small block stamp pad VIN numbers

[Verne_Frantz]

Believe it or not Chris, Chevrolet assembly plants started stamping the VIN derivitive on 1962 passenger models with 300hp and up engines. The problem is that not all plants adopted the practice, and I'm guessing many were hit & miss (no pun intended). There was a directive to do so, but the operation was not inspected, so it was easy to skip.
Check the trans as well if it's a 4-spd. The 4-speeds and engines were to be stamped at the same time at the end of the engine dress line, after the trans was bolted to it. IF you find the original VIN on the trans but not on the engine, I'd be inclined to suspect a replacement engine.

Hope this helps.
Verne

[x Baldwin Motion]

thanks, that imformation implies and explains that many small blocks 65 and earlier without VIN stamping are to be recognized as less than 300HP.
new question; at what point were all blocks stamped with the vin regardless of original horsepower configuration?


chris

[Verne_Frantz]

Chris,
I would guess '68, but I don't know for sure...

Verne

[Rick H]

[ QUOTE ]
Chris,
I would guess '68, but I don't know for sure...

Verne

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be correct....supposedly.

Rick H.