I found a NOS 56 Corvette block with a 1954 date code? Confused
10-20-2017, 01:41 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
I found a NOS 56 Corvette block with a 1954 date code? Confused
I'm trying to properly identify this NOS 265 bare block have. I pulled it out of the original GM crate and I'm struggling with identification before I sell it.
So the date code is K114 and the casting is 3720991. This tells me that, according to a parts manual, it's a 265ci V8 that matches numbers for a 1956-1957 Corvette
The date code, though, says it was built in October of 1954. How could that work?
So the date code is K114 and the casting is 3720991. This tells me that, according to a parts manual, it's a 265ci V8 that matches numbers for a 1956-1957 Corvette
The date code, though, says it was built in October of 1954. How could that work?
Last edited by Shdggsdv; 10-20-2017 at 01:41 PM.
10-20-2017, 01:52 PM
#2
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I'm trying to properly identify this NOS 265 bare block have. I pulled it out of the original GM crate and I'm struggling with identification before I sell it.
So the date code is K114 and the casting is 3720991. This tells me that, according to a parts manual, it's a 265ci V8 that matches numbers for a 1956-1957 Corvette
The date code, though, says it was built in October of 1954. How could that work?
So the date code is K114 and the casting is 3720991. This tells me that, according to a parts manual, it's a 265ci V8 that matches numbers for a 1956-1957 Corvette
The date code, though, says it was built in October of 1954. How could that work?
I have a friend with a Tonawanda 991 block (1956 casting) dated A 18 61 (as I recall). There is nothing stamped on the front pad.
10-20-2017, 02:02 PM
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
It has no CE stamp or anything that would indicate a replacement block, but I'm not sure if they did that back then
It was in a crate marked 3734105 which I now see is a 55-56. The camshaft did have a 1960 date code, though. Can't find a date code on the crankshaft. I guess you could be right. Seems weird to me, though, having an earlier date code on the camshaft for a replacement engine. How would you even tell the difference between an early production engine versus a 1964 replacement?
Last edited by Shdggsdv; 10-20-2017 at 02:04 PM.
10-20-2017, 03:01 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Nice find.
The cast date K114 would be November 11 1954.
I think that block would be correct for 55 and 56 but I'm far from an expert on those early cars.
The cast date K114 would be November 11 1954.
I think that block would be correct for 55 and 56 but I'm far from an expert on those early cars.
Last edited by Critter1; 10-20-2017 at 03:06 PM.
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10-20-2017, 03:29 PM
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
Nothing is stamped on the front pad.
10-20-2017, 04:06 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
Looking in a 1963 printing of the GM parts book, I see a 3732105 partial engine assembly with a casting number of 3720991. (also still shown in a 1966 printing) It's usage lists 55 and 56 pass car with a 2 bbl carburetor and manual transmission.
I think the original 55 block was discontinued and later serviced by the 56 block. That would make the 991 more universal and used to service both years. There would likely be a note in the shipping crate that mentions the fact that a filter assembly would be necessary to service 55 models.
So it's very possible that your block was cast in 1964 instead of 1954.
No partial/short blocks had any stamping on the stamp pad until 1968. Only complete engine assemblies would have had stamps.
The letter/character "I" as dropped in casting dates so your "K" month would be November. "I" was not used for casting dates as it looked too much like a number one. At least that's true for later 50's and all 60's casting dates.
I think the original 55 block was discontinued and later serviced by the 56 block. That would make the 991 more universal and used to service both years. There would likely be a note in the shipping crate that mentions the fact that a filter assembly would be necessary to service 55 models.
So it's very possible that your block was cast in 1964 instead of 1954.
No partial/short blocks had any stamping on the stamp pad until 1968. Only complete engine assemblies would have had stamps.
The letter/character "I" as dropped in casting dates so your "K" month would be November. "I" was not used for casting dates as it looked too much like a number one. At least that's true for later 50's and all 60's casting dates.
10-20-2017, 04:17 PM
#9
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Looking in a 1963 printing of the GM parts book, I see a 3732105 partial engine assembly with a casting number of 3720991. (also still shown in a 1966 printing) It's usage lists 55 and 56 pass car with a 2 bbl carburetor and manual transmission.
I think the original 55 block was discontinued and later serviced by the 56 block. That would make the 991 more universal and used to service both years. There would likely be a note in the shipping crate that mentions the fact that a filter assembly would be necessary to service 55 models.
So it's very possible that your block was cast in 1964 instead of 1954.
No partial/short blocks had any stamping on the stamp pad until 1968. Only complete engine assemblies would have had stamps.
The letter/character "I" as dropped in casting dates so your "K" month would be November. "I" was not used for casting dates as it looked too much like a number one. At least that's true for later 50's and all 60's casting dates.
I think the original 55 block was discontinued and later serviced by the 56 block. That would make the 991 more universal and used to service both years. There would likely be a note in the shipping crate that mentions the fact that a filter assembly would be necessary to service 55 models.
So it's very possible that your block was cast in 1964 instead of 1954.
No partial/short blocks had any stamping on the stamp pad until 1968. Only complete engine assemblies would have had stamps.
The letter/character "I" as dropped in casting dates so your "K" month would be November. "I" was not used for casting dates as it looked too much like a number one. At least that's true for later 50's and all 60's casting dates.
Still a pretty neat find.
Last edited by emccomas; 10-20-2017 at 04:17 PM.
10-20-2017, 04:21 PM
#10
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Looking in a 1963 printing of the GM parts book, I see a 3732105 partial engine assembly with a casting number of 3720991. (also still shown in a 1966 printing) It's usage lists 55 and 56 pass car with a 2 bbl carburetor and manual transmission.
I think the original 55 block was discontinued and later serviced by the 56 block. That would make the 991 more universal and used to service both years. There would likely be a note in the shipping crate that mentions the fact that a filter assembly would be necessary to service 55 models.
So it's very possible that your block was cast in 1964 instead of 1954.
No partial/short blocks had any stamping on the stamp pad until 1968. Only complete engine assemblies would have had stamps.
The letter/character "I" as dropped in casting dates so your "K" month would be November. "I" was not used for casting dates as it looked too much like a number one. At least that's true for later 50's and all 60's casting dates.
I think the original 55 block was discontinued and later serviced by the 56 block. That would make the 991 more universal and used to service both years. There would likely be a note in the shipping crate that mentions the fact that a filter assembly would be necessary to service 55 models.
So it's very possible that your block was cast in 1964 instead of 1954.
No partial/short blocks had any stamping on the stamp pad until 1968. Only complete engine assemblies would have had stamps.
The letter/character "I" as dropped in casting dates so your "K" month would be November. "I" was not used for casting dates as it looked too much like a number one. At least that's true for later 50's and all 60's casting dates.
Here is a 1964 engine with a casting of I 21 3, and an assembly of F0923S.
Last edited by emccomas; 10-20-2017 at 04:25 PM.
10-20-2017, 05:03 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
10-20-2017, 05:27 PM
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10-20-2017, 11:33 PM
#15
Melting Slicks