512 block copo camaro 4 bolt 060 overbore

[ZL1mike]

Can any one tell me how much this block is worth before I race it? It is complete with 13-1 comp 750 roller cam and GM d ports aluminum heads. I bought it and am not sure the value of the block being offered only in copo chevelle and camaro and tri power vet. I would be forever grateful for any info I get from this great site. Thanks Mike

[COPO]

Mike, what are the stamped numbers on the front pad of the block near the front passenger side of the block? The 512 block is pretty common unless it is stamped w/a COPO Chevelle or Camaro use code.

[ZL1mike]

Hey Joe C I'm a little green at this, can you tell me how to find and tell what the date code is on the block? Thanks Mike

[COPO]

On the rear of the block near where you found the "512" casting number should be another set of numbers w/a letter for example: K178. If it is an older block it may be located on the side of the block. These are RASIED letters and numbers. On the front of the block on the passenger side is a machined pad right where the cylinder head bolts on. On this pad will be a series of STAMPED letter and numbers, for example TO116CRV. Post what you find and someone will let you know what you have an an approximate value. The fact it is 0.060 over decreases the value.

[Edited by COPO (11-25-2001 at 01:57 PM).]

[Chevy454]

OK, just checking my memory here. What all did the "512" block come in? I'm going from memory, as I don't have my books here, so be easy on me!

1969
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>L-71 Corvette
<LI>L-72 Camaro
<LI>L-72 Chevelle
<LI>L-72 Passenger cars
[/list]

1970
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>LS-? Corvette (what 454 was in the Corvette?)
<LI>LS-5 Chevelle/El Camino/Monte Carlo(was there a 454 Monte?)
<LI>LS-6 Chevelle/El Camino
<LI>454 passenger cars?
[/list]

It looks like the "512" came in many flavors (2 and 4 bolt) and in many different cars. So, what did I miss http://www.yenko.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/smile.gif? Oh, and if you're worried about it being .060" over, just correctly sleeve it back and it's better than new.

[JoeC]

What is the block casting date code?

[ZL1mike]

Thanks copo I will be back in my shop Mon and will check. What numbers / code would I be looking for?. You said these blocks are pretty common, I really thought I had something here worth keeping. I'll post my findings asa I can. Thanks Mike

[ZL1mike]

#3963512 with a G30 - 70 - casting date, so I know now it's a 70 block July 3, the numbers on the head pad are gone due to racing and probably 0 decking the block and I know now this block came in 454s with 450 hp because of the 4 bolt mains and huge oil plugs on the side of the block and the 2 bolt main blocks are 390 hp and less. Thanks for all your help, I guess I will race it and not feel as bad as racing a really rare block like a copo. Thanks Mike

[Stefano]

COPO,
Just my opinion, but I would not call any 512 Block common. While some are quite rare.
The HI-PO 4 bolt main varriety dated early and mid 1969 are much more desireable than the ones produced in late 1969 through 197O.
Just look at how many LS-6 Chevelles were produced in relation to all other combinations in 1969.
GM performance recommends sonic testing for core shifting on any bore of a Mark IV block beyond .060.
Also check for a VIN on the cast pad next to the oil filter. A known and saught VIN could also affect the value of this block.
Apples to apples, a fully sleeved block will not have the structural integrity of a non sleeved block. Plus, sleeving is not inexpensive.

[sixtiesmuscle]

Just curious, what application for this dated block would have the vin on the pad by the oil filter?

[tom406]

Any application where the line was running too fast or the guys were too lazy to remove the now-included-with-the-assembled-engine alternator, stamp the VIN, and replace said alternator. We've had at least one '70 LS6 Chevelle and I think a '70 396/350HP A/C car where this was the case, where the VIN was stamped on the rough cast surface near the oil filter. I'm afraid I didn't record the assembly plants or dates for posterity.

[Stefano]

1970 through 1975 engines are identified by an eight character alpha-numeric code.

The application varied depending on the assembly plant.

For example: F0630CRV could have been stamped in one of two places on the front engine pad forward of the passenger head or behind the oil filter on an unmachined pad which is the transmition flange.

F = Flint assmembly plant
06 = June
30 = 30TH day
C = Chevrolet Motor Division
R
V = 454/ 450 HP manual trans

I know all Corvettes were stamped on the front pad. Does any one know the specific plant information as to who and when it was stamped by the oil filter?

[Keith Tedford]

When the engines came to the Oshawa assembly plant from the engine manufacturers, they were pretty bare. The alternator, starter, carburetor, etc were installed as the engine went down the engine line. The engines would come with a flex plate for the automatics or clutch assembly for the standard transmission applications. Some processes varied from plant to plant.

[Stefano]

Chevy454.
There was an LS5 Corvette in 1970. In 1971 GM even mfged. some (188 if I remember correctly)LS6 Corvettes . These BTW had aluminum heads so that the compression ratio didn't get knocked into the ground.

[Stefano]

Chevy454,
Yes,there was an LS5 Monte Carlo Super Sport. You could even get a 4 speed with it.

[Mr70]

And you could also get the LS-5 454 2 bolt block in a 1970 Impala.390HP.

[sixtiesmuscle]

I was always under the impression that Norwood was the only plant that used the lower pad for vins. Have there been a great number of documented cars NOT built at Norwood that do not have the vin stamped on the top pad? Seems strange that they would leave it up to the guys on the line, but, as we know, never say never.

[Edited by sixtiesmuscle (11-27-2001 at 08:48 AM).]

[Mr70]

As Far as 1970 Chevelles go,I have seen most Vin#'s that were stamped down by the oil filter come out of Van Nuys and Baltimore plants.These are almost always Early production cars (Before January).

[COPO]

My '70 Van Nuys built Chevelle (12-69) is stamped on the top pad.

[Stefano]

The same plants have been known to stamp in both areas. I do not know of a difinative pattern.

It could have been a preference/work shift thing. ( Or; short stature line workers stamped on the side and tall ones on top,,,,yeah, that's it.)