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'72 with a '69 engine cast number?

Rlockyer

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2014
Messages
7
Location
Edmonton, Alberta
Hi all,

I've got a bit of a mystery that I hope someone can give me some insight on. My '72 200 HP base model coupe has engine cast number 3932386 which belongs to a '69 300 or 350 HP engine. To make matters more interesting, there is no engine code or partial VIN stamped on the engine pad. The previous owner told me that as far as he knew, the motor was original, but had been rebuilt.

Having the block decked would account for the missing stamp, but not the cast number. Is it possible the engine was swapped and I have a '69 300 HP base or a 350 HP L46? Maybe even a mythical '69 LT1?

Yeah, wishful thinking on that one. Anyone have any ideas how to get some answers?




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Possible service block way back when there weren't crate engines. Fitted blocks(block with pistons) and short blocks were commonly used in warranty or dealer engine repairs. Service blocks were not stamped. You could check casting numbers and date codes on heads and intake they could give you more insight. If they are all from 69 engine was replaced. If date codes match your car engine may have been repaired with service block
 
...the engine was swapped...

Yep.

...Maybe even a mythical '69 LT1?...

The 69 LT-1s are not a myth; there were two of them. Niether of these cars left St. Louis with LT-1 engines. The first was prepared by GM Tech Center in Michigan for the the long lead press review in the spring of 1969 to allow members of the automotive press to drive the car then have their magazine articles ready for publication in the fall of 1969 in time for the introduction of the 1970 Corvettes. The second was put together at Clippinger Chevrolet in California using an LT-1 engine blueprinted by Chevrolet and shipped to them for that purpose. The Clippinger car was later sold to a customer with the LT-1 and with a new car warranty.

For 1972, engines replaced under warranty by Chevrolet were stamped CE. GM tracked CE replacements for quality control purposes.
:thumb
 
Last edited:
As others have implied, either the short block or the entire engine was changed. Also, as "6880 Mike" states, it's not a "'69 LT1". What you have is likely the short block from 69 base engine or the high-po hyd. lifter engine.

Since the car is a 72, at some time after 1972, someone replaced the original engine with either a NOS, a non-GM rebuilt short block or a used short block which was manufactured using a block cast around 1969.

Have you researched which set of cylinder heads are on the engine?
 
The 3932386 block was used in millions of cars and trucks in the '68-'74 period. It was built in 302, 327 and 350 cu. in. displacement versions in 2 bolt and 4 bolt cranks. The chances that it came from any Corvette are slim.
 

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