Have a race car that has a LS7 from Nickey dropped in it in 1974 coded by the factory, can't read the code but it 3 digit alpha code and not CE.
Had a A/Prod Vette with a Crate L-88, (saw the crate lid, and yes it had the part number and L-88 on it.) That was a L-88 short block and it was stamped CE. Also from 1974, have a copy of the parts invoice for it
No logic here.