When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Looking at a chrome bumper C3 with a "CE" block, that is supposed to be a replacement block. I have a few questions for those with this kind of knowledge, please chime in. Is the replacement just the block with all of the internals transferred from the original motor, or was it a short or long block with the same specs as the original motor? How much value would a Corvette lose with a CE vs the original born with block/motor?
Regarding the impact on valuation, there is a wide variety of opinions regarding how much but at the end of the day, it’s not the original so the car will be worth less.
Chevrolet Dealer Service Information Bulletin, 69-I-1, dated 19 Sept, 1968: "CE" stamped blocks were warranty and regular over the counter blocks sold thru the parts department. They could be bare blocks, fitted blocks or complete engines.
Barkingrats, Thanks for posting that link. I was given a CE engine (complete) by a friend that was moving away and it is preserved and on a stand in my shop. I keep saying one day I'm going to open it up and go through it, but always something that postpones those plans. Maybe some day...
8956618 CE9 48896
Too-Fast, I hope your search works out for you. As mentioned above, if the rest of the car is in good shape, I wouldn't let a CE engine be a turn off unless you are determined for a numbers matching car. Good luck
Last edited by Driving69; Oct 28, 2025 at 04:56 PM.
I bought my CE motored LT-1 at a great price. From my research, there’s a significant decrease in value due to that. I’ve read such things as “just consider it a base ‘Vette as far as value when it has the CE. More so if no documentation”. Knowing that, I’m resto modding it and making it the way I want with little to no concerns about it’s LT-1 birthing. I figure if I ever go to sell that it will just bring what any ‘71 restomod would according to whats there.
As a side not, what was mentioned about the CE short block seams to be true. The heads and intake are true LT-1 originals.
Last edited by litevette; Oct 28, 2025 at 09:47 PM.