Okay, really more a question about casting dates and engine assembly dates...

I have an 1966 L78 engine that has the correct 3855962 block, and 99% sure is never been altered.

The casting date on the block (oil pan rail area) reads "L 29 5" which I thought was December 29, 1965. BUT, the code on the front pad is stamped "T0330 EG 6Z######" Which I thought was March 30th (1966). It just sounds like a rather long lead time...

The factory heads (3873858) are believed to be original and are dated "B 25 6" and "B 8 6".

Does this sound alright? Almost 4 months from casting to assembly? Maybe this block kept getting buried in the bottom of the bin...

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
1966 SS L78 coupe
1966 SS convertible
1965 Impala convertible
1 wife that has drawn the line...

I've seen dates that were that far off. It's not always common, but it did happen. Someone here can probably pipe in with some more details.

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Tom Hendricks ACES# 4542
69 Lemans Blue L78
70 SS 396 White with Air
72 Duntov Malibu 400
65 Corvette Convertible
73 Corvette Coupe
96 Impala SS
95 HD FXSTC
The Rat cellar (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/The%20Rat%20Cellar.jpg)

You probably want to get in touch with Mike Crown "66 Mystery Chevelle"
If you want answers on 66's he's your man.

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Chuck Frame
1967 Chevelle SS
Team Chevelle #664
My 67 SS (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/framer7.jpg)

I agree Mystery Mike would have valuable input.
My 2cents-
There are many factors that are involved in assembly line. Things like strikes, human factor, mechanical issues, additional engines built for "service use", etc. Its a longer than normal lead time, however if everything else checks out ok, it is possible that its original. Have you had this car fully decoded in tag team?

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1972 Chevelle SS454 4 Speed Convertible
http://TraceysChevelle.freeservers.com

Tony:

My gut says that what you have is correct. the numbers., as you know..are correct for L-78 in a 66 SS. and yes, the casting #'s and assembly are abit out of the norm, but not unheard of and more than possible IMO.

I would ask out of curiosity...Does there appear to be any "FACTORY" repair done to the block? if so, that would more than explain a lag time between casting and aseembly. Also, curious as to the assembly date of your car?

In sum, though....I say she is a keeper http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Mike

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MYSTERYCHEVELLE.COM (http://hometown.aol.com/mysterychevelle/66CHEVELLESS.html)
ACES # 1493
TEAM # 751
MCC # 501
AACA # 112348

If its before the car, then is OK. There have been documented cases that I have heard avout that are 6 months before. Someone once posted (if memory serves me correct) they had a documented car with an engine date in Dec and a build date in April. There are many factors that can affect this. Rarity of the option, parts getting lost and then found. Repairs needed to a part, maybe inspection found a defect so it was set aside to be corrected or another part was pulled from somewhere else and substitued? Often happened. Whats the assebly date of the car?

The assembly date for this particular car was "04D".

Car was sitting since 1976, and really rusty on the top side (and an original California car)... The front and rear window areas were really gone, and a big hole in the top of the 1/4 and the hood...

Anyway, car was complete and stock except for headers/hurst shifter and slotted mags, and was purchased for ~$1000 back in late 1980s... Needed a valve spring and a battery, and some clean fuel, but fired up and ran...

Included all the L78 hardware too (idler assembly, deep groove pulleys, clutch fan, tach, etc...). Owner just mentioned something about "Corvette motor" or something... Car was so rusty it was stripped and sent to the crusher (no idea about L78 at that time).

Anyway, just stared thinking about that stuff

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
1966 SS L78 coupe
1966 SS convertible
1965 Impala convertible
1 wife that has drawn the line...