Another ce3959512 question
12-31-2018, 05:41 PM
#1
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Another ce3959512 question
the original fuelie motor is gone from my 63 and has a CE3959512 block in it now. A prior owner bought it about 1973 and had since 2015 and this motor was in it when he bought it. From about 1980 to end of 2015 it sat in a garage unused. I am trying to figure out more on the motor. On the stamp pad is 2n 22661. At the rear of the block by the distributor is either C7827 or CT827 or T. It also had an original canister style oil filter which I put an adaptor on for a spin on filter. I thought all 512 blocks had spin on filters? I am guessing the 2 before the N on the stamp pad signifies cast in 1972? The 22661 was a Flint cast block. Any info you guys can share as always is appreciated.
Last edited by Little red 63; 12-31-2018 at 05:43 PM.
12-31-2018, 09:30 PM
#2
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These blocks are stamped with a sequential number that tells nothing about the configuration. Could be large or small journal, cast flat tops or forged domed pistons, solid or hydraulic cam. You’ll have to check the parts.
Last edited by pop23235; 12-31-2018 at 09:31 PM.
12-31-2018, 11:06 PM
#4
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The spin on filter was standard on SB Chevrolets in 1968, for the most part. From '64-'67 the Chevy II used a slightly different block. It had the clutch pivot boss relocated and the filter boss was raised in the block in the 1/2 inch due to the restrictions in the Nova subframe which gave more room for the clutch linkage, which meant no room for the standard canister.
Last edited by Dan Hampton; 12-31-2018 at 11:14 PM.
01-01-2019, 07:04 AM
#5
Happy New Year,
I have a similar engine story to you. Mine got a long block in '72 with no stamp pad info.
I got the most information from the metal tag on the distributor, But I also checked the head casting numbers, intake and carburetor.
• CE Engine #3959512 Date Code - J 17 2 = November 17, 1972 (back of the engine)
and canister filter.
Phil
I have a similar engine story to you. Mine got a long block in '72 with no stamp pad info.
I got the most information from the metal tag on the distributor, But I also checked the head casting numbers, intake and carburetor.
• CE Engine #3959512 Date Code - J 17 2 = November 17, 1972 (back of the engine)
and canister filter.
Phil
Last edited by 856666; 01-01-2019 at 07:05 AM.
01-02-2019, 01:54 PM
#6
Drifting
the original fuelie motor is gone from my 63 and has a CE3959512 block in it now. A prior owner bought it about 1973 and had since 2015 and this motor was in it when he bought it. From about 1980 to end of 2015 it sat in a garage unused. I am trying to figure out more on the motor. On the stamp pad is 2n 22661. At the rear of the block by the distributor is either C7827 or CT827 or T. It also had an original canister style oil filter which I put an adaptor on for a spin on filter. I thought all 512 blocks had spin on filters? I am guessing the 2 before the N on the stamp pad signifies cast in 1972? The 22661 was a Flint cast block. Any info you guys can share as always is appreciated.
If for some reason your '512 block is machined for a spin-on filter and you want to convert to an original-style canister-type filter for original appearance, there is actually a GM part that was made to accomplish this for truck applications. My guess is that GM wanted to retain the large canister-type filter for some post-1968 trucks that used blocks designed for spin-on passenger applications. I can dig up some info on this part if anyone is interested.
One nice feature of the '512 block is that it was designed as a general-purpose replacement block that could be be machined at the factory for either a small-journal or large-journal crankshaft, and for either 2-bolt or 4-bolt mains caps. It also has the 350-style rod clearance notches at the bottom of the cylinder bores that first appeared for 350 applications. This makes the '512 block a good candidate for building a stock-appearing 383 stroker motor.
I think the only way to find out whether your particular block has a small-journal or large-journal crankshaft, and either 2-bolt or 4-bolt mains caps, is to drop the pan and take a look.
01-02-2019, 04:11 PM
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Thank you gearhead Joe. My understanding is that 512 blocks were spin on filter style, not canister? Mine was the original canister and I put a spin on adaptor kit but it sometimes drips a little. As far as 2 or 4 bolt main or small or large journals, I am not sure but here are some pics with my oil pan off when I changed out the pan gasket.
01-02-2019, 10:16 PM
#10
Drifting
Thank you gearhead Joe. My understanding is that 512 blocks were spin on filter style, not canister? Mine was the original canister and I put a spin on adaptor kit but it sometimes drips a little. As far as 2 or 4 bolt main or small or large journals, I am not sure but here are some pics with my oil pan off when I changed out the pan gasket.
Regarding the casting date for your engine, that will appear on the passenger side bell housing flange, in a location that corresponds to where the 3959512 casting number appears on the driver's side. Unfortunately, the casting date characters are much smaller than the characters used for the casting number, but with some modest effort the area can be cleaned off and photographed. Attached is a photo of representative casting date "C177," corresponding to March 17, 1967.
In the area above your oil filter, I noticed a "C71" among several other numbers. That is not the "official" location for determining the casting date, but it would not surprise me if the date you find on your bell housing flange is also "C71," which would correspond to March 7, 1971.
