'69 350/350 casting numbers?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Winston-Salem NC
'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 $$$ it might be worth looking into.
Thanks!
Jeff
My car was orginally a 350/350 car, but the original motor is long gone, and I thought if I could pick up a correct engine for decent $$$ it might be worth looking into.
Thanks!
Jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
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.
#3932388 is a '68-'74 Pass, Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, Monte Carlo & '69-'76 Truck 2-bolt main casting.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Winston-Salem NC
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....
Thanks again for the help....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
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 ...
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 ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 1,463
From: Little Rock AR
"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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
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
Isn't this fun??????
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
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??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
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 !!!
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 !!!
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Winston-Salem NC
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
Anyway, thanks for all the good info everybody!!
Jeff
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,134
Likes: 4,206
From: Westminster Maryland
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
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
