1972 engine block info
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1972 engine block info
Help is needed to find out what I really have. I was told when I bought this car 72, 350 motor, automatic, 400 trans, coupe. That is was a number matching car and that it had a experimental block that GM was trying out. I would have bought the car no matter if this is true or not, but would like to know if this is true. The vin is 1Z37K2S520047 the number on the front of the motor is V(0 or O) 4 the next number could be a 2, or 9 or 8 it's hard to see the stamped number it is partially stamped. I am leaning that it is a 2. Then it's 4CKX. If more is needed please tell me. Thanks in advance for your help!!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
The CKX suffix indicates a base engine (200HP) with auto transmission. This fits with the K in your VIN which means base engine. Possibly the original engine for your car.
There is nothing that suggest that your car or any '72 had an experimental engine or anything similar.
There is nothing that suggest that your car or any '72 had an experimental engine or anything similar.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
Welcome!
First post!!
Glad you're here.
Mike answered your question well.
Posting a picture of the stamped pad from your engine will get you some opinions on whether it's likely that this is indeed the engine your 72 left St.Louis with.
Seeing a couple pictures of you car would be enjoyable for us too.
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
First post!!
Glad you're here.
Mike answered your question well.
Posting a picture of the stamped pad from your engine will get you some opinions on whether it's likely that this is indeed the engine your 72 left St.Louis with.
Seeing a couple pictures of you car would be enjoyable for us too.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Never seen a car leave the factory with an experimental block to be sold to the public. The General was pretty tight lipped on stuff like that getting out but many cars had engines swapped under warranty with all kind of numbers stamped.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Check the block casting number. You may have a 3970014 block. A few of these have been documented on 72s built after March or so. It is not an experimental engine. It's a 350 block thought to have been cast at Tonawanda, then shipped to Flint for machining and engine assembly. From Flint, it would have gone to St. Louis.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Check the block casting number. You may have a 3970014 block. A few of these have been documented on 72s built after March or so. It is not an experimental engine. It's a 350 block thought to have been cast at Tonawanda, then shipped to Flint for machining and engine assembly. From Flint, it would have gone to St. Louis.
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From: Camp Verde AZ
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FWIW, I don't think ANYBODY has bothered to fake a CKX block. Even restamping a VIN on it, it isn't worth the hassle for the lack of $$ you will get.
That is what i have in my '72 car.
I can see VIN tag and motor swap into a stolen car from a wrecked one to wash it, but not a restamp on something like this
It isn't some sought after desirable 427/435 motor in a '67, for example, where people put even epoxy casts of block casting numbers over the ground off casting number for a 396.
Doug
That is what i have in my '72 car.
I can see VIN tag and motor swap into a stolen car from a wrecked one to wash it, but not a restamp on something like this
It isn't some sought after desirable 427/435 motor in a '67, for example, where people put even epoxy casts of block casting numbers over the ground off casting number for a 396.
Doug