eBay Impala SS-427

[Lynn]

Pete: I am not sure why some guys get all bent out of shape when someone posts pictures and questions authenticity. I agree with you, we have to question to get answers. I too am curious to see Verne's input on this one.

Too bad the tranny is long gone on this car, as you said, the partial VIN could be compared to the one on the engine.

Lynn

[Verne_Frantz]

Sorry, I've been away for awhile. All '61-'64 409s assembled at Tonawanda that were shipped to assembly plants had a suffix code beginning with Q. In '61 it was only a Q. I've sent Bob a couple photos of original block pad stampings which should illustrate the second letter being stamped later and a little out of line from the other characters. I've looked at a LOT of legit '09 blocks and can't remember ever seeing one that did not have the second letter out of line. I think that's good evidence to suggest that the "T0102Q" (for example) part of the stamp was done earlier in the assembly process, then when the final configuration and end application was determined, then the second letter was stamped. Besides changes of cams and pistons in the various short blocks, the final assembly of the engines could also include different brackets which may have been held under water pump bolts, harmonic balancers, exhaust manifolds, intakes, distributors, etc. I just don't know exactly "when" that first stamp was made.
As for the "XX" s, I believe replacement short blocks got that code (or lack of code). I believe if a complete engine assembly was purchased, it was stamped with the normal correct suffix, since it went through the same assembly line right through to the end before it was shipped. (it was a "spec" motor) Since short blocks weren't fully assembled, there was no way to know what the final configuration would be, hence XX.
I've also seen a few '65 409s with the J codes, and the same held true with them. The second letter was a little off. If I saw a "perfect" restored '62 '09 car and the full deck stamp was in line like it was all in one gang holder, then I'd be worried.
I don't know if you can pass that over to MKIV assembly, but it was a Tonawanda assembly practice through '65 on "W"s anyway......
Hope that helps....

Verne

[Belair62]

Thanks Verne ..Pete keep in minde we were talking about 409's. As Verne said , I don't think this would apply elsewhere unless John Z had an opinion on that.

[PeteLeathersac]

Bob, Lynn, Verne....thanks! . I'm always happy to learn something and never knew of this added application digit situation....on the W motors at least. . Lets keep our eyes peeled on the Mk1V stamping pads and see what we can find? . If it was a Tonawanda practice on W motors it's sure a possibility on Mk1V stuff although you'd think it would be on the lower production motors, not an L36 like the eBay example? . So what's the consensus on this eBay one....although I initiated the finger pointing, after learning what we've discussed it may be legit? . Did the big cars have another Vin location that used the same gang-stamping besides the trans....cowl/heater box type locations?

And Lynn....I agree and don't understand either why some guys go offside when all a fella is doing is trying to get to the facts or uncover a truth?

Back on the subject of suffix codes, do you guys have any knowledge of Canadian suffixes that used numbers not letters? . I've seen it before and have a partial listing in an old Canadian book. . I can't recall what plant origin the motors I've seen them on were from but I remember looking up a small block once w/ suffix "77" and the listing I have noted a '67 283 which made perfect sense.

Thanks! ~ Pete