oldsarge

I am interested in any clear pics of a 64 327/365 block stamp, to see what it looks like. Why do I see sometimes only one set of numbers, and yet I have seen blocks with two sets of numbers.
I would like to see a very clear example of a 64 327/365 or something that would be the same, thanks for any help.

Mike Ward

The 365s were no different than any other SBC engine of the era. Factory installed engines had the engine plant stamp on the right, the VIN derivative on the left.

ratmotortom

You mean two sets as in a "double strike" where the stamp bounced ?? Those are not really uncommon. It will appear as two sets, one on top of another.

................ or do you mean two sets of numbers ? The assembly date and the VIN sequence and suffix. This would be normal.

Here's one I pulled using a Google search. No idea who's it is or if it's real, but this is basically how the stamp should appear.

oldsarge

That is what I am talking about. Two separate sets of numbers. So the numbers on the left are the vin numbers and the numbers on the right are the engine numbers. So the question is, I thought that the vin numbers were not put on the blocks in the early days. I have seen 870 blocks with just one set of numbers without vins, is this also correct, is the two number sets Corvette only, other 870 blocks with just one set of numbers aren't Corvette or what, please explain a little further for me. Maybe I will get this understood. Thanks.

Geralds57

Any 870 block installed at the factory will have both sets of numbers. Over the counter blocks at the dealership only have the build date and suffix. No ID because it was not installed in a car.

1snake

EVERY Corvette built since early Nov. 1959 left the factory with the VIN stamped on the engine pad as well as the assembly stamp.

Jim

62Jeff

And even passenger car blocks were sans VIN in the early 60s I believe.

Mike Ward

No VIN= replacement block.

emccomas

Early passenger car blocks did not have the necessarily have the VIN number stamped on them.

I had a 66 Chevy II SS with the original 283. It had one set of numbers stamped on the pad, the engine plant stamp.

I have seen a 1967 Impala 327 engine with just the engine plant stamp; no VIN.

I have seen numerous examples of this. VIN stamping on the pad for all engines became standardized around 1968 / 1969 time frame.

I have also seen engines where the engine plant stamp was done using a gang holder (all characters nice and even) and the VIN was stamped individually. This was in a 64 409 Impala.

My guess is that VIN stamping was originally started as a theft deterrent for "highly desirable engines".

This is also one of the reason that passenger car single letter engine suffix code blocks are so desirable. Add a letter to make it whatever HP you want, and stamp your own VIN. Been done many times.

jdk971

i have a 63 impala with vin stamped in the 409 block. however i do not believe the
sb had it. jim

JohnZ

In the mid-60's, usually only the optional performance engines in passenger cars got the VIN derivative stamp on the pad; standard engines didn't.

Photo below is a typical '64 Corvette pad (L84 fuelie).

oldsarge

Thanks guys, I think now I understand why some have two sets of numbers and why some only have one. This does answer my original question as to why, thanks.

conejo110652

So my car, a 1959 corvette was born on Jan 12, 1959 and the motor has only the right side stamped F107CS Is this the original block ??????

oldsarge

That is still what I am trying to be sure about, if it only has one set of stamps, does that mean it is or is not original. Does anyone else out there know they have an original engine with just one set of stampings.

Mike Ward

Part way though '60 model year (Nov. 59) and up Corvettes all had two stamps.

Geralds57

It's Oct. 7, (58?) with two fours and a manual tranny. The CS was used several years, but it would have the vin after November 59. If you are correct about the born date, your engine is way too early for your car but anything is possible I guess. The block would not have had a vin number in October '58. What is your vin? Did you look at the block casting date on the rear passenger side of the block?

62Jeff

October, January, whatever it takes....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...nal-motor.html

See post 12

Geralds57

Sorry, it should be Jan 7, so it would be correct for your car assuming the block casting date lines up with it.

stingrayusa

You are incorrect stating "every" corvette built left with both stampings. There have been several documented corvettes
that only have the engine assembly stamp & no vin. It all
depended on the motivation level of the assembly line worker
that day.

Gary's '66

Have you just come out of a coma? This thread is well over 5 years old!

Gary