Hey, anyone know if a '73 L-48 engine block manufactured on March 26, 1973, would have (possibly) been included in the manufacture of a '73 delivered in June of that year? In other words, I have a '73 L-48 built in June and am looking at a block from late March (code C263) of that year......if I buy it, would it be considered "correct" for my car? Thanks for any input you may have!

Dave

I can't tell you if the time difference (March to July) could qualify the block as "correct", but the only truly correct engine block is the one the car came with from the factory with matching VIN.

To be a "right" or "correct" block as far as being for a '73 L-48, it should have the casting numbers 3970010 or 3970014 with the appropriate date codes, which you apparently already have.

To my way of thinking, if you already don't have the original engine, it really doesn't matter much what replacement block you use as long as it's appropriate to the car. You can build it to whatever specs you want.

A general rule( for judging purposes) is that the casting date of the block be within 6 months before assembly date. Normaly, it's closer to 2-3 weeks, but you could have a block that had a tap broke off in it somewhere(or some other malfunction) , and it was sent back to the "heavy repair" area of the factory to be fixed. Then it would be placed back on the assy line for building.
If the engine you're looking at has the correct VIN #, and the assembly date is correct(within days of the car "build" date), then it is most likely OK.
There's not many people faking L-48 '73s!!
Numbers-wise, it would be acceptable, but without the correct VIN#, it will not be original. As Gunslinger says, it can only have one "original" engine. Adams' Apple38604.7642708333