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Hi all,
I misplaced my corvette numbers book, so taking the easy way out and asking you all for help. This block was in my Dads basement since the late 70s before transplanting to my basement where it still sits. I thought he said he pulled it out of a 65 coupe he had after it spun a rod bearing. Thanks for the help! Casting number is 3782870 which internet says works.
According to the Lime Book (sticky at top of this page) your engine is out of a 1965 Corvete 327 cubic inch, 350 HP, with 4 bbl carb, manual transmission and TI. Built Sept 11, 1964 for VIN #103330.
Last edited by leif.anderson93; Aug 17, 2019 at 01:47 PM.
Reason: fixed error
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
3782870 is a correct block casting number for blocks cast and used in Corvettes for model years 62-65 327s.
Your VIN derivative appears to be 5103330? That aligns with a 1965, with a VIN ending in 3330, or a car built in (TBD - I'll get back on this).
Your engine build date is F0911HV, which translates to built in Flint (consistent with all small block Corvettes), on September 11th, as an L79 (350hp) with 4 speed and transistorized ignition.
Problems are that the engine build stamp is not consistent with having been in a gang stamp, which raises questions as to authenticity, and the inability to see original broach marks due to paint and rust on the pad. These were not painted from Chevy, so the block has been worked on at some point. However, the VIN derivative looks consistent with other known originals, as do the characters on the build date stamping.
If the block has been in storage for 40 years, there is little chance of a forgery as no one would have likely forged a L79 block in 1979.
If I'm reading the VIN derivative right as 3330, the "born with" car was built on 30 November 1964, which is about 7 weeks after the engine build date - a little late but within NCRS allowances (and GM did not use first in-first out inventory practices at the time).
The fact that there is a VIN derivative and a build date with a HV code validates that it was a Corvette engine, as long as the stampings are authentic.
FWIW, the 1965 Corvette with a VIN ending in 3330 is not in the registry.
Last edited by Easy Rhino; Aug 17, 2019 at 12:05 PM.
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Originally Posted by leif.anderson93
According to the Lime Book (sticky at top of this page) your engine is out of a 1965 Corvete 327 cubic inch, 350 HP, with 4 bbl carb, manual transmission and TI. Built Sept 11, 1965 for VIN #103880.
Leif;
Your 3880 comment caused me to go back, copy and enlarge the pictures, as I have old eyes. I think it is 3330.
Guys thanks for indulging my laziness. Getting pictures involved crawling under some shelving with a cellphone while doing a wife-mandated cleanout; apologies for the quality.
Mods feel free to move this to the orphan parts sticky. If someone has VIN 103330 feel free to send me a PM, and I can drag it out and get some better pictures. My Dad's still around and can give some history on the car.
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Originally Posted by tangel2
Guys thanks for indulging my laziness. Getting pictures involved crawling under some shelving with a cellphone while doing a wife-mandated cleanout; apologies for the quality.
Mods feel free to move this to the orphan parts sticky. If someone has VIN 103330 feel free to send me a PM, and I can drag it out and get some better pictures. My Dad's still around and can give some history on the car.
So I'm going to guess that you're currently deployed?
If you want to increase the odds of reuniting your block with the owner of the 3330 VIN car, assuming it's not too far gone, I would recommend putting the VIN in the title of a new thread and getting it placed in the orphan sticky. I know I would pay big bucks for my "born with" engine if it was still out there.
OP, whatever you do, DO NOT scrape, wire brush, poke, scratch, sand blast, steel abraid etc the engine pad. Only lacquer thinner, rag, toothbrush and light oil.
I did this awhile back for my 1967 car. My car has had Louisiana antique car plates since I titled and registered it back in 1994. The NMVTIDS Report indicates this to be a "red flag" that denotes a negative attribute.......similar to a salvage title, junk car, or other title deficiency. A big BEWARE block is printed across the top of the document.
Now my car is a 27,000 mile original car, with an unhit body and all original drivetrain. One repaint back in 1978. I have the car history on file.
Although the document does show I purchased the car with a Pennsylvania title back in 1994, and that it is currently registered in Louisiana, it is otherwise a useless document for me. But others may have a different perspective. FWIW.
I did this awhile back for my 1967 car. My car has had Louisiana antique car plates since I titled and registered it back in 1994. The NMVTIDS Report indicates this to be a "red flag" that denotes a negative attribute.......similar to a salvage title, junk car, or other title deficiency. A big BEWARE block is printed across the top of the document.
Now my car is a 27,000 mile original car, with an unhit body and all original drivetrain. One repaint back in 1978. I have the car history on file.
Although the document does show I purchased the car with a Pennsylvania title back in 1994, and that it is currently registered in Louisiana, it is otherwise a useless document for me. But others may have a different perspective. FWIW.
Larry
Thanks, guys.
Looks like there's no value for a car I currently own, then.
Engine block decode help
I know I would pay big bucks for my "born with" engine if it was still out there.
