Decode please
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,843
Likes: 5,389
From: Richardson Texas
The Chevrolet 3849852 engine block casting number was used in 283 engines from 1957 to 1966 in passenger cars and El Camino...never in a Corvette. The F402DE translates as follows:
F - Flint foundry
04 - April
02 - 2nd day of April
DE - either '58 or '59 283/170hp with 2bbl carb and powerglide from a passenger car or '64 - '67 283/195hp with 2bbl carb and powerglide from a Nova, Chevelle or El Camino.
Check the cast date on the passenger side of the rear of the block. Should be a letter and three numbers...post up what you find for a definitive date.
F - Flint foundry
04 - April
02 - 2nd day of April
DE - either '58 or '59 283/170hp with 2bbl carb and powerglide from a passenger car or '64 - '67 283/195hp with 2bbl carb and powerglide from a Nova, Chevelle or El Camino.
Check the cast date on the passenger side of the rear of the block. Should be a letter and three numbers...post up what you find for a definitive date.
Last edited by leif.anderson93; May 20, 2025 at 09:23 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,388
Likes: 8,812
From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Leif, AFAIK, that block was in production only in the '60s. It was never factory installed in anything before then, based on my unscientific Junque Yardde observations
I've also seen the reference in literature to it being in use beginning in '57. I don't believe it.
I've also seen the reference in literature to it being in use beginning in '57. I don't believe it.
