My machine shop would like to deck my block but I am concerned about losing the engine code on the stamp pad. While I know the VIN's are the most important on a numbers matching car, what's your opinion on losing the engine code? This is not a necessary procedure, just something he likes to do to true up the block, so I have the final say.

TIA

If this is a numbers matching block and it has the vin on the engine pad (instead of by the oil filter), I would definitely NOT allow them to deck the block. Even if the block is unusable as-is, I would rather use another block and save the numbers-matching block with the VIN# stamping still in-tact.

If the VIN were on the engine pad I would not even consider decking the block. graemlins/clonk.gif All I would be losing is the engine code T0109JA. The VIN is by the oil filter.

The "JA" indicates hp, etc. I don't know what else would prove that. I wouldn't let my mechanic shave off my suffix code. I had a posting discussing this issue back in Jan or Feb. The consensus was not to shave.

Please check February 1, 2004 posting:
"Period correct: to be or not to be" for some opinions on decking away the suffix code.

I would never let a shop mill the suffix code off. Not on a classic big block like this. Not only will you loss the engine code, the factory broach marks will also be gone and even if you were to re-stamp it, you could never hide the fact the block was decked. GM milling machines left tell-tale marks that no one can reproduce because no shop would have the same unique milling machine GM used, very expensive production machine, millions of $$.

Originally posted by Neuman:
.....This is not a necessary procedure, just something he likes to do to true up the block, so I have the final say.
TIA Yeah, he and most of the rest of us like to make money. But, just how moch out is it? No factory machinined block is exact. There are tolerances to dimensions and if you are w/i the factory tolerances - leave it alone. Machining for a reason such as highly pitted or otherwise unusable surface is one thing. Making HP on a drag motor is another. But, removing the numbers from a "numbers match" orignal engine on a muscle car is nothing. Especially since it is "something he likes to do".

Also note that if you are not doing the rest of what goes into a race enginesuch as the heads and equalizing the combustion chamber volumes, correcting the stroke and rod length, setting the piton height all you would be doing is macking your machinist $$happy$$

I was leaning towards not having it done, I just need the moral support from the TC experts! graemlins/beers.gif Thanks for y'alls input.

I have seen it done.
Local machine shop, Deck a 64 L-76 block, they stopped the cut before it cut the pad, It took some extra time & skill, But it was done.

Originally posted by Bob Johnson:
I have seen it done.
Local machine shop, Deck a 64 L-76 block, they stopped the cut before it cut the pad, It took some extra time & skill, But it was done. That's right. If they tell you it can't be done, find a better machine shop.