69 396/375 pad stamp?

[Mike]

I'm looking at a 69 L-78 Nova and I have a question about the engine pad stamping. It looks like the plant, date and suffix code were stamped somewhat underneath the cylinder head, at least the JL appear to be. Was this stamping done before the heads were put on or after? I'll try to post a photo. What do you guys think of this pad, I know its a bad photo.

Thanks,
Mike

[Z28DZ]

Mike - To the best of my knowledge, blocks were stamped after the heads were installed. The pad looks pretty fishy to me. Is this a Chevelle block?

[Steve Shauger]

The block was stamped prior to the head being installed on big block motors. On small blocks the heads were installed and then stamped.

[Hotrodpaul]

Here is a pic of a spare 396/375 Nova block that I have. Notice how the VIN was mis-stamped.



Paul

[nuch_ss396]

[ QUOTE ]
The block was stamped prior to the head being installed on big block motors. On small blocks the heads were installed and then stamped.

[/ QUOTE ]

Steve,

I think it just dawned on me why. Those big-a$$ core plugs
probably got in the way of the stamp and kept it from sitting
flush on the pad - huh?

Steve A.

[deuce-less]

addt'l 69 nova pad stamps...

[deuce-less]

one more...