Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Hello fellow NCRS Members. I need help with identifying the correct dated block for my Corvette. I own a 1967 Corvette Coupe. The car is an original 427/390 HP Corvette. This information has been authenticated by Roy Sinor. I also have the original Tank Sticker which has been authenticated by Roy Sinor. My car has an incorrect block. I'm looking for a correctly dated 4351 block. The problem is I'm not sure what date code is appropriate? My car was built on May 2, 1967. What month block would be the most correct to install? I have a fellow member who has a 4351 block, 2 bolt main, dated January 20, 1967. The block is a complete short block with only 6000 miles and is very reasonably priced. Would this block be considered correct and okay to install in my "May, 67" built car? Please help! Thanks. Chuck
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Chuck-----
Yes, the January-dated block would fall within the 6 month window for a May 2 built car, so it would be completely acceptable date-wise for your car. In actual production, the date would likely have been closer to May 2. However, big blocks sometimes varied quite a bit and even in production it would have been possible for this sort of date lapse to occur. In any event, the date on this block would be considered 100% acceptable and, as far as I know, receive 100% credit for being correctly dated.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Chuck,
Noland Adam's 1963-1967 restoration book (page 444 & 445) has long list of 1967 Corvettes (w/427) showing the VIN, engine pad stamp, and block casting date.
A few examples:
T0130IL, 7110119, A237
T0306JC, 7114071, A257
T0315JD, 7117942, A307
T0503JE, 7119268, ???
T0523JC, 7120310, D187
As you can see a Jan. 30, 1967 block was assembled on March 15, 1967. I believe that the "6 month rule" is a bit of a stretch, 2 or 3 months is more realistic.
DaveComment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
i'd keep looking. try for an april cast datted 351. mikeComment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
I guess I disagree. Why?
Well, since your car's factory original engine is missing in action, it's IMPOSSIBLE for any of us to tell you what's 'correct' in terms of a replacement date code. All we can do now is focus on what's considered correct for a 'restoration/replacement' part.
The rule the judges work to is for the date code to fall within a 0-6 month window. Soooo, since your car will NEVER have it's 'correct/original' block and you're building a RESTORED car, why not let the judging rules work FOR you???
If you can get the January cast block at a good/reasonable price, why not take it? From a judging standpoint, the car isn't going to score any better/higher if you delay, find a closer date coded block and prepare it with the same attention to due diligence in other restoration aspects.Comment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Jack,
From a practical point of view I guess that I agree with you but I have always tried to restore vintage cars to what they once were and use parts that have date codes that were typical of what should be on the car. I guess many vintage car owners have to put a rating number on their car and compete with other vintage car owners to get the highest possible score. Is this restoration process now a sport like football or baseball? Restoring a car back to it's original condition is a real challenge but without this challenge what would be the point? I have found that communicating with other NCRS members in the last several years who are deep into the details of Corvette restoration has been helpful but I believe that I have helped as well. I have learned a lot in the last 30 years about vintage Corvettes and still continue to learn. Isn't that what it's all about or is it who has the most points wins?
DaveComment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Gentleman, thanks for all the help. I kinda agree with both of you, but if we take the Noland Adams' book for being somewhat accurate, there were obviously 67 corvettes built in May that had original January date casted motors. That being said, is it not possible that one of those cars could have been mine? Of course we will never know, but as long as it is possible than we have met the standard of reasonable. The January date coded block I'm looking at is about half the price than others I have seen. Unfortunately, that plays apart in my decision. Especially, since I would not receive any more points in a judging event than the same car with an April casting date? Thanks again!Comment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
I'd buy the discounted engine, install it, and move forward. 351 blocks are getting harder to find and they ain't making 'em any more, so they aren't getting any cheaper.
But, I would also keep an eye out for one with a bit closer date.
If it bugs you over time that it is not as "typical" as others, and if this deal is that good, then you can always swap it out for a better dated block later and recoup your money.
Just my 2 cents.Comment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
i would have to agree with Mike, while there may be a few big spreads between car and block 6 weeks is probably a closer reality than 6 monthsComment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Jack,
Thanks for your 2 cents. I agree with your comments. I have been searching for a 351 block since I bought this car 6 months ago. The 2 bolt mains are even harder to come by than the 4 bolt mains. I have only found one with an "April 67" build date and the price was $6300 for a bare block. I'm sorry, I have a passion for my car, but that's a ridiculous price. The one I'm looking at is $2700, and it's a complete short block with crank, pistons, cam etc... I think I'll be purchasing this block. I can live with the build date and so can NCRS. So, what's not to like?
Thanks again. ChuckComment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Doug,
I'm not disagreeing with any of the comments here. The best "April 67" block I found was priced at $6300.00. Chances are slim I will ever find the original block for the car. I can't make it original again with any block but the original one. The January 20th dated block I'm looking at is $2700.00 and it's a complete short block. My car was built May 2, 1967. That makes it less than a 4 month spread. I can live with that and so can NCRS. So, why spend the additional money?
Thanks for you input. ChuckComment
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Re: Is this the correct dated block for my car?
Chuck,
I am not an expert, and especially not with big blocks, but just another point which may expand your future search. Can you even tell a 2-bolt block from a 4-bolt block without dropping the pan??? If the answer is no, then I certainly would NOT limit my search to a 2-bolt block...heck I'd rather have the 4-bolt block.
I'm not changing my mind, I'm just saying if you are keeping your eye out for another one in the future, this may open up the search a bit. On this subject, I wouldn't get too close to your build date either.
BTW, I was about to tell you about another maybe even better deal on a 351 2-bolt block on "another" Corvette site, but I see that you're already on it. That has some really nice dates for your car.
Good luck.Comment
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