CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Decoding/Numbers => Topic started by: BULLITT65 on June 15, 2015, 07:32:52 AM
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Hello CRG,
So I have finally got around to getting my 55 Bel Air moved, along with all the parts I got with it. One of which, the motor, I thought for fun I would decode. So it still has the original stamp TI0I5HN which I assume is 10/15/ of 68 for the 69 production, but the curious part for me is the partial VIN -19C009887 (yes third character is a C, deffinetly not a 0)
Casting number is 3932388, casting date J 10 8
So any help would be great. I am not assuming this is even a motor that came out of a Camaro, but with the HN according to Alans book, it could be a SS 350 block? That C made me think maybe Impala?
I appreciate any insight.
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'C' was used for South Gate, CA assembly in 1969, where full-size models were produced. HN application in 69 was Impala L48 (350/300hp).
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Very Good thanks. I saw that it was a possabilty but wasn't sure. I wonder if it has to be an SS Impala, or if you could get that in a standard model as a separate option. I will have to see if there is a (IRG) Impala research group.
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L48 was not offered on SS Impala in '69. Engines were restricted to 427 only in either 390 or 425hp versions. My brother has one with the 390 and THM400. Car is a blast to cruise in and he uses all of that 390hp to launch it when challenged by anyone thinking it is a 307 sled.
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Good to know. So for how early the block is I am guessing you had the 327, then this L48 350hp block, and then the 390 hp 427, no 396 option?
And then similar to camaro they switched from the 327 to the 307 as the prodution year went along?
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Some time ago KurtS was gathering information about full size L48's regarding whether they are two or four bolt mains. This engine and that info may be of use to that post (may want to do a search). Oh, and no, not SS car if full size L48. http://www.1969chevy.com/impala.htm
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For the Impala in 1969, I believe the following V8 engines were available.
327/235 hp
350/250 hp
350/255 hp
350/300 hp
396/265 hp
427/335 hp
427/390 hp
427/425 hp
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http://outintheshop.com/faq/casting/castings2.html
http://montesrule.freehomepage.com/custom.html
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enough to get you started ;)
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Intersting Jano, on one link it says 2 bolt main, the other lists 4 bolt main.
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Intersting Jano, on one link it says 2 bolt main, the other lists 4 bolt main.
That's correct, and that's why there was a post requesting information. Let me see if I can find the post and add it here.
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Are your mains 2 or 4 bolt ?
another one I have saved
http://www.castingnumbers.info/site/browse/m/Chevrolet
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Intersting Jano, on one link it says 2 bolt main, the other lists 4 bolt main.
That's correct, and that's why there was a post requesting information. Let me see if I can find the post and add it here.
Here you go, Bryon...
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=517.msg80162#msg80162
Paul
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I have these saved from when I was trying to find what big block was in a 68 SS EL Camino I bought a few years ago.
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Thanks Paul !
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Austin, on page 67 of CBTN, Covin states, " Little is known about this rare block #3932388, at least four 69 Camaro SS 350's were built with this block.
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Austin, on page 67 of CBTN, Covin states, " Little is known about this rare block #3932388, at least four 69 Camaro SS 350's were built with this block.
I know what that books says, but it is not a rare block. I have seen several.
From this link...
http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#BlockCast
This note is below the table.
The 3932388 block is sometimes noted as being 'rare', but it actually was commonly used in mid-69 production. 3956618 was also used in mid-69 production.
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The 388 block is known as a Tonawanda small block. A couple of 69 Z28's have this block which is rare, however they were assembled at Flint. Go figure.... Very common block, lots of L48 built with this block.
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Spyed out in the backwoods of the farm, where the ticks are thick as molasses and the weeds tickle your armpits, a real full size 300 HP L48 block. Mundane and pedestrian( if not, it would be indoors), yes, a 2 bolt! Proof - them varmits exist!
1970 Caprice, B-cayne, Kingswood auto.
Not a re-stamp D.W., lol.
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I see the wilderness is protecting it well....
Wonder what version I have 4 bolt or 2 bolt? Only way to tell is to pull the pan?
Tiny intestine camera in through the dip stick?..... kidding
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After casting ,would drilling be based on application?
I have heard throughout the years, a stronger bottom end is had by drilling a 2 bolt main to be fitted with 4 bolt splayed main caps. Also consideration is given to casting #'s for reference to block strength (webbing, etc..)
402( the engine that came with that El Camino) has a real bad rap around here, HP (high performance) was in the upper rear. I asked a local Drag racer/trans builder(retired GM engineer) about it, he laughed and replied " means nothing"
So I'm gathering CI wise they are punched out 396's, but not to be confused with the strength of a 60's block.
I believe my reference was out of one of the old Motor Manuals which dictated what a particular block could be bored out to.
Sorry to go off on a tangent BULLITT, but I've always had a big interest in 60's era engines: Ford, Chrysler, you name it .More so sometimes then the car they came in!
If the engines out of the 55 ,pull the pan and be done with it, your going to have to anyway for inspection.
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After casting ,would drilling be based on application?
Yes, the machining was done as the bill of materials for the specific engine required.
And HP was cast on blocks for years....
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So because it has an original HN code of 300HP would that be a hint it may be a 4 bolt main?
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I am going out on a limb - I am quite certain it is a 4 bolt main, especially in a 350/300
What does confuse me though, you state the date a J-68
As far as I know the 388 block is mid 69 production
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The 388 block is known as a Tonawanda small block. A couple of 69 Z28's have this block which is rare, however they were assembled at Flint. Go figure.... Very common block, lots of L48 built with this block.
??? Why ship a block to Michigan when you have a foundry? This seems a little suspect to my little bit of knowledge
what heads were on motors? 041?
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Looks like Flint may have had a production issue and supplemented with Tonawanda castings. Very limited time period.
Chris, I have a 69 L48 block and it's a 2-bolt.
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I THINK I remember that Corvette and pickups had 4 bolt, others 2.
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Doug,
Some passenger L48's have been 4-bolt.
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Chris, I have a 69 L48 block and it's a 2-bolt.
is it a 388?
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I thought - no, it's a 350. :)
No, it's a 386 block.
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??? Why ship a block to Michigan when you have a foundry? This seems a little suspect to my little bit of knowledge
We have researched this issue on 60's Corvettes, where there is evidence that a small number of 3858180 327 blocks were cast at Tonawanda and machined/assembled at Flint; had nothing to do with any production interruption or problem at the Saginaw Foundry - it was simply a continuing machinability audit to ensure that Tonawanda-cast blocks were totally interchangeable with Flint blocks through the Flint Machining and Assembly Departments. They're easy to spot, as they have the usual earmarks of a Tonawanda casting, but the pad machine code stamp starts with an "F" ('66 and earlier) or a "V" ('67 and later).
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Not a re-stamp D.W., lol.
Thats what you call farm fresh.. You sure that stamp is legit? ;D
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Thanks John!