http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/69-CAMARO-Z28-DZ-ENGINE-BLOCK-3970014-K-3-8-V1113DZ_W0QQitemZ7987897264QQcategoryZ33613QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem

Those number sure are in a straight line.

3970014? Was that casting even used in '69?

Edit..
That casting number appears to be incorrect.
3932386, 3956618, 3970010, 3932388 are the only DZ numbers from my info. Good catch!

3900014 was used late in the 69 model year and I have several Norwood Camaros in my database with this engine. I have never seen a z28 with this casting and this block appears to be a restamp.

Is that corportate blue/green under the orange?

Mortec lists that block for 1970-76 350 2 or 4 bolt. Late in the model year is the key. Not late in 1968:clonk:

Why does it seem that all the stamps/tags in question always have such a blurry picture? hmmm... I very rarely have an issue getting a clear pic of #s with my dig cam.

Then again, Im using my pics to PROVE authenticity, rather than leave a doubt.

dave

What I don't understand is that so many engine codes appear "questionable" because they do not seem to be perfectly straight, -as if hand stamped.
This DZ engine number seems to be doubted because of that.
Does anybody here have Jerry McNeish's "The Definitive 1969 Camaro Z/28-SS396 Fact Book? If so, check pages 21 & 22.
Here there are 3 examples of factory broached DZ engine codes, and not one of them is perfectly straight. That eBay pic is not what I would call unusual in comparison, -even if it were forged. The picture quality is no way good enough to tell anyway.
I think the real thing to look for is the machined pattern of the deck which can't be seen here. If it is a circular pattern from a modern milling/decking machine, then one could assume that it is a restamp of a forged DZ block, or perhaps a restamp of a real DZ block. by an owner not wanting to throw away a heap of it's value thanks to a rebuild, or the original number replaced to track in the event of it being stolen.
It's a real pity that GM stamped these blocks in such a stupid and vulnerable place.

Not a bad restamp, but it is a restamp......

And they were making cars, not restoration projects. That pad is perfect place to stamp a code, for production purposes. :)

On big blocks from somewhere in the 70s onwards, there is a small pad in the middle, on the front just below the "China wall" and above the timing cover that they began stamping to avoid losing the engine numbers from regular machining.
That is the perfect place because it never goes missing.