Cajun_LS3

1969 coupe with an L46. VIN matches, but the engine ID code confuses me.
V 1 I 2 5 H W. (To be clear, that is the letter "I" following the number "1")

V=Flint, MI
1 I = ??
2 5 = 25th day
H W = 350ci/350hp, no A/C

emccomas

The letter "I" is often used to represent the digit "1" in stamped numbers. Common practice with Chevy engines.

So 1 I is 11th month (November).

Cajun_LS3

Makes sense. Besides the VIN, is there another stamp that could confirm that 1I=November?

Revi

The date stamp on the engine (1I= Nov) is when the engine was built at Flint. The partial VIN that is stamped on the engine pad would have been applied in St Louis when the car was built. Your car could have been built a couple of weeks to a couple of months after the engine stamp date (Nov. 11, 1968 or 69). Your Trim Tag located on the drivers side door post will tell you when the car was built.

FYI - my car was built May 18, 1970, but the engine was assembled on March 25, 1970.

gbvette62

There are no other "stamped" numbers, on the block, but there is a casting date. On the right side of the flange, that the bellhousing bolts to, you will find the date the block was cast. Normally, the block will have been cast within a few days of when the engine was assembled.

Obviously, the block would have to been cast prior to the engine's assembly date. This sounds pretty simple, but I have seen restamped blocks, with casting dates after the assembly date.

Cajun_LS3

If anyone has pictures of similar instances, I'd love to see them.

Calo69

Cajun, have same car, can't remember engine code offhand, but a Nov. build. Vin 31xxx you should be close. I'll see if I can get pics tommorow, weather permitting

Cajun_LS3

Thanks. If you have a picture, I'd love to see it.

Calo69

If I get to car tommorow I'll get some pics, it's very stock, anything in particular you looking for?
Made mistake before vin is 34xxx should be closer

Cajun_LS3

Mainly just the engine ID code and VIN on the stamp pad.

Alan 71

Hi C,
Here's a picture of a pad on which the 'I' stamp was used in place of the '1' stamp.
The picture was posted on the DB as part of the thread about the pad you're looking at.
Regards,
Alan

Easy Mike

Try Google Images. As Ed stated, it is very common to see an alpha I used in place of a numeric 1 in engine stamps. It is also common to see variations of numeric zeroes. Note the two in Alan's pic.^