Engine number

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Dec 21, 2009 | 04:03 AM

corvette593

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Engine number

Hello everybody i would like to know if my engine is the originaly engine.
My vette is a C3 L82 anniversary.
The number of my engine is 3970010 and the number on my intake manifold is 458520, i ask it because i haven't the code on the front of engine next to the ac compmressor.
Thank you very much
Gaetan

Dec 21, 2009 | 04:35 AM

mapman

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From: Wichita KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by corvette593

Welcome to the Forum!

Here is a link that should help:
http://www.corvettepartsblog.com/68-...numbers-codes/

At the forward part of the block is the "engine pad" - a flat surface where engine information and a partial V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) is stamped.

The serial number of the partial V.I.N. on the block will match the V.I.N. tag attached to the driver's side front windshield pillar if the engine is original.

The popular 1963-67 and 1968-72 Corvettes generally are more valuable if they have the original engine. Originality is evaluated by the partial V.I.N matching the vehicle V.I.N. and by the block casting part number and block casting date. Because of the price premium an original engine has, these cars may have a "fake" engine. Lots of information on this site - the search command at the top of the page will help.

Again, welcome to the Forum.

Last edited by mapman; Dec 21, 2009 at 04:52 AM.

Dec 21, 2009 | 07:04 AM

corvette593

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Thank you very much but my problem is : there isn't information on the flat surface forward of the block, this surface is Ribband.
I have looking for on corvette world the serial numbers of the carburetor, and the intake manifold it's the good number, the VIN attached to the driver's side front windshield it's the same on the frame and Correspond at the right car.
I want to know if it's the true engine?
Thank you

Dec 21, 2009 | 07:43 AM

Mike Ward

Race Director

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Gaetan,

If the pad at the front of the engine is now blank, there is no way to establish if this the original engine. Sorry.

Dec 21, 2009 | 09:00 AM

BKarol

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From: Northeast

With that being said there is an alternate location near the oil filter which might show the vin. Its not on a machined surface but rough cast. It's rare but apparently has been found on original cars so the experts say.

I haven't learned the reason why it was done but take a look and maybe you will be lucky.

Dec 21, 2009 | 10:46 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

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From: Southbound

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Quote:

Originally Posted by karol

...there is an alternate location near the oil filter which might show the vin. Its not on a machined surface but rough cast. It's rare but apparently has been found on original cars so the experts say...

A VIN stamp might appear here only for the first two or three days of 1970 Corvette production. It will not be there for any later Corvettes.

It might be there for something other than a Corvette engine.

Dec 21, 2009 | 08:31 PM

mapman

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From: Wichita KS

As others have stated, without the partial V.I.N. stamped on the engine you cannot tell for sure if it is the original block. However, you can check to see if the block part number "3970010" is correct for your year car AND if it is the correct block part, then check the "Casting Date" of the block. Obviously the casting date for an original engine will precede the build date of the car. The link below should help. (You can get the build date of the car off the trim tag.)

http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php

or

http://chevyresource.com/corvette.html

Trim tag info at: http://www.c3vr.com/C3-Corvette-Build-Date-Trim-Tag.asp

Last edited by mapman; Dec 21, 2009 at 08:36 PM.

Dec 22, 2009 | 08:27 AM

BKarol

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Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Northeast

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

I got the info from the 78 NCRS judging manual. There is a post over in the NCRS forum from a member here who stated he saw this alternate # near the oil filter on a low mileage 78 SA. Its worth the look.