CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: oneZ11 on June 10, 2013, 04:51:48 PM

Title: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 10, 2013, 04:51:48 PM
Hey experts, got a possible score for a friend on a 350/300 block and want to authenticate some numbering. Deck pad is: T0512HA, which Tonowanda, mid May, and I believe "HA" means originally with smog pump?

Engine casting # is:  8956618. I know there were a few casting #'s used for 69 350's, is this one correct for 350?

I'm trying to make sure that this is not a "DZ" motor, because even though that would be a good find, would not be correct for his '69 pace car (w/ small block).

Would you also identify for me exactly where the "DZ" or other codes are located on the oil filter boss? (pics welcomed)
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: bertfam on June 10, 2013, 05:01:18 PM
Quote
Deck pad is: T0512HA, which Tonowanda, mid May, and I believe "HA" means originally with smog pump?

Engine casting # is:  8956618.

8956618 is actually 3956618 and yes, it was used in 69 for 302's, 327's and 350's. T0512HA is a 69 Camaro 350/300 with manual transmission, but that code was also used in the Nova and the Chevelle, so you'll need to check the partial VIN to see what it originally came out of.

Ed
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 10, 2013, 06:13:40 PM
Thanks Ed. Here are two other numbers I got from the seller. Large casting # back of motor 37137. Also, partial VIN? 37886120N (Not sure if this is exactly correct, the phone connection was breaking up.) Anyway, will more than likely pay a visit to inspect block.
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: bertfam on June 10, 2013, 07:03:05 PM
That doesn't appear to be a partial VIN and the 37137 doesn't make sense either. Once you get there, see if you can figure out what those really are.

Ed
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 10, 2013, 08:03:28 PM
Yes, will do...
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: Mark on June 11, 2013, 12:26:59 AM
A 5/12/69 built motor is about a week  to late for a Pacecar.  Production had already ended or was just ending before that motor was assembled, and the 618 blocks should already have been replaced by 010 blocks by mid May.  When was the block cast?.
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 11, 2013, 01:29:13 PM
Ed, if the partial VIN is not on the deck stamp, where is that located?

Mark, thanks for the date info. My bud's car is a late March car. It already seems like we've almost found the "needle in the haystack". To find a March motor would be difficult. I will definitely discuss with him. Also, one of the large casting numbers seller read to me on the back of the block was: #371386. Does that help?
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: bertfam on June 11, 2013, 01:43:39 PM
The partial VIN should be located on the rough casting area between the oil filter and the bell housing. HERE'S (http://www.camaros.org/images/pages/decoding/1969_V8engine_alt_stamp_location.jpg) a picture showing where to look.

No, that number still doesn't ring any bells.

Ed
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 11, 2013, 02:52:31 PM
Thanks Ed...
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: Mark on June 11, 2013, 04:26:51 PM
If none of the date codes are correct on the cast components, how is having a mid May of 69 engine in a March car better than having any other small block chevy in the car.  Its not the original, and its not "date correct" for the car.  If it's cheap, pcik it up, if theres some kind of premium associated with it for being an old Camaro motor, keep looking.  Just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: z28z11 on June 13, 2013, 02:02:30 AM

Engine casting # is:  8956618. I know there were a few casting #'s used for 69 350's, is this one correct for 350?

I'm trying to make sure that this is not a "DZ" motor, because even though that would be a good find, would not be correct for his '69 pace car (w/ small block).
 

One other block to look for, which appears in a lot of Z11's (like mine), is the "388" block, also marked HA or HB for the suffix code (manual or automatic 300HP 350's) - I have also heard, but haven't personally witnessed it, that there were a very few DZ motors produced with this casting during a shortage or changeover to the next casting number. The 388's also used either "041" or "186" 1.94/1.50 valved 300 horse heads, just the same as 6618's and the eventual 010 blocks. My Z11 is an 03C car, BTW.

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 16, 2013, 02:02:12 PM
I went and checked out the block. Good Shape. Could not find the entire partial VIN stamp. Attached are photos, including the area by the oil filter boss. It looks like 4 numbers, but is that's it. End of a production number – or? Where's the rest?

I read that sometimes GM would put the VIN somewhere on the transmission flange as well. Anybody know where to look?
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 16, 2013, 02:04:42 PM
Also, point taken on the date thing Mark. May have to pass and keep looking...
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: Mark on June 16, 2013, 02:11:06 PM
At least the block number would be fine for a march car, Feb 17 1969.  Looks like it sat around for quite a while, if that T0512HA code is a real factory stamp.
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: oneZ11 on June 16, 2013, 02:15:59 PM
Yes, interesting. 2 mos. between cast date and stamp date. It all looked legit. Just bummed I couldn't find the partial VIN...
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: KurtS on June 17, 2013, 07:45:54 AM
Do you have a pic of the engine pad? Thx!
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: 69ssrag on July 23, 2015, 04:40:27 AM
I also have a 618 cast with T0512HA stamp and cannot find the partial vin either. I'm the third owner for a long time and both the first and second owners confirm it's original to the car.
I know this is an older post but was happy to find it. I can send you a pic Kurt if you are interested.
Title: Re: '69 350/300 hp block number ID...
Post by: KurtS on July 24, 2015, 03:51:07 PM
Yup, always interested in pad pics. :)
Thanks!