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'69 350/350 casting numbers?

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Old 08-13-2007, 02:45 PM
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jbroughton
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Default '69 350/350 casting numbers?

Hey guys, anybody know off the top of your head what the correct block casting number(s) would be for a 1969 350/350 motor? I've come across what is supposed to be a '69 350 engine that was recently pulled out of a street rod. It looks like the casting number is 3932388, which Moretec shows as a '69 327 or 350 block.

My car was orginally a 350/350 car, but the original motor is long gone, and I thought if I could pick up a correct engine for decent $$$ it might be worth looking into.

Thanks!
Jeff
Old 08-13-2007, 03:20 PM
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TheSkunkWorks
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According to my books, casting number should be #3932386 for '69 350/350 Corvette.
#3932388 is a '68-'74 Pass, Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, Monte Carlo & '69-'76 Truck 2-bolt main casting.
Old 08-13-2007, 03:58 PM
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jbroughton
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Great, thanks for the help! I didn't figure I would be lucky enough to just stumble across the right block like that, but you never know. I went back and double checked, and the last digit was definitely an "8" on this one.

Thanks again for the help....
Old 08-13-2007, 05:01 PM
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TheSkunkWorks
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Originally Posted by FrankVincent
Actually, it would depend on the date of your car ...
3932386 was in use from August 1968 to January 1969.
3956618 was in use from January 1969 to April 1969.
3970010 was in use from April 1969 to the end of the year.
All three casting numbers were 4 bolt blocks for 300 or 350hp.
They will also have a casting date on the rear passenger side which would be earlier than the date of the car (driver door trim tag) ...
Good luck in your search ...
My casting book isn't arranged by vehicle, so I missed those additional good numbers above. Guess I should have pulled out my NCRS book too. Thanks for correcting my incomplete info.
Old 08-13-2007, 07:56 PM
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stingr69
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"388" block was used in several configurations. Colvin said it was uncertain usage and rare. Chevy documents did not have much info at the time he published his book but I think he has since found this block to be more common than originaly thought. It was definately used during the time period in question.

Maybe you should snag it if you can get it for a good price. They are valuable to numbers matching people particularly because nobody knows for sure what they were used on. It is a mystery block.

-Mark.
Old 08-13-2007, 08:34 PM
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Default Add to the soup

According to the "Black Book" both the 388 & 386 were used for the 350 300 & 350 HP options.

Isn't this fun??????

John
Old 08-13-2007, 11:44 PM
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TheSkunkWorks
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It's not like the vette in question is ever going to be an original numbers matching example again. So, does having a block with the right casting and date w/o the original stamp really make that much of a difference as to justify going to the considerable trouble of finding one??
Old 08-14-2007, 02:33 AM
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TheSkunkWorks
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Originally Posted by FrankVincent
Only if it's going to be ncrs judged (that'll probably get a reaction!!) ... According to the 1968-72 Mechanical scoring, you get almost maximum points for the right block with correct casting date and original pad surface(broach marks). The most you can lose is 25 points for the assembly stamp and 25 for the VIN, assuming the original broach marks are evident(you could also lose 38 for wrong pad surface). Under this scenario, you can easily Top Flight without the original engine.
If the block number is wrong, you lose 350 points, and any chance for Top Flight. If the casting date is wrong, you lose 175 points.
It's just all part of the game !!!
Thanks for the very informative explaination. Guess that makes it a worthwhile hunt for some, but (and please, don't let it start another civil war on here for my saying so, because I can accept that there's more than one way to enjoy Corvette ownership) I'm not that into the NCRS way of life myself. That said, if I happen to find myself back in the market for a truly special C3, I too will carry my NCRS spec guide with me, just to make sure.
Old 08-14-2007, 07:37 AM
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ChuckPhillips
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This my problem. My vette was born on April 1st. the 618 block is not real easy to find since it was only used for 3 months. There is a lot of talk about the build dates and how close to be on the dates, some say 6 months, others say 3. Here is my take....

I could get a 010 block that they used for 7 years and they are a dime a dozen, but why do it half? You can get a cheap motor and throw it in there, while either building a motor that should be in there, or something special of your own, looks, size ect... No use spending money to just building something that is just close.
Old 08-14-2007, 10:41 AM
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jbroughton
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Wow, and I thought it was a simple question! My car was built in July '69, so I guess the 3970010 would be the closest to correct. I haven't really been looking, as there are so many other non-original items on the car that originality has never been much of an issue with me. I just happened upon this one last weekend and thought I might be able to get a deal on it.

Anyway, thanks for all the good info everybody!!

Jeff
Old 08-14-2007, 11:45 AM
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ChuckPhillips
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Sounds like your idea would work. If you have so many other items that are not original to the car and don't plan on making it "Dated" then sounds like it may work.

One thought.... the 350 from the 88 I put in had a couple issues.

1. NO hole drilled/tapped for the pivot pin for the clutch.
2. Center Bolt Heads
3. No holes in heads to mount bracket for alt. and what have you to give original look. and a few other things.
Old 10-09-2012, 01:25 PM
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cooleyhobdy
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Default 69 vette block

have 69 vette block 3970010 j15-9 engine runs call 229-560-3622
Old 10-09-2012, 02:08 PM
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Alan 71
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Hi ch,
Welcome! First Post!!
Since this thread is 5 years old maybe you'd have a better response by listing your for sale engine in the Parts For Sale/Wanted Forum.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

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