CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: william on September 07, 2020, 11:52:16 AM

Title: Caveat Emptor...block stamp
Post by: william on September 07, 2020, 11:52:16 AM
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Chevrolet-Camaro-Z28/203099740105?hash=item2f49b017c9:g:xt4AAOSw-RJfSbrI

124379N598377

From the ad:

The original DZ 302 still resides under the cowl hood...

...the engine partial VIN stamping matches the car, the date code is V0128DZ and the casting code is 3932388. That all adds up to a correct, numbers matching original DZ 302 V8 engine!

Block stamp does not match two other genuine V0128DZ stampings.
Title: Re: Caveat Emptor...block stamp
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 07, 2020, 01:24:26 PM
VIN stamping appears to be stamped 'letter by letter'... uneven.   and stampings  seem to be VERY CLOSE to the head, which would be impossible to do with the head on using their stamp holders...??
Title: Re: Caveat Emptor...block stamp
Post by: z28z11 on September 07, 2020, 03:00:19 PM
Interesting. The stamp being almost under the head is concerning, plus the existence of two VIN stampings on the block, front and side. Discounting these, it would be the #3 Z to have a Tonawanda block assembled in Flint. Most 388 blocks appeared as 350/300 hp applications, like the one in my Z11, whose stamping is more conventional in appearance than this attempt. With only two verified Z's with 388's(unless more have been documented since the CBTN was authored), the seller should have investigated better before making his declaration about the engine.

Bunch of stuff wrong with this one, although the tag looks legit (maybe replaced, or R&R'd).

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Caveat Emptor...block stamp
Post by: GMAD_Van Nuys on September 08, 2020, 12:13:14 AM
I found it funny that the seller says "you're sure to draw crowds at your local car show" as a friend who owns a 1969 Z28 finally got tired of people asking if it was a real Z28 and would display the original invoice (from a St. Louis dealer and hand-written) and warranty card on the dash.  This Z28 also has cross-ram induction, which was bought from GM Parts years ago, but my friend says the car would run better with 4.56 gears instead of the original 4.10s.  Perhaps someone needs to tell the seller of 124379N598377 that the optional ratio for a Z28 was 4.10s and not 4.11s.     
Title: Re: Caveat Emptor...block stamp
Post by: z28z11 on September 08, 2020, 02:51:25 AM
My Z11's block stamping as reference to what I mentioned. Tonawanda 388 block, assembled in Tonawanda ("T"), not "V" like Flint blocks. Notice the spacing from the head, plus the even stamping. VIN is above the oil filter -

The X33's block shown in the ad is definitely not an original block to that car - 

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: Caveat Emptor...block stamp
Post by: william on September 21, 2020, 11:12:35 PM
From the ad:

"...bolted to the original M21 Muncie 4-speed manual transmission."

Trans bears Corvette VIN 19S719904.