Factory Warranty 1964 Corvette Engine

[Michael 427]

This topic may be confusing but I will try to explain, my girlfriend has 1964 corvette, vin number 16694 indicates late April 1964 build, now to the confusing question, did GM have replacement engines for warranty replacement during 1964, the engine casting is 3782870, it has the Grey Stone Foundry clock by the casting date which indicates by Nolan Adams this was a mid-year change the engines being produced in Signaw, Michigan the build date is A84 the intake manifold has casting number 384459 correct for 1964 with a date stamped A-17-4 the engine pad does not have serial number the following code F0II0S, now the confusing numbers over code numbers it has X9964C stamped, does anyone have an idea on this, could it been a replacement block which would not have any serial numbers stamped on the pad, also I know there should be additional letter after the S, any ideas.

Thanks
Michaael427

 

[jerrybramlett]

I believe an "S" code 327 was a 250hp passenger car engine. Theoretically, if a dealer ordered a currently available complete 327/250hp engine assembly in 1964, it would have arrived with a date and hp code stamp on it. However, I personally doubt that happened in this case. I suspect that particular "S" engine left GM under the hood of a '64 Impala.

I remember the warranty repairs done by Chevy dealers in the sixties. You did real good to get the broken part itself replaced. They would furnish a ton of labor rather than give up an assembled new engine. It was common to see the dealers replace individual parts in a block or head. But a whole new engine assembly...? That just didn't happen much. They would even re-use your old crank rotating assembly and install a new bare block first. Really. I am not making this up.

 

[Michael 427]

Jerry,
Thanks for the information, any thoughts on the X9964C, so therefore I can assume casting number 3782870 was used in other cars than the corvette. Also was the intake manifold used on other cars, again in the Nolan Adams book it indicates this manifold was used on corvettes.

Thanks

 

[jerrybramlett]

I'm sorry I can't be more supportive of the warrranty replacement idea.

Yes, the "870" block casting number was used on all Chevrolet 327 blocks for several years during the sixties regardless of the vehicle application. This number was not unique to the Corvette model. The same is true of the 300hp intake casting number 3844459.

I don't know anything specific about the additional stamping that appears on your block. It might be markings from a machine shop that worked on that engine.

 

[JohnZ]

The X9964C looks like a typical rebuilder's code. Replacement engines didn't become a volume GM Service item until the late 60's when the 5/50 powertrain warranty was introduced and gave rise to the "CE" warranty replacement short blocks and "fitted" blocks.