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engine decoding , pls. Urgent.

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Old Oct 24, 2004 | 11:25 AM
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Default engine decoding , pls. Urgent.

Hello

I need some info on following engines, I might purchase.

one engine with a tri-power setup
Intake = GM 3937795 E4 70
Block = GM1 3963512 , 194679 S 715923

The other engine block = HIP RPA SS GMT 3855287

What are this ? What year Tripower is this. Square or oval setup ?

Thanks a lot for all info. Gunther
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Old Oct 24, 2004 | 07:43 PM
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The 512 block is a 1969 427 from corvette s/n 15,923.
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Old Oct 24, 2004 | 08:17 PM
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Hi

OK, so 427 CI 1969 convertible Vette.

Now I just need to identify the tripower setup.
Oval port for 400 HP, rectangular for 435 HP .

Unfortunately, I do not have the engine suffix ID number.

Thanks. Gunther
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by WESCH
Block = GM1 3963512 , 194679 S 715923
That full VIN was never stamped on the block pad - all that would be stamped for that car would be "1 9 S 715923", unless the "194679S" was added to the pad later on for some sort of European registration requirement. That VIN belongs to a car that was built on February 13, 1969.
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Old Oct 26, 2004 | 04:43 AM
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Hi

Your right, I should have spotted this as well.
So, it could be a restamp if this is on the stamp pad.
I will visit this engine soon, the info so far is from the seller.

The other block casting I can't locate anywhere.( mortec.com )

Also, is the tripower intake number for 69 or ?

Thanks. Gunther
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Old Oct 26, 2004 | 07:18 AM
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68-69
400hp
Oval

cheers
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Old Oct 26, 2004 | 01:25 PM
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Hi

Thanks.
I would have prefered the square port tripower setup, but have heard that the oval port one is stronger on lower RPM. Well, if the price is OK, I will go for it.
I guess the 400 HP 69 Corvette setup is still a 4 bolt main, or ?

Rgds. Gunther
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Old Oct 29, 2004 | 06:09 PM
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Default Decoding

390,400 HP Setup is 2-bolt mains. 430 and 435 HP Setup's are 4-bolt mains
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Old Nov 1, 2004 | 12:34 PM
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Hi

Visited this setup today.
Well, the block is dated 1970 ( date code on bellhousing flange, no date code found on the pax side below the freeze plugs ? ), so should be a 454 CI block.
There where 3 sets of numbers stamped onto the VIN stamp pad ?
None of them resembled anything like Corvette alike.
The tripower setup is complete, oval port, but looks old, so needs a good overhaul.
Crankshaft needs to be ground due to frozen piston and rod pin etc.
Most probably, the block needs to be drilled oversize due to scarfs from at least one frozen piston.
Rods are not the dimple once. Pistons have very small dome, so could be the 427 CI 400 HP compression once.
Pistons are 427 CI ( even that the block is dated 70, so 454 ).
Block is a 4 bolt main.

All in all , this incorrect setup ( except for the tripower setup ) requires a lot of work and money spend to get it running.

What would be a fair price for this as is ?

Thanks. Gunther
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Old Dec 3, 2004 | 05:04 AM
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motor rebuild $2500-4000 depending on what's usable, tri-power rebuild $1000 (3 new carbs?).

Offer $500 and go no more than $750.

Just my$.02 worth.

Regards, Mark
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Old Dec 10, 2004 | 12:54 PM
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Default 57 motot

I have a 57 Vette motor, but need to verify to make sure it's correct.
Pad #f424GC
Block # 3731578
Back of block # D287

Carb# 4JET Rochester 0846
exhaust manifold# 378978
I can get the dist #.
Any help would be great.
Thank you,
Bruce Walker in Oregon.
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Old Dec 10, 2004 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by WALKERBS
I have a 57 Vette motor, but need to verify to make sure it's correct.
Pad #f424GC
Block # 3731578
Back of block # D287

Carb# 4JET Rochester 0846
exhaust manifold# 378978
I can get the dist #.
Any help would be great.
Thank you,
Bruce Walker in Oregon.
57 blocks should be 3731548, NOT 578.

The casting date is D (April) 28 of 57, but the assembly date is F424GC.

The assembly date is April 24...4 days before the block was cast. Something "ain't" right there.

The GC code isn't listed for any Corvette application. Double check your numbers..block casting, block date, assembly date, and suffix. Hope this helps. Chuck
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Old Dec 11, 2004 | 12:58 PM
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Default engine code

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for the response.
The number is 3731548, fat fingers.
The intake is: 3731998
Dist: 1110890 7D8
This came out of a 57 jeep, and I was going to put it in my 48 ******, But if it is Vette motor I would rather see it back in a Vette, I have others to rebuild. I just sold a 63 Splitwindow FI car.
Thanks for the help.
Bruce
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Old Dec 11, 2004 | 01:04 PM
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The "GC" suffix on a '57 548 block was used in '57 passenger cars with a 4-barrel and Turboglide; if the crank is original, that crank can't be used with anything but a Turboglide (only crank Chevy ever made that was unique to a particular transmission). '57 exhaust manifolds were 3733975 (LH) and 3733976 (RH), and the Rochester "4-Jet" was never used on any Corvette.

The single 4-barrel (WCFB) intake was 3731398, and the 890 distributor was used on '58 Corvette 230hp engines.

Last edited by JohnZ; Dec 11, 2004 at 01:07 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2004 | 09:59 PM
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Default Thank

John,
Thank you very much for the informatioin. Now that I know, I'll stick it in my jeep. That's a very nice Grand Sport. I use to have a 62, 69 and just sold my 63 Vette. From Vettes to Jeeps. Go figure LOL.
I still have a 63 am/fm radio for sale.
Thanks again.
Bruce
walkerbs@dcwisp.net
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