Decoding a Corvettes V8 Casting Numbers and Engine Stamps. Back in September I wrote about how documentation was the must have option when buying a classic Corvette. That article focused on mostly the paper trail dealer invoices, build sheets and tank stickers. Today the focus is on the engine and the clues available for verifying authenticity. While the term Matching Numbers in its simplist form is various serial numbers and codes located on key parts and their relationship to a particular year of Corvette, its the engine block that is the most important part of the matching numbers equation. Unfortunately, as Corvette values rise, so do your chances of buying a Corvette with altered numbers being passed off as an original. As my favorite mantra goes when purchasing a Corvette, knowledge is power, and the more you can learn about documenting a Corvette prior to purchase, the less likely you will get burned with buying a Corvette of questionable lineage. A series of codes and stamps are located on the engine block that will allow you to identify it as being manufactured specifically for a Corvette. There are dates of manufacture and the engines original application if you just know where to look. As the years progressed and engine options increased, the numbering and casting system obviously changed and became more specific. For the examples provided, I will be referring to the 3. V8 in my 1. 96. 6 Corvette. Casting Numbers. The casting number is a sequence consisting of raised numbers that was cast into the engine block when it was made. Whats a bit tricky here is that casting numbers on Corvette blocks can also be found on other engine blocks made by GM. Casting Numbers are important to the engine documentation process because certain numbers were used for Corvettes and some were not. Also, the numbers are specific to the size of engine in the Corvette. Corvette engine, the casting number will be used to confirm that that block was used in a Corvette and that it was available during the same year the Corvette was manufactured, and finally, it was unique to a specific engine size. The casting number on Chevy V8s is located on the drivers side of the engine where the block is connected to the bellhousing. It can be a bit hard to see with the ignition shielding in place but the numbers are fairly large. The casting number on my 1. V8 block. That block casting number was also used in 1. Chevelle and Camaro as well as Chevrolet trucks. Casting Dates. The cast date symbolizes the date of manufacture of the block. Dates are coded beginning with a letter representing the month. Letters began with A for January through L for December. The next section of digits represents the day of the month and is either 1 or 2 digits in length. The final single digit represents the year. Corvette casting dates only show the single digit for the year. If the block contains two digits for the year, then it was a block manufactured at the Tonawanda engine plant and therefore is not a Corvette block Corvette engines were almost exclusively built in Flint, Michigan. Cast dates on small block V8s can be found on the passenger side of flange where the block is connected to the bellhousing. I found this number difficult to locate. Korean English Dictionary For Windows 7. On 1. 96. 5 6. 7 big blocks, the cast date is located on the passenger side of the block where the starter is attached. The cast date on the block in my 1. E 5 6, which decoded stands for May 5, 1. If you are trying to document an engine, the casting number would confirm the size of the engine and its intended recipient, and the date code would confirm that the block was used in Corvettes. Engine Stamping. Engine stampings evolved in the early years of the Chevrolet V8 engine. In 1. 95. 5 5. 6, it was simply a continuous serial number, but one that didnt match the serial number of the Corvette. It was then followed with F for Flint, where the Corvette engine was manufactured and then the year F5. F5. 6. The final two letters indicated the original application of the engine. Application Codes usually indicated engine size, type of fuel delivery Injection or carburetion and transmission. As engine options grew, so did the number of application suffix codes. Chevy Small Block Serial Numbers' title='400 Chevy Small Block Serial Numbers' />In 1. F for Flint, a three to four number sequence for month and day of assembly and then the two letter engine suffix code. Beginning in 1. 96. The 3. 27 engine in my Corvette contains the following number sequences 6. F0. 51. 8HE. Decoded, the first sequence is 6 for the year 6. VIN sequence of 1. The second stamp decodes F for the Flint Plant, May 1. Small Block Chevy Engine Block Identification General Engine Block Specifications While 6 different bore size blocks have been produced, the small block engine can be. Decoding Chevy Small Block Serial Numbers' title='Decoding Chevy Small Block Serial Numbers' />HE suffix code stands for a 3. So there you have the basics of decoding engine numbers for the purpose of documentation. Please note that there are some exceptions to the information contained above. In 1. 96. 5 it is said that there was a shortage of 3. Flint plant, so Chevrolet used some engine blocks from Tonawanda. Those engines would have a T instead of F on the stamp, as well as the full year in the cast date. How Do I Identify Cylinder Head Castings on World Heads by Floyd Drake III. Decoding the ID numbers on Chevy Smallblock motors Info compiled Ray Buck 09232000 Since there are several numbers on the block, we need to identify the ones. There are several publications that contain a breakdown of engine codes and sequences. The NCRS also provides a publication that details how engines were stamped and therefore, may help you identify restamped engines. Related The Must Have Option When Buying A Classic Corvette. Five Factors That Drive Corvette Values Options.