1965 Block

[61 Silver]

Question for John Z:



John could you please educate me in reference to the possibility of Tonawanda blocks being used in the 1965 production year. Through readings and information provided on Corvettes forums that 1965 was a strike year and that some Tonawanda blocks made their way into Corvette production. Is this information a myth, a story for the myth busters, or did some of these blocks actually find their way into some 1965 Corvettes?

As always, Thanks for your help!
Ray

 

[67HEAVEN]

I'm not John, but didn't the 396 blocks come from Tonawanda?

 

[61 Silver]

65 Blocks

Good catch Haven! I should have stated small block.

Ray

 

[ctjackster]

he's referriung to the 3858180 327 blocks from Tonawanda that some say appeared in 65 Corvettes on a limited basis. John (I believe) supports this idea, but has opined that even when such 327 T blocks were used, the engine pad stamp showed a "F" instead of a T.

lots of folks with T SBs in their vettes wish them to be original . . . but the golden rule is no T SBs in Corvettes, with some extremely limited and rare exceptions

 

[Viet Nam Vett]

I got one of them there "T" Tee-Wanda Blocks in my 65 Cp. And it is stamped with a "T" on the pad. So I guess I'm an out cast when it comes to purity..:L

 

[ctjackster]

Tonawanda SB in a Corvette - no soup for you!

 

[JohnZ]

A very few Tonawanda-cast 3858180 blocks have been verified in '65 Corvettes, allegedly a result of a temporary foundry issue at Saginaw, but those blocks were machined and assembled at Flint Engine, and the pads are stamped with the "F" prefix. No "T"-prefix pad-stamped SB's were ever installed in a Corvette.

 

[Tom Bryant]

. So I guess I'm an out cast when it comes to purity..:L

Out cast. :L

 

[Viet Nam Vett]

No "T"-prefix pad-stamped SB's were ever installed in a Corvette.

Well.. got me one...now what...Should I check my Pad #? Do I get a special prize if it is a real vette motor but was not stamped at Flint...???

No Soup For Me...10 Years......!!!!!!:L

 

[67HEAVEN]

Well.. got me one...now what...Should I check my Pad #?

Mark,

I guess we now know why you're dropping in the big-block. You wanted to pull that station-wagon engine outta there.

 

[Viet Nam Vett]

Mark,

I guess we now know why you're dropping in the big-block. You wanted to pull that station-wagon engine outta there.

Yah Know.....That could be a special secret "Zora" Motor in their... I'll go and check the pad # and post it tomorrow..

I could have a $100K Special Ebay Motor there..All I need is some documentation and a few pic's and I'm in Business...