New member from NJ

[deadmetalprez1952]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and just want to introduce myself! I am here because I bought a 1955 Bel Air that has been in a garage since 1974 and it just happened to have a 69 302 in it! From the research I have done so far it appears to be a counter exchange unit. Anyway, I am looking forward to the knowledge and information on this page that can help me put this motor back together and get her up and running again! Thanks ahead of time guys!

[bcmiller]

Welcome!

You aren't the only one around with a 302 in a 55 Chevy. My dad had one several years back. And it had an M22 behind the 302.

I am sure the car still exists.

[deadmetalprez1952]

Nice! Mine has an m20 with a 4.56 rear, I pulled the 302 and put a 305 in it just to run it around while I freshen up the 302. The guy I bought the car from purchased the long block from Chevrolet right over the counter, same with the 4.56 posi center section.

[deadmetalprez1952]

Everyone tells me to ditch the 302 and sell it to a camaro owner and build a 350 but I like the uniqueness of the 302. Plus it's a CE block so I don't think it's worth much to a restoration guy. Do any of you guys in this forum run on premium pump gas only? Or are you running race fuel or a miz?

[68camaroz28]

Everyone tells me to ditch the 302 and sell it to a camaro owner and build a 350 but I like the uniqueness of the 302. Plus it's a CE block so I don't think it's worth much to a restoration guy. Do any of you guys in this forum run on premium pump gas only? Or are you running race fuel or a miz?

I might be wrong but do not think one purchased a CE block over the counter as those were used for warranty replacements and subsequently would have a lot of people interested in purchasing. You might want to re-think that and put a stroked small block in your 55.

[deadmetalprez1952]

That's just what I was told by the previous owner of the car. He owned Mike's speed and auto in Washington NJ. The car was built by him, he said he bought the short block over the counter from GM. The heads were bought separate, which are 186 castings with big valves, they were machined for dual valve springs. I have the oil pan off and the crank number is correct, the block stamp number is ce9a24283.

[jvb6648]

Bought my CE bare block from a speed shop. Friend of mine worked there.

[KurtS]

I wouldn't hesitate.
Sell it, it's dated great for 69 service part, and put more cubes in your car.

[Kelley W King]

I know that general thinking is that CE blocks were only warranty units but I really think that in the 70,s I remember people buying CE engines at Carpenter Cheverolet in Durham,NC and a dealer in Hillsborough NC. I had and it is still around a 67 Chevelle with a CE L78. I bought it in 72 and knew the original owner who said it was not an L78 when new. I also knew a guy who had a real L78 Nova who blew the engine and bought a L78 short block and I am 95% sure it was stamped CE. If not what was an over the counter engine stamped?

[deadmetalprez1952]

Back then you could buy anything GM made for any car over the counter couldn't you? And from the research I have done, I heard that CE stands for counter exchange...

[ZLP955]

the block stamp number is ce9a24283.

That is very close to mine, CE9A24288 - as pictured below. I'd really appreciate it if you could check and confirm your block's casting number, and in particular the casting date, for comparison with mine. I've been keeping notes on 'CE' warranty blocks, and your info would be great to add in. CE stands for 'Chevrolet Engine' BTW, rather than 'Counter Exchange' - more in the drivetrain decoding section via http://www.camaros.org/engine.shtml#ReplacementEngines
Thanks in advance!

[deadmetalprez1952]

Wow, they are similar! I'll get you the other numbers ASAP, I am at work now but I may have some pictures stored away in my computer.

[deadmetalprez1952]

Block casting number is 3932386

[deadmetalprez1952]

Where is the casting date?

[1968RSZ28]

Where is the casting date?

The date that the block was made is cast into the rear of the block (where the bell-housing bolts up), right behind the distributor boss.

Paul