[WILMASBOYL78]

I don't think the date is too late....it is my understanding the driveline warranty was 5 year/50,000 mile warranty on the major driveline components. This is why we see so many CE blocks in these 69 and 70 BB cars. In order to get the warranty (CE) block, something had to happen to the original motor. It might not have happened until a year or two later....so, a valid CE dated block would most likely be much later than the original build date of the vehicle. We have a CE block in our 70 Fathom Blue L78...it is dated 1972...I confirmed with the original owner the warranty replacement of the engine, following some over zealous driving. It is possible to have a CE block with a date well past the original build date. The only thing I'm not sure of is if the later 854 blocks were used only for the 402 engines...or did Chevy keep some 272's for the 396 application. My guess would be that either was acceptable for the situation...

wilma