New member from NJ

[deadmetalprez1952]

I will look at it tonight

[ZLP955]

Great, thank you!

[deadmetalprez1952]

Looks like j128 and than the last number is hard to read, maybe a 1?

[deadmetalprez1952]

The pictures are too big to post here, if you want I can email.

[ZLP955]

Yes, please email me and I can resize them and post here.
i'll PM you my email address.
Thanks!

[69Z28-RS]

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?

I've had OTC blocks that had no stamp at all...  but that could have been for a 'bare block'?  I can't say for certain how they were stamped, but it's possible (even likely) that they weren't stamped at all; just ID'ed with a PN.

Chevy sold OTC blocks in several configurations:  1) bare block, 2) 'fitted' block (block with pistons), 3) Short block, and 4) long block (with heads)...  The ones I've seen in Chevrolet parts departments all had 'wired tags' with a PN...  and the PN identifies what the engine block is...

[ZLP955]

Thanks for sending the pictures. It's J 12 8, so October 12 1968. I'll add the data to the CE block thread shortly.

[deadmetalprez1952]

ZLP995, what is the casting date on your engine? I would think it should be the same as mine being it's only 5 numbers away in sequence. And what is a CE engine worth? I talked to the previous owner again and he said that he bought the short block OTC, and that it only has 950 miles on it. Based on the condition of the bearings and crank and pistons and stuff, he's not lying. Everything in the crankcase is very clean!