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Bill Lamb

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a 283 Chevy engine that I picked up in 1972 in Canada with the following identification number stamped on block deck (right hand head deck) #9V273620 and I'd like to know what year this is - 1969??? I believe the V represents the Flint plant?

Wheelbarrow Willy
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Okay it looks like this stamped block number doesn't mean much so I'll have to get the block casting numbers and try again. Thanks guys for your suggestions / comments. This engine was installed in my 55 2dr. Bel Air back in 1972 and is now in a reputable machine shop to be completely rebuilt properly so I'm hopeful they'll be able to tell me from the block casting number (which I don't have)?
 
#10 ·
I have a set of Hollander manuals and I get frequent phone calls to look this stuff up and to this point I have not ran into a SBC without letters that inin 40 some years of messing with this stuff, could be a Canadian thing that I have not encountered. I have even seen letter code for service blocks. One possibility is deck surface than a restamp by a rebuilder than you have to go to casting numbers, but that has its flaws like lg journal 302/327/350 use same block.
 
#11 · (Edited)
USA1 said:
I have a set of Hollander manuals and I get frequent phone calls to look this stuff up and to this point I have not ran into a SBC without letters that inin 40 some years of messing with this stuff, could be a Canadian thing that I have not encountered. I have even seen letter code for service blocks. One possibility is deck surface than a restamp by a rebuilder than you have to go to casting numbers, but that has its flaws like lg journal 302/327/350 use same block.
Click to expand...
Really, Here are just a few of the suffix codes that you seem to insinuate are the best way to ID an SBC.
CB-58 283 & 63 283,
CD-57 265 & 58 283,
CDA-72 350 & 81 350,
CDB-72 350 & 82 267,
CDD-72(3 different 350 cu-in)82 267 & 85 305,
CDH-72 350 & 85 305,
CDJ-72 350, 82 267 & 85 305,
CDL-72 400 & 85 305,
CDM-72 400 & 85 305.
These are just some that start with a "C" and some of those are not even the same cubic inch as well as having 10+ years in span, There are many more. You need the casting info in addition to the stamping to be 100% sure of what you have, All else is just a guess as I said in my first post. :)
 
#12 ·
One thing I have observed a long time ago is starting is 1970 most pass cars start start with a C followed by two letters and trucks start with a T and two letters. Like I said my phone rings all the time with locals wanting my assistance, Failed to mention actual automotive shops who call, must be a reason.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
This 283 engine (9V273620) is from a wrecked chevy sometime before 1972 and has never been decked and the stamped numbers are very visible on the top of the right block bank (passenger) just in front of the head. Its definetly a Canadian vehicle but probably a USA engine plant? Anyway I'll get the block casting numbers and try again to find out the year it was built. Thanks.
 
#14 · (Edited)
USA1 said:
One thing I have observed a long time ago is starting is 1970 most pass cars start start with a C followed by two letters and trucks start with a T and two letters. Like I said my phone rings all the time with locals wanting my assistance, Failed to mention actual automotive shops who call, must be a reason.
Click to expand...
I gave several clear examples and have many more, Your examples are?? Oh yeah, There are none you have posted here. I think I have proved my point you need all the info before you can be sure of what you have. :winking0070:
 
#15 ·
USA1 said:
One thing I have observed a long time ago is starting is 1970 most pass cars start start with a C followed by two letters and trucks start with a T and two letters. Like I said my phone rings all the time with locals wanting my assistance, Failed to mention actual automotive shops who call, must be a reason.
Click to expand...
Bill, It sounds like the engine may not be installed so it should be easy to get all the casting info off it. Also be sure to look at the pad again, The numbers you posted appear to be part of a VIN and not the actual engine info. There are usually another set of numbers & letters on the same pad on all Chevy engines after about 66 or 67 when they started including a partial VIN on the pad as well. If it was a warranty replacement engine the stamping would start with CE followed by a numeric sequence. :)
 
#17 ·
Bill, Usually on a SBC of that era there are 2 sets of alpha-numeric stampings. The one you have posted looks to be the partial vin stamping. While not conclusive it looks to read 1969, Flint which would be the year and location of final assembly for the vehicle in which this engine was installed. As noted they did not make the 283 in 1969. There should be another stamping sequence on the pad something like T0101CDA. As noted the casting # and date would be useful. :anim_25
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
TheHotrodHandyman said:
Bill, It sounds like the engine may not be installed so it should be easy to get all the casting info off it. Also be sure to look at the pad again, The numbers you posted appear to be part of a VIN and not the actual engine info. There are usually another set of numbers & letters on the same pad on all Chevy engines after about 66 or 67 when they started including a partial VIN on the pad as well. If it was a warranty replacement engine the stamping would start with CE followed by a numeric sequence. :)
Click to expand...
Thanks Bruce - I'll check the deck again and get the casting numbers. This 283 engine was given to me because my original 265 engine blew up when the oil pump stopped (100,000 miles). So, I never saw the vehicle it came out of and this deck number was all I had to go with. You're right I'm getting this engine rebuilt by a hot rod expert and properly balanced and blue printed so its a new heart beat for my Chevy once I get it installed.
Bill
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
Well I finally retrieved the block casting numbers because the engine number is a Canadian number and I could not trace it. Casting #3789935, M2 so this turns out to be a 1961-62 engine. I'm rebuilding it for my 55 Bel Air.
 
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