1969 COPO 427 ?

[MAC101010]

I bought a 1955 chevy Belair with a 427 cu.in., the seller had no info on the motor. I took a clay inpression of the block casting number and it is a # 3963215 ? I check tri-five web sit which list only 3 years for that casting number.
(1) 1969 passanger 427 - 425 hp
(2) 1968-69 COPO 427 - 425 HP
(3) 1969 LATE 427 CU.IN.
I check the vin number on the block but was unable to read the stamping number , deck been resurface , does anybody know how the bring out the vin numbers so I can read them or is there another location on the block that could tell me if it is a COPO motor. Any information would be helpfull, and I will recheck cast number on the heads t see if they match.

[iluv69s]

I'm no expert, but, I believe it could also be a 454 for the 70 application.

It should have a cast date code...for example... E-3-9...for May 3, 1969. I believe the dat is by the side motor mount. Or on the rear flange oposite the cast number. I'm not positive where the date would be on this block. Someone else here can chime in.

A large diameter big plug by the oil filter would mean a 4 bolt block also.

Typical hipo head combo would be cast 291's. Used on the hipo car applications that year.

I believe this motor also has marine, agriculture and lower hp applications. Besides the auto/truck hipo applications.

[iluv69s]

BTW..I beleive any VIN would be stamped down by the oil filter. please feel free to correct any of my statements if inaccurate...I am not an expert... just tryin to help.

[PeteLeathersac]

Welcome aboard Mac!.
Have you perhaps transposed the last few #'s and the casting actually 3963512?.
If the deck stampings still slightly show, clean the pad w/ a solution (not sanding) so the stamping depressions themselves are truly cleaned out...using an old toothbrush may help..
When it's clean and dry, try a flash of white, yellow or other color paint that will stand out making sure the stamping depressions have become filled w/ the paint..
After drying, fine sand the pad surface only so the only paint remaining is down in the stampings then try again to see if they've become more readable?.
Sometimes shining a light at them on an angle seems to help read them too!.

Good luck!.
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
~ Pete

[MAC101010]

OK ITS BEEN A WHILE BUT I WAS ABLE TO COME UP WITH SOME MORE CASTING NUMBERS
(1) BLOCK # 3963512 ,DATE C-31-70
(2) CYL CAST # R/S 3964291 D-18/70
(3) CYL CAST # L/S 3964291 E-7 /70
I AM LED TO BELEVE IT IS A 427CU.IN. 425 HP OR A 454 LS-6 460HP WITH A EXTERNIL COUNTER WEIGHT ON THE CRANK. I HAD A METAL URILGIST COME OUT AND HE SAID THE BLOCK HAS BEEN DECK WHERE NO VIN NUMBERS COULD BE RETRIVED. I ALSO WAS TOLD IT COULD BE A 1970 NOVA COPO 427 MOTOR ? I will try to check the stroke bye using a flex tube and measure the stroke to see if it is a 427 or 454. Any sugestions as to try to find out what kind of motor I have would be helpful.I check the crank and it has a externial counter weight on it but could not find a cast number ? IF ANY BODY HAS A SUGESTION WOULD BE GREATFULY HELPFUL. IT HAS A SOLID LIFTER CAME.

[Tracker1]

I am betting you have yourself a 454 LS6 there, given the 1970 casting dates. There are only two COPO Novas - the 1968 L78 396/375 Automatics, and the 1970 LT-1 Corvette engine cars. That's it. No 454s or 427s factory installed in Novas.

Anything down by the oil filter area in regards to a VIN stamping?

[olredalert]

-----you should be easily able to tell if there is a 454 balancer on the crank by feeling for the counterweight on the backside......Bill S

[Tracker1]

Just feel for the lump

[x77-69z28]

wouldnt the fact that it is a 70 casting date negate the possibility of it being a 427? if its original components anyway.

[olredalert]

----It could have been an over the counter 427. Back in 1970 you could buy just about any 427 engine built, in about any stage of build, be it short block, long block, empty block, complete engine etc, etc! Since its been decked it could have been a warantee CE block......Bill S