CE Block

[Terry69RSZ28]

Hi Everyone,
i am trying to determine if this is a real warranty block for a 69 Z28. It is standard bore with forged pistons, solid lift cam and has the 1178 crank. It has about 2000 miles on it. The block number is 3970010 with a date code of K 11 9. Attached are photos of the engine pad. What is the value on this short block? Thanks for your input.
Terry

[Terry69RSZ28]

Any opinions on this stamp?

[69Z28-RS]

The CE stamping is probably an original CE stamping (Not sure I've ever seen a 'faked' CE stamp)...?    To be certain, you'd need to clean (with solvent) the pad and get a high resolution photo to show the factory broach marks.

From the information you supplied, it is certain possible (to probable?) that the short block you have was supplied as a factory warranty replacement into a '69 Z28, but without paperwork (warranty paperwork showing the replacement), proving it is essentially impossible.   If you documented the details of the block (cast nos, cast date, good photo of the stamp), along with the details of the internal parts of the short block (1178 crank, proper rods, factory pistons) all for a 302, then you'd have a 'good story' even without the actual paperwork proof.

Was the engine in a CAR when you found it?   Have you information about the CAR itself?   VIN, accessories, cowl tag, etc.. heads, intake, carb, etc...

[Terry69RSZ28]

Hi Gary,
Thanks for your response. Yes, the CE block was in a 69 Z28. Apparently, the owner located his original, born with engine and removed this block from his car. I don't know the VIN and there isn't any paperwork documenting the warranty exchange. Any idea on the value of this CE short block as it sits right now?
Thanks, Terry

[169INDY]

CEA006579, looks clear to me. & the Casting date would imply  a Year 1970 warranty engine, Esp with the as found internals would seem to indicate you are correct. With that Low of miles would indicate great ready to fluff and use. I would gather there is a fair amount of value there. There are a lot of threads discussing the order of preference when it comes to engine and restoration positioning of blocks, motor and parts.   Often times "STORIES" are in fact the true history of these vehicles and it is a matter of gathering as much supporting evidence in corroborating the same.

Back to your question I see  a good value for the object in question.  Down to HOW much? that is the difficult part. I have seen guys asking 2k for just a bare DZ block Plenty of comp's out there I think.

JIM

[Terry69RSZ28]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for your input regarding this CE short block. It is listed at $3025 US.
Is this a high, average or low price for a CE block?
Thanks again.

[Kelley W King]

I think it is fair if it is a 302 and complete. The K 11 9 would fit nicely in my Z which has a NOM 302 too late for my car that has no vin.

[Stingr69]

$600 for a crank,  $500 for a replacement block,  Rods and pistons if the bores are still serviceable about $300.  That price is high in my opinion.

There is no way to confirm or deny where that block has been or what it is was originally made for.  It is just a block.

[ZLP955]

There will always be anomalies but I question the 5-digit serial number beginning with '0'.
Based on the Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin (refer to http://www.camaros.org/engine.shtml#ReplacementEngines), serial numbers for Flint V8 should begin with 2, 3 or 4 and Tonawanda with 5, 6 or 7.
Does the block have a 1/4" square NPT plug in the end of the oil gallery near the top of where the timing cover goes?

[Terry69RSZ28]

Yes, it has the 1/4 inch square NPT plug.

[Terry69RSZ28]

Since the serial number is 06579, was this CE block produced at the Flint Motor Plant (L6 engines)?

[ZLP955]

No, since it's an 010 V8 block - and with the pipe plug fitting, it was machined at Flint V8; that's why I queried the serial number.

[ko-lek-tor]

Real stamp. You can confirm by looking at starter mount surface. That is where build date will be stamped. Don't know why it starts with 0 in sequence. No way to prove it started life as a 302, if you only have the owners word. Could have been a 350?

[Terry69RSZ28]

Thanks for all the comments regarding this CE block. I am hoping Kurt or anyone else knowledgeable on warranty blocks could provide some further insight on the stamp and why the number starts with a zero.
Regards, Terry

[bcmiller]

$600 for a crank,  $500 for a replacement block,  Rods and pistons if the bores are still serviceable about $300.  That price is high in my opinion.

There is no way to confirm or deny where that block has been or what it is was originally made for.  It is just a block.

Agreed. Those are pretty much my thoughts. I have several SBC and BBC blocks.