Author Topic: How to read a CEA stamp  (Read 3387 times)

Emo1956

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How to read a CEA stamp
« on: February 12, 2019, 10:53:14 PM »
Hi everyone, I just got this block 010 4 bolt main 350 dated L-18-0 and it has a CEA126522 stamp. It was suppose to be a 350/330HP from his corvette. How do you read these numbers  and are the number suppose to look like this ?  Thank you  Emo

z28z11

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2019, 02:25:00 AM »
Hi everyone, I just got this block 010 4 bolt main 350 dated L-18-0 and it has a CEA126522 stamp. It was suppose to be a 350/330HP from his corvette. How do you read these numbers  and are the number suppose to look like this ?  Thank you  Emo

Read this thread - CE discussions have been around the block a few times (sorry for the pun) -

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=17127.msg155725#msg155725

Also this one:

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=12873.0;all

Regards,
Steve
1968 Z28 M21/U17 BRG/W 1967 Chevy ll Nova SS 
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1969 L78 X66/N66 Cortez/BVT
1969 Z11 L48/M35/C60/C06  1949 3100 5wd 235/6

69Z28-RS

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2019, 03:14:16 AM »
Read the links...   but based on the information you presented, it is *possible* that the block was a warranty replacement (short block) for a '71 LT1 engine (but apparently it's missing the internals if all you have is the block?)..   No way to prove it, especially without the internals...
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bcmiller

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2019, 03:24:53 AM »
It is a 1971 Flint warranty or over the counter block.  No way to tell what it was originally, as far as I know.
Bryon / 1968 Camaro SS 396 coupe - now old school 468 big block
1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe L35/M40 - 4 generation family project
Looking for 68 Camaro with body # NOR 181016

Emo1956

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2019, 04:07:42 AM »
I have the internals.It has a forged crank that looks like its been nitrated ,186 heads, I think the rods were o, the pistons look like the same as a 302 probably 11:1 solid cam. I was thinking it was a LT-1. The guy had the aluminum intake and Holley carb but wanted to keep them . I sent out the heads to be burn blasted and magged . 1 was cracked. I read through all those links and now my head hurts lol. I am going to see if he has the paper work. Thank you for the help. Emo

bcmiller

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2019, 02:04:03 PM »
What’s the forging number on the crankshaft?
Bryon / 1968 Camaro SS 396 coupe - now old school 468 big block
1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe L35/M40 - 4 generation family project
Looking for 68 Camaro with body # NOR 181016

x77-69z28

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2019, 03:03:59 PM »
Also, what are the dates on the 186 heads? If replaced as a short lock, the heads would be original to the car.
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Emo1956

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2019, 05:53:19 PM »
The crank looks like 1182  and the head is B-3-0

bcmiller

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2019, 09:44:05 PM »
That’s a good 350 crankshaft. If it checks out, use it.
Bryon / 1968 Camaro SS 396 coupe - now old school 468 big block
1967 Camaro RS/SS 396 coupe L35/M40 - 4 generation family project
Looking for 68 Camaro with body # NOR 181016

ZLP955

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2019, 03:52:17 PM »
If you get a chance to have a look, I'd like to know if there's anything stamped on the oil pan rail near where the starter motor goes. Been following that info, which is possibly the date of machining/assembly, to see how it lines up with block casting date.
Tim in Australia.
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Emo1956

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Re: How to read a CEA stamp
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2019, 11:18:15 AM »
Looks like a letter I2 and under that is SM