I've been looking for awhile for a 327 block with what could be considered a "correct" casting date for my Norwood 02D '68, which would basically be either a 3914660 or 3914678 block. My original thought was to build a mild stock looking 327/275, but I'm also kicking around the idea of building a mild 383 that appears to be a stock looking 327/275 (don't know why, but I prefer the pure resto look with hidden mods).

Anyway, I found this block on EBay, which appears to have a casting date that fits the bill (B 7 8 - February 7, 1968, which should also be a Flint block with a one-digit year code):

EBay 327 Block Auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7941877114&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT)

As usual, the seller believes this to be a Z28 block, even though the 3914678 block was used for everything except the 307 in 1968 (per Colvin's CBTN). What has me confused are the numbers that are stamped on the deck. There isn't a good picture of it, but the seller says that the deck is stamped with "600557". It doesn't say anything about a "CE" stamped in it. Any thoughts about what this stamp means? A rebuilder stamp?

Am I missing something, or has the world gone insane?

Click on the link in my original message. I'm not sure which boggles my little brain more - that the bidding ended up at $202.50 for a bare 3914678 block (no crank or main bearing caps according to the seller), or that the reserve wasn't met.

I wonder what my cast iron 2-barrel intake manifold / doorstop is worth?

As always the bidding is about wants and needs, coupled with supply and demand. The 678 block is 34 years old. They are only 1/2 as plentiful as a 67-9 camaro. I have seen them sell for a lot more and I have purchased them for a lot less.