So I picked up another 327 for cheap. Cheap enough that if it’s toast, I am still okay. This is what I’ve not seen before: The casting/stamp is a ‘64-67 327 250hp or 300hp Date code is J145 I’ve read (online) that GM did some casting number modifications for factory replacement engines. Is this correct or do I have another vintage boat anchor? From the suffix on the pad, HCR , it’s a ‘66 327 275hp 4bbl Rochester carb Intake number is 3844457 Power pack heads.
There's no VIN derivative stamped on the pad, so maybe it is a replacement blocks. They did some crazy things at the engine plants, but I don't think anything that crazy. Corvette guys would know.
I've had only one replacement block in my life. It was a 283 that I had in my last car. It had a complete casting number and was listed as a replacement block. If I just wanted a 327 (which I really like) I guess I wouldn't care about the number unless it caused some problem with title/registration.
Somebody wanted themselves a corvette motor and damn it come hell or high water they were going to have one!
Broach marks look wrong. They had a swirl to them, these are straight. I'd say re-stamp. But what do I know?
If your not restoring one of those trophy case vettes, casting# shouldn't be to important. I would be concerned about have the block checked for cracks and if the deck height has any room left to work with.
Yep, it's either a solid 327 block or it's scrap iron. When you get one like that the numbers don't mean much except to the anal dude who just has to have a Corvette block in his 55 Chevy. If the block checks out build it and if someone notices and comments do the "hell I don't know it came that way" thing.
The broach marks look right, the decks get swirl marks when resurfaced, or cleaned with any tool that leaves circular marks.
I plan on putting a car/truck engine into my Corvette; just so the world is balanced. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
I have nothing against truck engines.... The 350 blocks I bought from scrap yards had 4-bolt mains and a forged steel crank.......
Didn't you know, they all came from corvettes, and are worth huge money! That is only if you are the guy trying to sell it. Sent from my SM-G920V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I'm a little confused about the 3 letter pad ID, 'HCR' vs just CR. 3 digit codes began around 1970 as far as I recall and by what I find in Hollander manuals. That said, it may indeed be a warranty or dealer replacement unit. Big blocks were usually 'CE' which designated such a thing. I don't know how the H got in there. Perhaps the code is actually HC with the R used to indicate an OEM service or replacement engine. Did you find a list with early 3 character letter codes? It's been a while since I looked stuff like this up, maybe I'm full of shit on the 2 vs 3 letter thing. Been known to happen...
On a couple of new short blocks I bought in the 60s the pad on the pass side in front if the head was blank. I guess if a dealer installed It they stamped it. Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
True on both counts. If you were to go through the old Hot Rod magazines from about 1956 to 1963 most every rod with a small block in it had a "Corvette" engine in it. The local Chev garage only sold about three special order Corvettes a year but all though the 60's at least they stocked at least three sets of Corvette valve covers on the shelves at all times plus several 30-30 cams. I helped several buddies install those 30 buck Corvette valve covers on their Chevies in the mid 60's . Will work for beer worked even in High school.
Doesn’t scare me. Never cared about casting numbers, especially on a engine that’s going to be rebuilt. It’s a 327.
What's scary is the question....it's a 327 ...if your not building a number's correct car than what's there to be scared of as long as the block is not broken you can make it what ever you want...now days I don't think that any 327 that's in good condition or rebuild able is a boat anchor .... I have one now that I'm going to be building it's out of a 57 Chev that was drag raced years ago and and is full of go fast stuff and it's heads are stamped right and left....well is that looking at the engine from the front or from the drivers seat?????oh no I'm scared now if I get them mixed up......oh hell I'm just screwing with ya ...it's late and I'm tired....but really if you don't need correct numbers than I wouldn't worry it.....and my heads really are stamped R&L and no I am not a Corvette guy..... Sent from my QTASUN1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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