the big stack of carbs in my basement cost a fraction of one FI distributor.
You're welcome to send a few units my way for "educational purposes."



Patrick

PH, if you can rebuild a Q-Jet I'm sure an old Rochester FI would be no problem to rebuild for you.
When you buy your first FI car you'll get "real" familar with FI internals . Bob