[surfgreen1957]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 1969 Corvette 427 short block that I will be transplanting into my 67 Chevelle Malibu. I was able to ID both the engine as well as the casting date. but a casting numbers/letters at the rear of block are throwing me for a loop(see photo). Here is what I do know -

T03171W - engine pad(passenger side near head)
3963512 - casting numbers(rear of engine driver side)
L 2 8 - block casting date(near passenger freeze plug)
6233 - forged crank

Thank you!

 

[David Bates]

That's "HIPER" which is cast into most BBC's. The casting date L-2-8 is December 2, 1968 which would make it a 1969 production year block. The T0317IW (March 17th assembly date) does not cross to any Corvette engine code for 1969. More than likely from a full size vehicle.

 

[surfgreen1957]

Thanks Dave. Any chance that the "IW" is an "LW"? I read that "1" and "I" were sometimes interchanged. I checked the suffix codes and IW does refer to a 1965 396ci w/ 325HP and a TH.

Appreciate the help.

 

[David Bates]

I suppose it could be LW and that would be correct for a 69 Corvette. You would have to be the judge of that though. I did see that IW for a 65 passenger car 396/325.