Decode Help

[ko-lek-tor]

Thanks for the kind words.  I have not started a resto yet but I hope to soon.  I am in the process of researching what parts I need(alternator, master cylinder, etc).  I also hope to build a barn to do the resto in.

Most on here started the same way, so you are in good company. I too, have a 3E Nor. car with April components. Not a Pace Car. Sounds like you have a car worth taking care of and fixing up. Couple of friends, down here where I live, in Cincy area have unrestored pace cars and crowds flock to them passing up the shiny stuff...just something to consider. It is only original once. and thanks for coming back and being active, we need guys like you.

[rjprice]

A question about block castings.  I have a 618 block and the CRG website says: The 3956618 block was also used in mid-69 production and was cast at Flint.  My engine has a Tonowanda engine prefix.  Were some 618s cast at Tonowanda?

[69Z28-RS]

If your engine is the 618 casting from Tonawanda, then apparently they did.. 

[KurtS]

I'm not sure they were cast there. Apparently there was some exchange of blocks between the locations to ensure machining compatibility.

Does your block have the oil plug above the waterpump? It should have a square plug. See Pic #3 - http://www.camaros.org/pdf/flint_engine.pdf
Quote from JohnZ:
Flint engines (Saginaw castings) have the hole and plug and Tonawanda engines (Tonawanda castings) don't due to different machining processes for an intersection in the front of the main oil gallery; Flint tapped the hole and installed the 1/8" NPT plug after gun-drilling to create the gallery intersection at the end of the hole. 

[rjprice]

I'm not sure they were cast there. Apparently there was some exchange of blocks between the locations to ensure machining compatibility.

Does your block have the oil plug above the waterpump? It should have a square plug. See Pic #3 - http://www.camaros.org/pdf/flint_engine.pdf
Quote from JohnZ:
Flint engines (Saginaw castings) have the hole and plug and Tonawanda engines (Tonawanda castings) don't due to different machining processes for an intersection in the front of the main oil gallery; Flint tapped the hole and installed the 1/8" NPT plug after gun-drilling to create the gallery intersection at the end of the hole. 

My engine does not have the plug.  I moved the alternator and did not see it.

[69ssrag]

My 618 casting Tonawanda stamped(T0512HA) motor does not have the plug.

[KurtS]

That's what I expect (since Tonawanda machined it), but it doesn't confirm if it's a Tonawanda or Saginaw casting.

Bergy or JohnZ,
Any ideas on how to tell where it was cast? The date formats are the same in 67-9.

[crobjones2]

From my minimal experience - T cast lower right side of cam hole under timing cover represents Tonawanda  Possibly a T cast into the block under the fuel pump boss

[69ssrag]

I will check for a T this evening.

[69ssrag]

I recall reading(maybe on this site?) that Tonawanda year cast date was 2 digits(69) and Saginaw was 1 digit(9).
I couldn't make out the cast date last time I checked but I will look at it again. 

[dannystarr]

69ssrag, Has this stamp you posted been certified real? Just curious the way the broaching looks. Danny

[69ssrag]

Yes, certified real original.

[dannystarr]

Awesome, just thought the broaching looking a little too smooth. Still learning... D

[KurtS]

Tonawanda often used two digits for the year, but not in 67-69.

[69ssrag]

I couldn't find a T...so at this point, we don't know if it was cast at Saginaw and shipped to Tonawanda or cast and built at Tonawanda.