3963512 block and crank

[racerkvn]

I was going through some old parts that I'm thinking about getting rid of and uncovered a block I've had for about 20 some odd years that I picked up to build one day and never did. It's block casting 3963512 it's an original 4 bolt main block with the original forged crank in it. The stamping indicates it as a replacement/warranty engine with CE958724 and it's never been decked. I figure a Corvette guy or a Chevelle guy might need this thing more than me.

Can somebody help me decipher the stamping code so if I do decide to sell it I know how to list it as? What's it worth?

[Stefano]

The casting date will be important to buyers as will the crank.

454 vs 427 Crank are different and a 512 block could pertain to either.

The CE9 in my opinion is Chevrolet Engine 1969. So if that holds the carnk should be number 6223 or the 7115 which was more rare. 454 forged crank is 7416 casting.

[racerkvn]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated! I will go back out there and measure the bore size and get the crank number in a few weeks and report back. Can you tell me where to look for the date code? Or any other info? I figured the 9 meant 1969 but being a warranty/replacement motor I've ran into dead ends trying to run down the stamping.

When I got it I wasn't too interested in the numbers, I was going to build it as a spare motor for my race car at the time, I sold the car and this block/crank been sitting in storage ever since.

[Stefano]

There are two possible locations for the casting date. Early 512s have the casting date on the passenger side of the block, by the freeze plug until approx March or April. After that it was moved to the bellhousing flange.

[SS69chevelle]

check where the starter bolts on and you will find the assembly month and year, example T049 would be April 69.

[racerkvn]

I haven't been able to check this block and crank out yet been busier than expected this holiday season. After the first of the year I'm going to drop the block and crank off at my local engine shop and have them dip/clean/magnaflux the block and also check the crank out. Once I get the word on the condition, I'll post here about it.

[racerkvn]

FINALLY was able to stop by my other shop and get the crank number, it is 6223 and I snapped a few pictures. The crank still turns very easily with just one finger (I tried several times to upload a short video of me turning the crank with just my finger but all I get is an error loading the video). I was not able to load it up that day to bring it back home and I still want to do that soon so that I can drop it off at my local engine shop to get it magnafluxed and cleaned up. Hopefully in the next few weeks I can get back out there and load it up.

Question, regarding the L18. Is that the casting date code that was asked about in an earlier reply? If so, I assume December 1st 1968??

I'm thinking this MIGHT have been a 1969 L88.

[Lynn]

Nope on Dec. 1. There is a second"8" there. It is Dec. 18, 1968.

Great find!!!!

[big gear head]

I'm not an expert, but I believe the L88 got the 7115 crankshaft, not the 6223. Casting date is Dec 18 '68.

[daveg]

Looks like it was probably a 427 435.
Corvette windage tray studs and a Vette pan will not fit Chevelle- Camaro or Nova

IIRC the "tuftrided" Open chamber L88 cranks were kinda grey- mottled looking.

Nice piece for sure

[racerkvn]

Looks like it was probably a 427 435.
Corvette windage tray studs and a Vette pan will not fit Chevelle- Camaro or Nova

IIRC the "tuftrided" Open chamber L88 cranks were kinda grey- mottled looking.

Nice piece for sure

I was told when I picked it up, 25-30 some odd years ago, that it came out of a dual quad 427 Vette (I took that with a grain of salt because it seemed everybody had those for sale and at the time I really didn't care about the numbers). The guy (very good guy to me) said it was a really good block and crank so I ended up buying it just to have another spare block. Back then I was racing a nitrous fed big block and I think we had a goal of figuring out how much nitrous it would take to break EVERY-THING between the bumpers LOL I got out of heads up drag racing before I "needed" this block and it's been abusing that engine stand ever since.