Hi guys.
Can anyone tell me the correct engine block date parameters that I should be looking for on my 71 SS 4-Speed 402 (manufactured in the 3rd week of January). This car seems to have had the short block replaced sometime in 72even though the original owner swears that the existing engine is original. Everything else including the heads are the correct date. Due to the incredibly well preserved condition (stored for 27 years) I'm starting to think that it may be worth the search for the correct short block as I am selling this car and my serious prospects all need numbers matching.
Thanks, Real SS

What's the block casting number, casting date, and what's stamped on the front block pad?
:beers:

I'm sorry, I probably phrased my question wrong.My 71 Camaro was manufactured during the 3rd week of January. The Block that I am looking for is casting number 3969854 with a CLC code. I need to know the block manufacturer date parameters that I should be looking for to bring this car back to "numbers matching". (ie. 2-3 weeks prior to the mfg. of the car, etc.)
Thanks, Real SS

It will never be "numbers matching" unless the engine stamp partial VIN matches the body VIN & all other component codes are correct. If your just looking for the dates to correspond correctly to the body build date, the block casting date (& all component casting dates) should probably pre-date the body date by 3-6 weeks. That would put the block date code in the mid-late K (November) to early L (December) range or K[15-30]0 to L[1-15]0. Obviously this can vary a week or two either way.

Hope this helps!