Thread: GM Engine?

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Originally Posted by robot

Hmmmm
The sequence we are looking for is a stamped sequence (not cast into the block) that has three sections:
First is a single letter that designates the engine casting plant....usually F for Flint MI, V for Flint MI or T for Towawanda, NY
Then, there are numbers that tell the casting date. That number can be three or four digits long since they often didnt use a leading zero for months. Last, there is a letter series that can be one letter, two letters, or three letters. This last letter sequence is what we are looking for.

In your example of CEB1330, there is no suffix and too many prefix lietters...There is no "C" engine plant, no "E" engine plant nor no "B" engine plant. The 1330 doesnt jive because it says 13th month, 30th day.

It is stamped.. It's the only stamped markings on the engine.. My friend told me the "CE" might mean "Crate Engine".. Since I got it in a GM crate.. Don't know what the B means or the 1330, but as I showed in the original pics it def has a forged crank and special pistons and tray bolts, and def has never been run..

Originally Posted by robot

piston 3959456 may be a 4" bore x 3.48" stroke piston with a 0.100" pop up, 11:1 compression. Is your piston domed?

Well if you mean having an elliptical shape on the top, no, they are flat.. If you look on page one and two of this thread I have pics..

SO... sorry to bump this old thread, but I finally decided to do some research.. anyway I think I FINALLY figured out what I have here..

According to my muscle car friend and the internet this is what is referred to as a “Counter Exchange” or “Warranty Block” more commonly called a “CE” block. the number on the crate was missing a 6 in the middle because of the strap used to hold the crate closed.. the actual number is 3966921, which apparently was essentially an over the counter "short block" or "partial" 1969 LT1 engine..

It apparently can come in different configurations.. This block is the complete lower end, and is the correct, direct LT1 warranty replacement for a 1970 350 4 Bolt Main application for a 1970 Camaro Z28, Corvette LT1 or Yenko Deuce. It is 11:1 Compression Ratio.

All of the parts are correct for the 370 HP LT1 Hi Performance 350 4 bolt main replacement motor for the above applications.

This motor is dated “H” (I don't know how to read these date codes). It is a correct and direct warranty replacement motor for any 1970 dated LT1 car.

Suffix: CEB1330
Casting: 25 GM 3970010

Date: H 38 0

Pistons: 3959456 (TRW impact extruded pistons, 11:1cr)

Crank: 330550 (forged steel crank)

Cam: 3972182 or 3972178 (cant see the cam number)

Main Caps: 3861 GM 348

LT1 "pink" rods, forged steel, shot peened, high RPM rod bolts

Now that I KIND of know what this engine actually is I'm sort of excited and don't want to give it up, but does anyone know what its actually worth? It needs a good cleaning from sitting in my families garage for 45 years haha but its BRAND new! I was told by someone that these original forged GM crankshafts are VERY hard to come by and might be worth several thousand by itself.. any new info greatly appreciated!

To a guy looking for a street rod engine, or anything that's not being "restored", a comparable Chevrolet Performance crate engine is going to be in the $6K range. Even though your's is a "new" 45 year old engine why would he pay more if he only wants an engine, and can get improved performance/reliability with a newer crate? Now if you're wanting to turn your NOS LT1 into the maximum cash you need to be on the Camaro/Chevelle/GM specific sites where guys are wanting a date correct performance block to complete a "numbers correct" (as opposed to "numbers matching") restoration, and you might double the price, or even more with a documented OEM 2x4's "warranty engine". I think I'd do some selective posting, or perhaps invest in an ad in Hemmings to see who might be looking for one, and willing to pay a premium for it. Someone that's doing vintage racing in a Camaro or 'Vette?

That's a good idea, I was thinking about that.. Which forums are good ones to post in? I'm not to familiar with these cars or their respective forums, sorry if that's a stupid question..

Just Google "Camaro Forum", "Chevelle Forum", "Camaro Vintage Racing Association", etc and you'll have lots to choose from. For vintage racing one is SVRA - Race Groups | SVRA

the only place it will have any positive value is for a car that had a build day a short period of time later than the date on the block---as far as the 010 castings, they are readily available and since the oil/zzp/roller lifter era hit us they are more or less just taking up space---I think that I have between 10-15 of them at this time-----------

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

the only place it will have any positive value is for a car that had a build day a short period of time later than the date on the block---as far as the 010 castings, they are readily available and since the oil/zzp/roller lifter era hit us they are more or less just taking up space---I think that I have between 10-15 of them at this time-----------

You're right, Jerry. The reason I pointed it out was that I had seen earlier in the week a nice '62 'vette tricked out for vintage racing, and they stated that the original 283 was "tired", and that they had searched for a correct date code block to rebuild, then used their fuelie heads & injection unit to build it out. Just thinking someone running a '69 or '70 Camaro might like to have a "new" engine....