Is there any way to tell the years of the blocks by the casting numbers? I did a search on both here and on Google, but I didn't really come up with a definitive answer.

The reason I'm asking is because I picked up 3 LT1s a few years back, 2 iron head 9C1 B-bodies and 1 aluminum head F-body. I was told the years were '92, '93, and '95 respectively. Now I thought the LT1 was only available in the Vettes in '92 and then and then came out in the B & F bodies in '93, but I could be wrong. Its happened before.


Does anyone happen to have a casting numbers list or a good link to one?
I just want to double check what I have so I know what I'll be working with this winter.

Thanks in advance,
-Lance

 

I don't know about the others, but the f-body cars have partial VINs stamped on the block. I'm trying to think of why it would even matter to you. The blocks are virtually the same except for obvious difference in 2 and 4 bolt main blocks.

 

Shoebox, on related question: given that the block castings are all the same, and that there is only a partial vin stamping near the oil filter, how important is having the original engine for future collectibility of certain f-body cars?

 

The reason cars lasted 30 40 50 60 or so years was because of the quality materials being used in those days. They built things to last. Today things are built to last the warrenty and not much longer. Too much plastic which becomes very brittle with age and very thin steel makes for a slim chance that todays car will last.

 

I'll take exception to your "quality of materials" statement. I had brand new cars back in the 50's and 60's rust out in a matter of 4-6 years. Typical engine life was 50-80K miles. Now they run 200K miles and more. Current exhaust systems are stainless steel, and seem to last almost indefinitely. I learned more about cars in the early days, because even cars only a few years old needed new ball joints, axle bearings, u-joints, distributors, carb rebuilds, etc. Only way for someone still in school to afford the repairs was to do it yourself.

I enjoyed my 56 Bel Air convert, and 66 GTO, but they were both so rusty after a few years I had to dump them.

In any case, this is no longer an LT1/LT4 Engine Tech thread, so lets move it to "General......"

 

No one can predict the future, but it would have to be some rare model (which there aren't that many) or a bona fide stock, low mileage car to be worth anything in the future (IMO, of course).

 

I'll take that bet! I predict that low mileage, original, LT4's are going to be worth big bucks in say 20 years, as will the Special 30th Anniversary SS's. And untouched SS's will be right under them.
I think the LT4's fit your criteria.