Small Block decode...what is it?

[KevinK]

  Casting# 3892657
  Pad stamp V0706 XXB
 
    ...I can find the casting, ...but the "XXB" suffix seems odd...?
 
     Not that it matters, but a friend currently has this in an older Vette.
 
   ...If anyone does know what the XXB application is, ...what source are you getting this info from? (maybe there's a book out there I don't have... : )
 
  Thanks,
              Kevin

[JohnZ]

I have multiple references with what I think are all of the passenger car and truck suffix codes, and don't find "XXB" anywhere; it may be a marine or industrial application (I don't have those), especially with the 3-character suffix.

[Z71]

I have a list of Marine engines from about the mid 70's on and they all are 3 digit suffix but all start with a number 0 thru 9. I think these were destined for Mercury Marine use.

A buddy has an old 1960's vintage Criss Craft (wood) 327 powered boat that was his dads and it has an old ball suffix and if I recall correctly (been about 10 yrs since I looked at it) his has some X's in the suffix.  As best he can tell, the 327 came in the boat as his dad claimed.  He has since moved about 2 hrs away so its hard for me to check anytime soon.  I know I tried for a log time to find a suffix close to it but never could.

According to a GM parts catalog they also mfg, engine for irrigation useage.

[KevinK]

 ...I had also noticed the three character suffixes on 70's blocks (auto as well), ...but still have yet to ID the "XXB" application...
  ...very strange...

[dab67]

Could it possibly be a double stamp on the x and may really only be xb??? Shot in the dark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dab67 

[Steve68]

Kevin

I have an idea as to what this may be but before I say would it be possible for you to take a picture of the pad stamp and post it?  If you can, JohnZ would you please look at it and give your opinion on the V0706 part and if you believe it to be an original GM stamp?  Kevin, what else can you tell us about the block that might put an approximate date on it?  Thanks?

Steve

[KevinK]

Steve,
     ...just seeing your reply. I will get back to the car and take a photo to post (I owe them some Camaro posters anyway ).
   As for a 'double' stamp on the X's, ...they are both very clearly and separately stamped.
  For what it's worth this motor is in a friend's restored '62 Vette, ...and by no means "numbers matching"...I'll try to crawl under and check for a block casting as well...
 
  Kevin

[Z71]

I was just searching some old directories and found an image of a XXB suffix.

Unless maybe you posted this once before some time ago.

[KevinK]

 ...that wasn't from me, ...and that looks like "xxD", ...but still raises the same questions .... hmmmm?
   (I'm hoping to get over my friend's house by the weekend...)

[Z71]

I have many old Chevy parts books as well as older Hollander interchanges and cannot find XXD in any of those lists.

So at least there are 2 of these but what they are is ?   Only thing to do it tare down the engine, record part numbers and mic everything and see what fits it.

Maybe the casting number was used for other cid than the 327?  You may never figure it out.

[Steve68]

I'm pretty sure I know where these originate from but will hold off until Kevin gets the pics of his friends car for us.  I'm not holding back on you guys  just being judicious here.  They are not accidentally "X" double stamped I'm sure of that.  Kevin, what size engine does your friend believe is in his vette?  Try and get the casting date (see what the dates are for the heads and intake are too if possible).  Can you also give us some history on the car please.  I would be surprised if anyone would find these letters delineated in any books anywhere.

Steve

[Z71]

I am wonderiing if they are what is shown in my old 46 to 64 parts book as Part Number 3941193 Universal "327" CI service engine assembly for use in 1972 thru 1967 Passenger, Chevelle and Camaro models.   

I found some code XBB and XCB to be GM crate motors from GM Performance Parts circa 1980's.

[Z71]

...that wasn't from me, ...and that looks like "xxD", ...but still raises the same questions .... hmmmm?
   (I'm hoping to get over my friend's house by the weekend...)

Yes it is XXD, thats what I meant to type.   Maybe there is a XXA and XXC and so forth??

[Steve68]

There are other letters used.

Steve

[KevinK]

 ...just dropping in, ...I didn't forget, ...but had to work this weekend so I didn't make it over to my friends.
 
   I 'think' he believes it's a 327, ...not 100% sure.
    The motor is currently in a restored '62 Vette (I may be off by a year or two), ...which is restored as a (very) nice driver, ...so the motor by no means is understood to be 'original', ...it's what came with the car when he got it, ...who knows when. Anyway, ...I'll get whatever numbers I can, ...without of course starting to unbolt things... ,...I don't think he'd let me