snoopybob

My 59 Corvette has a "birthday" of Nov. 17, 1958. Is the 519 casting correct, and what is the earliest date that should be cast on the block? Also, I have a pair of 550 heads dated Sept. 20, 1958--is that OK or too early? Thanks

tuxnharley

The 519 block was introduced to Corvettes in 1959, and was used on all 1959, '60, and '61 Corvettes. Since yours is a relatively early production '59, you really can't have too early of a casting date on it for the car.

After January 1960 the 519 blocks in Corvettes would have had a partial VIN derivative stamped on the engine pad. That should not be the case on your block.Your block should have an engine code and suffix stamped on the pad. What is it?

Also, the 550 heads are correct for the 1959 Corvette up until late production around May 1959, so your Sept heads are just fine with a November build date.

It is not clear to me whether those parts are what is in the car and you are attempting to verify authenticity and originality, or if you are trying to assemble a period correct engine?