Help with engine codes please
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 15
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Help with engine codes please
My 1969 vette has vin#194379S723922 ENGINE BLOCK CASTING#3970010 STAMPED#19J111055 CASTING DATE H118 according to Chevrolet by the numbers book this engine was not manufactured until april of 1969 but casting date says August 11,1968. Anybody know anything about this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,507
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From: Little Rock AR
You posted everything BUT the assembly date/suffix stamp. I suspect it was an engine out of a full sized passenger car assembled at the Janesville WI plant. The most likely reason you have an "8" (if it truly is an "8") is block was cast in 1978 for a 1979 model year vehicle. I bet you have a 3 digit suffix stamped on the pad and that would clinch it for me.
An early production engine for a 1979 full sized passenger vehicle is my guess.
-Mark.
An early production engine for a 1979 full sized passenger vehicle is my guess.
-Mark.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 15
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The book Chevy by the numbers said that this block casting number ran until 1975, and was only built as a four bolt main engine, 300 or 350 hp. Also no suffix, above this number on the left is "10" on the right is "RH" which I took to mean Right hand rotation.
Last edited by nealkeith; Jul 19, 2007 at 10:34 PM. Reason: add info
Account disabled by user request 5 Jan 09
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*Information from Corvette by the Numbers, 1955-82, Alan Colvin
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
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From: indy indiana
casting dates and build dates will not match, ever. The blocks sit awhile, till needed for a certian car. Build dates are then stamped. My block has the same "cast" code as yours (3970010) . These blocks were as follows..350, 1969 thru 1980,2 or 4 bolt mains.
327, 1969, 2 bolt, truck industrail
302, 1969, 4 bolt, Z-28 camaro
Also, these blocks are the "high nickle content" blocks, which are the strongest blocks made in the era. drag racers like them. My info comes from http://www.mortec.com/
327, 1969, 2 bolt, truck industrail
302, 1969, 4 bolt, Z-28 camaro
Also, these blocks are the "high nickle content" blocks, which are the strongest blocks made in the era. drag racers like them. My info comes from http://www.mortec.com/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 15
From: Confusion
You posted everything BUT the assembly date/suffix stamp. I suspect it was an engine out of a full sized passenger car assembled at the Janesville WI plant. The most likely reason you have an "8" (if it truly is an "8") is block was cast in 1978 for a 1979 model year vehicle. I bet you have a 3 digit suffix stamped on the pad and that would clinch it for me.
An early production engine for a 1979 full sized passenger vehicle is my guess.
-Mark.
An early production engine for a 1979 full sized passenger vehicle is my guess.
-Mark.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Little Neck NY
Approximate birthday 194379S723922: July 8, 1969
1969 Engine Block Casting Numbers:
Casting # Cubic Inches Description/Application
3932386 350 300 & 350 Horsepower (early)
3932388 350 (unverified)
3956618 350 300 & 350 Horsepower (mid)
3970010 350 300 & 350 Horsepower (late)
3935439 427 390, 400, 430 & 435 Horsepower (early)
3955270 427 390, 400, 430 & 435 Horsepower (early)
3963512 427 390, 400, 430 & 435 Horsepower (late)
3946052 427 430 Horsepower ZL1 (aluminum)
Your VIN Report:
Division (1): Chevrolet
Car Line (9437): Corvette Sport Coupe
Model Year (9): 1969
Plant (S): St. Louis, MO
Sequence Number: 723922
1969 Engine Block Casting Numbers:
Casting # Cubic Inches Description/Application
3932386 350 300 & 350 Horsepower (early)
3932388 350 (unverified)
3956618 350 300 & 350 Horsepower (mid)
3970010 350 300 & 350 Horsepower (late)
3935439 427 390, 400, 430 & 435 Horsepower (early)
3955270 427 390, 400, 430 & 435 Horsepower (early)
3963512 427 390, 400, 430 & 435 Horsepower (late)
3946052 427 430 Horsepower ZL1 (aluminum)
Your VIN Report:
Division (1): Chevrolet
Car Line (9437): Corvette Sport Coupe
Model Year (9): 1969
Plant (S): St. Louis, MO
Sequence Number: 723922
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The Janesville, WI assembly plant now makes Suburbans and Tahoes. Not sure what was in production at Janesville in 1969. I'm guessing you've got a 350 out of a Caprice.
There should be a second number on the engine pad in addition to the VIN derivative stamp. It will list the engine suffix code and identify what you have.
There should be a second number on the engine pad in addition to the VIN derivative stamp. It will list the engine suffix code and identify what you have.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 20, 2007 at 02:36 PM.