Block Casting '010 -- 1969 vs. 1979 Casting Date

[COPOZ/28]

Since the 3970010 block casting was used from 1969 thru 1979 or so, is there a definitive way to determine if a 3970010 block casting with date code of E-9-9 is a 1969 block and not a 1979 block?  Are there other cast-in features or numbers that will prove it is a 1969 block?  I'm about to drive 200 miles to look at a 4-bolt block and would like to know how to confirm this E-9-9 date code '010 block is actually a '69 casting.  The deck and oil filter boss stampings (engine code/VIN) might have been altered, so that isn't going to be a guarantee.  Thanks.

[bcmiller]

1979 block should have a short pad.

Post the stampings and can probably tell you if original or not.

Post here or email direct if you want.

[COPOZ/28]

Could you describe what you meant by "short pad"?  Am not familiar with it.  Thanks

[bertfam]

Could you describe what you meant by "short pad"?  Am not familiar with it.

See attached. There were three basic pad sizes for the small block Chevy over the years.

1. 1955 through July-August 1964 (just over 3" in length)
2. July-August 1964 to late 1975 (Approx 4" in length)
3. Late 1975 to present (just over 2" in length)

Ed

[COPOZ/28]

Excellent -- thank you so much!

[COPOZ/28]

I haven't driven the 200 miles to see this E-9-9 block in person as of yet.  Am waiting for the seller to call me back with answers to a few questions I had for him, and to ask him for a few photos of it.  In the meantime, I thought I would explain to everyone why I'm looking for an early May, '69 '010 block.  The first time I met Jerry M was at Carlisle (in 2000).  I had the opportunity to explain my situation to him.  My original block was replaced in mid 1970 under warranty when the 1st owner had the car.  He did not save a copy of that Warranty Repair Order (WRO).  Later that same summer of '70, together, we pulled the engine to prep it for amateur drag racing, which included decking the block, which removed the "CE" stamping.  I circled back to him in 1979 and bought the car, knowing all of this history as he was a friend of mine.  So, here I am, with a bona-fide warranty replacement block installed by the selling dealer, with no paperwork to document the swap and no "CE" stamping on the block.  When I explained all this to Jerry his immediate suggestion was to look for a block with a casting date that closely precedes my POP engine build date (May 13).  I did not seriously consider acting on that advice -- until now.   Back in 2008 I had Jim Stubbing of Heartbeat City (I lived nearby at that time) appraise the car and the appraisal correctly states the engine block has been replaced under warranty.  Given that, the car appraised for $52,500 in '08.  If this E-9-9 '010 block I have a line on checks out to be legitimate and sound, would having this block (but likely never installing it into the car) help to protect or increase the overall value of the car in the future?   If so, are we talking a 5% increase, or more than 5%?  Or not add any value at all?  Thanks.

[ZLP955]

Personally, I would just keep what you have, and be glad that you know the circumstances. Assuming the block cast date aligns with the 1970 replacement?

[KurtS]

I think you're nuts.
It's the block that is supposed to be in the car. There's enough of a back story that I would never change it.

[169INDY]

I think you're nuts.
It's the block that is supposed to be in the car. There's enough of a back story that I would never change it.

X2 & I am in a similar situation, maybe you can "Document" the previous owner history & statement, ??

Jim

[bertfam]

I agree with everyone else. Leave it alone. However, I DO have one question. You stated that the pad had been decked so no numbers, and you no longer had the paperwork. If that's the case, how did Jim Stubbing of Heartbeat City validate it was a correct CE block??

Ed

[jdv69z]

I find it interesting that Chevrolet would change the casting (the pad) without changing the part no.?

[COPOZ/28]

Many thanks to those who have offered their input.  This is new territory for me and I appreciate the responses.

To respond to some of your recent comments and questions:
1. I do have a letter from the 1st owner of the car that states the circumstances of the block swap without a copy of the WRO to support it.  That letter is notarized and is in my documentation collection.
2.  Stubbing accepted the veracity of that notarized letter in his appraisal as documentation of the block swap.  Perhaps this was not the most appropriate action on his part, but that's what he did.
3.  The replacement '010 block has a casting date of D-14-0 to support the late spring/early summer timeframe it was installed by the dealer.

The more thought I give this situation and the thoughtful comments I have received, and given the fact that my intent has never been to pass off something as original when it definitely would not be the case, I'm going to revert back to my original position I've held for the past 41 years and just enjoy the car as it is.

Again, thanks to all.