I understand this has been hashed over a bit in the past but need some clarity. I have what I believe to be a sbc 327 casting number 3959512 with NO serial or VIN stamp. No sure how that happened. With the pics I posted, can anyone shed some light for me to what I have? Are there any other locations for I’d numbers? I appreciate the help and info in advance. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The block may have been decked during a previous rebuild......that would wipe out the engine ID numbers.
If that casting date is D 20 1 it is a 71 block so not a 327. I don't think it's a 61 block and anyway that would make it a 283. Pat
Casting number is 327 2 bolt main. It could have been a replacement block or decked. Casting numbers here http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-chevy-engine-block-codes.php?group=1
D 20 1....the block casting number was mostly used from 62-67, so something interesting is going on here. If the bore is less than 4" then it's a 61 283, eh? The stamped numbers do go away when you deck the block.
The casting date put you in the ballpark as to the cu in. You can tell if it is a 61 block by the road draft tube hole in the back of the block. A 71 block does not have that provision. It can also be a 400. Pat
Just curious about the heads, is there a water temp sender port on the side? Also, pull (both) rocker covers and take photos of the casting numbers and dates.
That block casting number was used primarily for replacement engines. The block casting number was used into the early '70's for replacement of earlier engines. The engine likely would have had a CE or CFB suffix on the pad.
Somebody else mentioned one on here last month I think. Your 512 blocks were factory replacement blocks. I think 71 or 72. Kinda neat because they are beefy like a 350. Neat hot rod block. I’m always on the look out for one. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I believe this one is a '68, the original owner must have been related to Boyd C. as every number and nuance has been ground smooth. It was a GM fitted block with pistons and rings only.
That draft hole boss, no machining I have seen on early '69 327. Moriarity beat me to stating if it had road draft provision, for '71 would not have that. Something else to look at is the main diameter of the crank... and or crank flange.
I have never seen a casting date doesn't that didn't indicate when the block was cast. It's not a 68 or 69 it's a 1 for 61 or 71. 81's had the small pad on the front. The poster hasn't been back so we may never know. Pat
This quote taken from a drag racing site... "The 512 block was a service replacement block.Some had date codes as late as 69 or70. Some,I've been told were large journal,so be careful there. We've used them in our 327 stockers, and they do show up from time to time,so they aren't that rare if your search is diligent enough.The oil filter area is machined for a screw on filter(68 on), and some of the features on the block resemble early large journal 350 blocks. Chevrolet used to offer three stages of replacement engine- a fitted block,which came with the block,main bearings,pistons,pins,and rings with cam bearings already installed. A partial engine was a short block,sometimes with a camshaft and timing gears and cover installed,and a complete engine came with the short block,oil pump,pan,heads,valve train and covers installed.It's possible that 512 blocks came in all three configurations. The 512 is a good part if you can find it,other than the small journal crank diameter, there is probably not much advantage to scouring the earth to find one. A large journal 327 can use the stronger 350 rod forgings and 350 010/020 blocks are still much more common.The 010/020 block in my Chevelle originally started life in my 71 El Camino that I had years ago."
I guess we can converse between ourselves till the OP comes back! I like these blocks especially if you have some interesting VC's you don't want to drill holes in for a PVC. I will drill this block out, for a PVC grommet where the draft tube was and install a canister in the valley instead of the VC's...………...……...
Some 68 blocks dont even have the machined pad. My O/T 68 Camaro still has its original #s matching 327 in it and the block does not have a boss for the draft tube based on my memory, but I will look Monday when I am at the shop tearing the transmission out of it to fix a throw out bearing. I have another 68 327 block with no pad for a tube. It might be a production car engine vs a replacement block and needed the area if the motor was going into a older car. The 68 blocks are nice as they have a large journal crank. The 68 motors are quite an oddball as it was a mix of the old 327 stuff and things that you would see on a 307 for the 70s.
I know what your referring to, I had to buy a whole engine for a set of those 68 only heads for my car.
Yep, the only true camel hump head with the temp sending port. NOS "291" heads on my 327, the GM box was stamped "initial Corvette stock".
Johnny the 4+ inch is a 61 and the short 1-3/4" is a 71 or later. I think the middle one is a 60's. Pat
Johnny I think we are on the same page just different coasts. I think it's a 283 block, I could be wrong. Won't be the first time or last. I just type what I believe is true, no BS and let the chips fall where they may. (wow that's a little philosophical) in any case OP joined a year ago, asked a question yesterday and hasn't been back since. Pat
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