I've got a 70 model 454 block with the following codes stamed on it. CZU 70S416864. Is this something a corvette restorer could use, or is it just another 32 year old block? I'm told it would add no value to my 70 chevelle which is what I originally bought it for.

Thanks,

Jim

 

CZU - 1970 Corvette 454/390hp with manual transmission
70S416864 - the 16,864th Corvette built that model year

 

By the way, Jim, welcome to the forum. :cheers:

 

Jim, if you happened to find the guy that owns the 16,864th Corvette made in 1970 (late July car), it would indeed be worth something to him.

In any event, a Mark IV block is always worth something more than just a 32 year old block. Unless you building a concourse restoration Chevelle, it is could be worth something to you. I don't know about Chevelle "judging", but in NCRS, the block will get most of the judging points if it is the proper configuration, and casting dated within 6 months perceding the "build date" of the car.

If you are missing your original engine, and your aspiration is a completely original car, it is possible that you are as close as your ever going to get with this block. Barring, of course, that ethics-questionable practice of having your block decked and restamped. Then you run the risk of having your original engine really turning up in a NOM car...don't ever say never, it's happened before at one of the largest Corvette shows. If your original engine was replaced under warranty (you would have CE preceding the stamped number), you will almost certainly never find your original block.

At any given time, there are a few folks trying to match up original engines with the Corvettes in which they were installed. Sometimes, it is successful, and that is a very happy, almost miraculous occasion, but most times it is a very long shot. For example, if that Corvette was totaled so that the engine, transmission, and other parts were all that was salvageable, then you are on a wild goose chase. But sometimes it happens.


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 8:05 AM 4/2/2002]


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 8:06 AM 4/2/2002]

 

That guys for the input and warm welcome to this forum. I didn't know if posting this engine question here would have been out of place. I might try placing an ad in parts for sale section. Who knows, the car owner could be a member here.

Thanks again,

Jim

 

Juliet has #s 16850 and 16888 in the 70 registry. You might check there anyway, in fact you could probably post the engine info. That would be an interesting entry, "engine only" :) MJ
http://www.1970corvetteregistry.org/

 

Just a side note - I happen to have a 70 454/390 vert I'm restoring. # 416838. Must have been made same week. :cool: