Dennis
Engine Identification...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ingleside, Illinois
Engine Identification...
Dear Forum;
I recently purchased a '63 Corvette with the removable hard Top.
I've been messing with Cars for the last 60-ish years but, have never had to question their Engines.
All of the '63 Corvettes that I have looked at have had their Alternator on the right side of the Engine.
My '63 has it on the left side. What does this mean?
The Engine code is 9875954 GM1. I am a novice when it comes to 'reading' this code
Would someone be able to help an old guy?
David Nelson.
I recently purchased a '63 Corvette with the removable hard Top.
I've been messing with Cars for the last 60-ish years but, have never had to question their Engines.
All of the '63 Corvettes that I have looked at have had their Alternator on the right side of the Engine.
My '63 has it on the left side. What does this mean?
The Engine code is 9875954 GM1. I am a novice when it comes to 'reading' this code
Would someone be able to help an old guy?
David Nelson.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,652
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
Where did you find what you're referring to as the "Engine code is 9875954"? While it looks like a Chevrolet casting number I'm not aware of any seven digit casting numbers that start with "9", they usually start with a "3". If it was on the left rear of the block it is the casting number, but you need to recheck it. The correct casting number for a 63 327 is 3782870.
On the right front of the block, just forward of the right side cylinder head is a machined pad that should have two sets of numbers/letters stamped into it. One is the engine code which will include a letter for the engine plant, four numbers for the month and day of assembly and one, two or three letters to identify what the engine is. The second set of numbers is a VIN derivative that should match your car's VIN.
On the right front of the block, just forward of the right side cylinder head is a machined pad that should have two sets of numbers/letters stamped into it. One is the engine code which will include a letter for the engine plant, four numbers for the month and day of assembly and one, two or three letters to identify what the engine is. The second set of numbers is a VIN derivative that should match your car's VIN.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 553
From: Sun Prairie WI
Dear Forum;
I recently purchased a '63 Corvette with the removable hard Top.
I've been messing with Cars for the last 60-ish years but, have never had to question their Engines.
All of the '63 Corvettes that I have looked at have had their Alternator on the right side of the Engine.
My '63 has it on the left side. What does this mean?
The Engine code is 9875954 GM1. I am a novice when it comes to 'reading' this code
Would someone be able to help an old guy?
David Nelson.
I recently purchased a '63 Corvette with the removable hard Top.
I've been messing with Cars for the last 60-ish years but, have never had to question their Engines.
All of the '63 Corvettes that I have looked at have had their Alternator on the right side of the Engine.
My '63 has it on the left side. What does this mean?
The Engine code is 9875954 GM1. I am a novice when it comes to 'reading' this code
Would someone be able to help an old guy?
David Nelson.
Perhaps you provided the casting number from the top of intake manifold instead of the engine block casting number? If so perhaps the first digit is a "3" -- not a "9"? If so, that's common Chevelle, Chevy II, etc quadrajet intake for late 60's metal car. The "GM1" would be the mold number used for that casting (batch) likely from the Saginaw Grey Iron or Tonawanda foundry.
Drifting
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 997
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
yeah, the intake casting number won't tell you a whole lot about the rest of the engine!
The block will have it's casting number on the top left rear (top of the bellhousing), and the casting date either nearby, or on the other side of the top of the bellhousing area. The casting date code will be a letter followed by 1 to 4 numbers, the last one is the last digit of the year.
The stamped numbers and letters on the pass side top of the block, just in front of the head, are most informative (if they are there).
Pictures help a lot.
fwiw, most Chevy engines had the alternator or generator on the driver side through 1968, and switched to the pass side in 69...but Corvettes were different, of course.
The block will have it's casting number on the top left rear (top of the bellhousing), and the casting date either nearby, or on the other side of the top of the bellhousing area. The casting date code will be a letter followed by 1 to 4 numbers, the last one is the last digit of the year.
The stamped numbers and letters on the pass side top of the block, just in front of the head, are most informative (if they are there).
Pictures help a lot.
fwiw, most Chevy engines had the alternator or generator on the driver side through 1968, and switched to the pass side in 69...but Corvettes were different, of course.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 1,357
From: Edmonds Washington (Stunning view of Olympic Mtns and Puget Sound)
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Dear Forum;
I recently purchased a '63 Corvette with the removable hard Top.
I've been messing with Cars for the last 60-ish years but, have never had to question their Engines.
All of the '63 Corvettes that I have looked at have had their Alternator on the right side of the Engine.
My '63 has it on the left side. What does this mean?
The Engine code is 9875954 GM1. I am a novice when it comes to 'reading' this code
Would someone be able to help an old guy?
David Nelson.
I recently purchased a '63 Corvette with the removable hard Top.
I've been messing with Cars for the last 60-ish years but, have never had to question their Engines.
All of the '63 Corvettes that I have looked at have had their Alternator on the right side of the Engine.
My '63 has it on the left side. What does this mean?
The Engine code is 9875954 GM1. I am a novice when it comes to 'reading' this code
Would someone be able to help an old guy?
David Nelson.
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