my question is, is it possible for a block to have the same assembly date as the casting date??? examply Casting number A 16 9 with an assembly date of V0116DZ ??? a response to this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Terry

Yes.

Mark, how is this possible? I'm no expert, but wouldn't the block need to be cast at the foundry, machined, shipped to the assembly plant, and then assembled all in the same day?

thats exactly what i was wondering. i am thinking about buying this block but am kinda concerned about these numbers being the same? if this is possible? how so?
thanks

They were cast and machined and assembled in the same (engine) plant. Not common, but doable that a block would be cast in the morning and assembled later that day.
Do you have a good pic of the pad?

i have a somewhat good pic i could i just don't know how i could show it to you... the other thing is it doesn't have a VIN # on it im told, i can email it to you Kurt if you would like, i am trying to make this transaction as quick as i can as these blocks aren't coming up as often. i will email the pic.

thanks

Foundaries ran 24 hours a day casting blocks, so a block cast around midnight on any specific day could be on it's way to the assembly line a few hours later. It's possible at both engine plants but probably more likely to happen at Tonowanda which had the foundary and assembly plants on the same site, as opposed to Flint which had the blocks cast in the Saginaw foundary about 35 miles away.

It also is more likely at certain parts of the model year than others. Some months the engines are being assembled very close to the car assembly dates and as a result the blocks are being cast much closer to the assembly dates for the engines.

i understand what you guys are saying... im thinking that it is legit and true, so im going to drive the 8 hours to have a look at it anyways it can't hurt, i just was kinda concerned that the dates are the same, is there anything i should check when i get there? the guy claims it to be standard bore so im bringing a bore gauge with me. what should i be looking for, for a bore range on a 4inch bore?? i was thinking within .001 either way?? anyways any help would be greatly appreciated.

Can we assume that this is a DZ block? If so it had to be assembled at the Flint Assembly plant, as there are no Tonowanda 302's in existance. Doubt anyone would be dumb enough to restamp a block with an assembly date that is the same as the casting date, so that would work in your favor as to the stamping on the block being original.
Your going to have to check for original broach marks on the top of the block and the engine pad. Flint (saginaw cast) blocks are slightly different than tonowanda cast blocks in that they have a pipe plug in the front of the block between the timing cover and the engine pad that seals off one of the internal oil passages. Tonawanda blocks don't have this plug, or even the hole for the plug. You also want to check the casting numbers against the casting date. the 386/388 blocks were used from August of 68 till December or 68. The 618 blocks were used from January of 69 to April of 69, and the 010 block was used from April of 69 thru the end of production. These dates are approximate as far as the end dates are concerned. For example you may find a 618 block assembled (not cast) after the beginnig of April 69, but you won't find a 010 block cast or assembled before April 1st or 69.

Bore taper is more important than the overall diameter, unless you have a set of standard 302 pistons laying around. The original pistons are not available anymore, and I don't know if TRW or anyone else is making them now either. Cylinder condition is important as you dont want rust or scratches and then have to overbore the cylinders. Don't want to go more than .030 on a 302 if you can avoid it. Also don't want to have to deck the block if the assembly codes are on the pad, so check the deck for flatness.

you said something about the casting date and assembly date being the same?? they are on this motor im told. The casting date is A 16 9 and the assembly date is V0116DZ ? thats what my first question was, is this possible?? the motor aslo does not have a VIN number im told???
thanks

Mark/Kurt -

I have a related question. I'm looking at a 'backup' block for my 12A '69Z should anything ever happen to my numbers block. It's a 10/30/68 casting, 12/02/68 assembly, with a 1st week in Feb. '69 VIN by the oil filter. That's a big spread but seems feasible. What do you think?

Thanks. -Neil

Originally posted by Terrys_Z28:
you said something about the casting date and assembly date being the same?? they are on this motor im told. The casting date is A 16 9 and the assembly date is V0116DZ ? thats what my first question was, is this possible?? the motor aslo does not have a VIN number im told???
thanks Mark and Kurt answered this question in the posts above; yes, it's possible. The VIN derivative may be stamped above the oil filter; that's an as-cast surface, and the numbers are frequently very hard to see. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Originally posted by Mark C:
Bore taper is more important than the overall diameter, unless you have a set of standard 302 pistons laying around. Mark: What taper is accepatable? .002? Thanks.

Originally posted by Neil B:
It's a 10/30/68 casting, 12/02/68 assembly, with a 1st week in Feb. '69 VIN by the oil filter. Unlikely in the 1st quarter of 69, IMO.