64 Vette Engine Details

[64 Bill]

I have a '64 Vette with engine block cast # 3932388, per my research this is a 65-67 283. Require assistance on the following:

1. Can anyone concur with my research above?

2. I am considered rebulding the engine (it burns oil) is it forth while to rebuild existing or look for a 327 block with vette casting #.

3. If I go with the latter in #2 where a good place to look, what the cost?

4. If I go with the former in #2 are the 282 and 327 blocks similiar?

Help, comments appreciated.

64 Bill

 

[Vetsvette2002]

Bill,

If the motor is for a driver and not for restoration, I'd go with a GM crate motor. Most likely, the ZZ4 350cid and 355hp, about $3500. Comes with a warranty too I believe.

 

[JohnZ]

The 3932388 block is a 350, used in '68-'76 passenger cars, Chevelle, Nova, Camaro, Monte Carlo, and trucks; it was never used in Corvettes.

The 350, rebuilt, will be a good engine, but will not be correct in terms of external appearance, as it lacks the crankcase ventilation provisions at the rear of the block that all pre-68 Chevy small-blocks had; it will require the later-style valve covers with PCV valve and air cleaner intake hose provisions.

If original appearance is a priority, you'll need a 327 block; they all have the rear block crankcase ventilation provisions.

 

[61 Silver]

Do you know if any of the other parts are from the 64 Corvette engine. You can go to the NCRS Archive and type in your part numbers. If they are Corvette parts they may be listed there. If you are trying to secure any casting parts that are date coded, insure that the last digit of the date code ends with a 4 or 3 depending on when you car was built.

Ray

http://www.ncrs.org/forum/archive.html

 

[ChuckG]

Your 64 Corvette originally came with a "870" casting number block. This is a VERY common 327 block, which was used in passenger cars as well as Corvettes. IF you're looking for an "original" block, here are 2 things to remember.

The first is to get a block with the correct casting date for your car. The block casting date is located on the bellhousing flange on the passengers side of the distributor. Original blocks were usually cast within a month or two of the final assembly of your car.

The second is to make sure you get a Flint cast block, not a Tonawanda block. Tonawanda blocks differ in several aspects. They have a 2 digit year in the casting date, i.e., A 2 63 instead of A 2 3. They also have many embossed and debossed "T's" cast in the block. They are missing the little oil plug on the front of the block, and if the stamping on the pad is still present, it will begin with a T, not an F. The casting number xxxx870 is smaller than on Flint blocks. Correct used blocks are for sale in many places. Check Hemmings. You should be able to pick up a bare block for about $300.00. Chuck

 

[61 Silver]

64 Corvette engine

A base 1964 Corvette 250Hp engine was just listed on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2400596994&category=34202

Good Luck

Ray