Strange 512 Block

[GeorgeLyons]

Just looked at a very odd Jan/69 cast 3963512 4-bolt block that the last 3 digits "512" of the casting number are stamped on the flat area where someone ground it down smooth. The 3963 are undisturbed, as cast. Where motor is sitting today it has not been disturbed for over 20 years. I can't figure what this would be or why it was done. Block looks usual in all other respects. It must be a 512 as no other similar block cast number begins 3963 as far as I know. Can't get photo right now but based on my description does anybody have an explanation ?

[firstgenaddict]

I have seen heads and intakes the same way... last 3 numbers ground off and stamped.

[JIM]

The 512 block in my all original LS-5 conv was the same was. It was absolutely the original engine. There is a section in Colvins book showing this practice on some blocks. I have seen several other original Corvette blocks like it as well. Jim

[GeorgeLyons]

I too think it has always been this way, I just wonder why Tonowanda or the assembly plant would have ever done this and what was under that ground down area. Ken Kaiser, are you reading this..........you should be able to help.

[Mr70]

Someone entered the wrong order of digits at the end of the block casting number at Tonawanda.They caught the mistake after a few blocks were casted already,so they ground down the last 3 digits and restamped them by hand all while they corrected the casting mold.
This was a scarce occurance on some other casted components too.

[nuch_ss396]

[ QUOTE ]
Someone entered the wrong order of digits at the end of the block casting number at Tonawanda.They caught the mistake after a few blocks were casted already,so they ground down the last 3 digits and restamped them by hand all while they corrected the casting mold.
This was a scarce occurance on some other casted components too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Now I'm liking that explanation http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Nuch