Topic: 396/427 Block Casting Numbers
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I think I know the answer to this, but I want to be sure! I will be selling my '81 and am trying to find a '69 roadster project, 4 speed.
A good friend of mine knows I want a big block, 427 preferably, and he bought a motor that was sold to him as a 396 out of a chevelle. He sent me the cast numbers off of the block and the number is 3855961 with 7/65 on the block.
The guy he bought it from stated it came out of a early chevelle, but I have to tell you, the corvette black book shows that casting number as a 66 corvette 427, early production.
I am guessing this is probably an original 66 corvette motor, but is there a chance it was a early 396 chevelle?
Also if you know of any project 69 roadsters out there please let me know. I found a tore up 68 close by, but I kind of want to stay away from the one offs of the 68!

Thanks,
Gurtz
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A July, '65 casting date would prolly make it for the '66 model year, but not necessarily...
The 396 was brought out for the '65 model year, so a July date wouldn't make it early...
3855961....396.......65-66...2 or 4 bolt
3855961....427.......66......2-bolt
So...that particular block could be used as either a 396 OR a 427. You'd need the suffix code from the stamp pad to verify what it was originally...
The 396 was brought out for the '65 model year, so a July date wouldn't make it early...

3855961....396.......65-66...2 or 4 bolt
3855961....427.......66......2-bolt
So...that particular block could be used as either a 396 OR a 427. You'd need the suffix code from the stamp pad to verify what it was originally...

Joel Adams
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thanks for the replies, I will get it an get back wth you. The motor is a 2 bolt main.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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