Need photo of block casting date

[MarkM]

When I check out cars I can easily find the block casting number and the numbers on the engine stamp pad. Having a little trouble finding the block casting date even though I know it should be on pass side, on pass side of distributor. Lot's of gunk on most engines so that may be the problem.

Would someone refer me to a picture of what I'm looking for? Should I be looking on top of the engine, or down lower like the block casting number? Is it raised like the casting number? Is it same size as casting number?

Mark

 

[JohnZ]

It's normally located about 4" to the passenger side of centerline, on top of the bellhousing flange area of the block, in the format as shown in the photo below (the photo is an intake manifold, but the block casting date is in the same format).

 

[Subfixer]

It's on the opposite side of the block from the casting number. The date is quite a bit smaller. It is a raised casting like the driver's side casting number. It's between the upper bellhousing bolt boss and the second one down on the pass side just under the distributor.

Month: A = Jan, B = Feb, etc.....
Day: one or 2 digits
Year: last # of year 3 = 63, 4 = 64, etc.....
This is for Flint 327 small blocks.

If the year is 2 digit, 63, 64, etc..... then its a Tonawanda small block and usually NOT original to a Corvette

Looking at mine, I now have a question also......
My 64 327/300 MT block has a casting date of K183 (Nov 18 1963) and an assembly date of 11/18 (F1118RD). Was it possible for them to assemble the engine the same day it was cast? Maybe cast first shift, assembled second shift? Car's birthdate is 11/22/63 (105578)

 

[JohnZ]

Looking at mine, I now have a question also......
My 64 327/300 MT block has a casting date of K183 (Nov 18 1963) and an assembly date of 11/18 (F1118RD). Was it possible for them to assemble the engine the same day it was cast? Maybe cast first shift, assembled second shift? Car's birthdate is 11/22/63 (105578)

Yes, it's entirely possible, and a number have been documented like that; it could have been cast at Saginaw early in the first shift, trucked to Flint Engine (40 minute trip), and machined/assembled late in the second shift at Flint. If your casting date tag imprint shows two flat-head screws like the ones in my photo above, it was cast on first shift.

 

[Subfixer]

If your casting date tag imprint shows two flat-head screws like the ones in my photo above, it was cast on first shift.

2 screw castings are there.... That must be the answer. Thanks John.

 

[ctjackster]

as they told me a few years ago on the NCRS board when I asked about my "tight" date spread, "they were dropping them in still warm back then!"

 

[MarkM]

Thanks to all,

I've seen the screws on other engines, just didn't know what I was looking at - amd sure I can find them now on the Vette engine.

BTW, are those actually screws cast into the block, or were the screws in the casting tool?

Mark

 

[Subfixer]

Screws held the date tag to the mold. What you see is the impression they left.

 

[Dave65]

This is where it is located. This one stands for June (F) 14, 1965.

Dave