Crate engine part number

[Anton S.]

My 62 FI Vette engine does not have a number on the right forward block tab where a number is usually displayed. I was told that the car has a 1963 FI "crate" engine short block. Is it normal not to stamp a number on a "crate" engine? If not what should be stamped on the block?? Careful examination of the tab does not reveal machining tool marks, suggesting that the block was not machine/decked.

[Joe L.]

Re: Crate engine part number

My 62 FI Vette engine does not have a number on the right forward block tab where a number is usually displayed. I was told that the car has a 1963 FI "crate" engine short block. Is it normal not to stamp a number on a "crate" engine? If not what should be stamped on the block?? Careful examination of the tab does not reveal machining tool marks, suggesting that the block was not machine/decked.

Anton-----

SERVICE partial engine assemblies (i.e. "short blocks") or bare blocks usually did not have any numbers stamped on the stamp pad.

[Anton S.]

Re: Crate engine part number

Thank you Joe, You confirmed what I suspected.

[David L.]

Re: Crate engine part number

Is "3782870" the casting number on the back or is it something else? Also, the casting date should be there as well. Many of the service blocks that I have see were stamped starting with the letters "CE" (for Chevrolet Engine, I assume) and then a number.

Dave

[Anton S.]

Re: Crate engine part number

Is "3782870" the casting number on the back or is it something else? Also, the casting date should be there as well. Many of the service blocks that I have see were stamped starting with the letters "CE" (for Chevrolet Engine, I assume) and then a number.

Dave

Yes 378270 is cast into the block at left rear along with date "F 253" at right rear.

[Michael H.]

Re: Crate engine part number

Yes 378270 is cast into the block at left rear along with date "F 253" at right rear.

Anton,

If the pad is blank and appears to have it's original finish, and with a mid 63 casting date, I would guess that it may have been a warranty replacement partial engine. (short block)

In the 50's through most of the 60's, replacement fitted (block with pistons) and partial blocks (assembled blocks with pistons, rods and crankshaft etc) would not have been stamped as received at the dealer. That's likely what you have.

Somewhere around the middle or end of 1968, replacement partial assy's (short block) would have been stamped with a code and unit number.

Complete engines in the 60's would have had an engine assembly plant information stamp, such as F0209RF etc. These engines would be either installed in cars under warranty (extremely rare) or sold through the dealer parts dept. Chevrolet very rarely replaced complete engine assemblies. Almost all warranty issues would have been repaired with a new short block and any other components necessary.

Most complete engine assemblies were not shown in the parts books in the 50's to mid/late 60's and those in existence were mostly special order through dealers or someone special, a friend of a friend.