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Engine Date Code 1977 c3

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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 02:58 PM
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Default Engine Date Code 1977 c3

I have a 1977 L48 Automatic trans. The books say only engine date code 3970010 was used for 1977 corvettes. I have date code 3970014, and yes the numbers on the front pad match my VIN. It is a CLA with date code 3970014.

Wondering if someone can help me understand the discrepancy and tell me if it is a 2 or 4 bolt engine. Thanks
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:10 PM
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That 6 digit number is not a date code. CLA would be a 2 bolt.

•Also cast into the top rear of the block is a four-symbol code indicating when the engine was built ◦The first letter of the date code shows the month the block was cast
◦The one or two numbers shows the month
◦The last digit shows the year
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:13 PM
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3970010 & 3970014 are the casting codes for a Chevy 350 block, but there are others as well. Millions have been made.

You should see some letters/numbers on the engine stamp pad next to the CLA. (example V0127CTJ)
V-Flint, 0127 - Jan. 27th

This is an axample of a 1970.

Last edited by Revi; Sep 30, 2014 at 03:18 PM.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by HavaC3
...It is a CLA...
There are numbers and letters in front of the CLA. V for Flint Engine; the remaining four numbers are the month and day the engine was assembled at Flint. The engine assembly date must be before the time build code on your trim tag.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 11:28 PM
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Thanks for all of that info. Excellent information. It looks I have V0825CLA.

My mistake in calling the casting code the date code, but at least I now know the engine assembly date and that CLA is a 2-bolt main engine...how do you know CLA is a 2 bolt?
Again, thanks for the replies and information.
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Old Oct 1, 2014 | 08:12 AM
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If I'm not mistaken, the L48 were all 2 bolt mains and the L82 was a 4 bolt main block.
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Old Oct 1, 2014 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by HavaC3
...It looks I have V0825CLA...
Bingo. An L-48 for automatic transmission assembled on August 25.

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