59 283 block markings

[ranewman01]

A Friend has a 59 Vette short block. It has not been decked in any way. The code stamped on the block is F6IIDB. Is it possible this is a experimental block?

[Corvsport.com Administrator]

Thanks for joining the Corvsport.com Message Boards and posting your question.

In response to your question we do not believe that the engine block is experimental. The number that you posted here is an Engine Build Code. You will find this code stamped on the block in addition to the engine block number which should be 3737739 or 3756519 if it is an original 1959 Corvette engine block. We also found a great article by our friends at www.corvettemagazine.com that will help you decipher the engine code you posted.

Here is the article from Corvette Magazine’s website.

“Beginning in 1957 and continuing through the 1964 model year, the engine sequential number was not used in the block stamp code. The block stamping was totally changed from the 1955-56 model years. The new engine production code consisted of an engine build source, production date and an engine suffix code. Depending on which month the engine was produced, the code could consist of up to seven characters. As previously discussed, no Corvettes used the Tonawanda built engines during this period.

The first letter always designated the engine plant. All Chevrolet engines built from 1957-1964 were built at one of two plants, Flint, Michigan, or Tonawanda, New York. Thus, the first letter in the engine stamping code will always be the letter "F" for the Flint plant, or the letter "T" for the Tonawanda plant. . All Corvettes used Flint built engines during this time period but we mention the Tonawanda stamping here for reference. The second digit will represent the month build code. On 1957-1959 model year engines, the month designation will only be one digit. For example: January = 1, July = 7. From the month of October on, the digits obviously change to two digits for all engines from 1958-1964. Starting in 1960 and continuing through the 1964 model year, however, the month code designation changed to two digits for all months. For example, January =01, June = 06, September = 09, etc. The next number sequence in the engine code stamping will represent the actual day of engine assembly. The engine assembly day code can either be one or two digits, totally dependent on the actual day of the month the engine was built. It should be noted here that both engine plants used the letter "I" to signify the number "1" in all engine stampings.

The final group of letters or letter at the end of the engine code simply represents the actual engine suffix letter code of that particular block when it was originally manufactured. Many engines over the years used the same suffix codes for totally different application. Unless you check the casting dates, you could be easily duped into buying an incorrect part for your application.

Another important fact needs to be noted here. All V-8 engine stampings during the 1957-59 model years were located on the left-hand side of the engine stamp pad. Beginning in the 1960 model year and lasting through the 1964 model year, the engine assembly plant code was moved to the right hand side of the pad and any vehicle identification number would be stamped on the left. Please note that in 1960 the Corvette was the only Chevrolet vehicle that received a VIN stamp on the engine pad. It is unverified to date if this change took place at the beginning of the 1960 model year on all Chevrolet vehicles or after january of 1960 when Corvette VIN number sequencing began.”

In addition to the article, The “DB” on the end of the engine code does represent a Chevy small block 283ci 230hp with Powerglide transmission, but according to our sources the “DB” is not consistent with the correct Suffix for a 1959 Corvette engine. A 1959 Corvette Engine with the same specifications used “DG” as the suffix.

Here is a link to the article.
www.corvettemagazine.com/2000/january/code1/code1p4.asp

Again, thanks for posting your question on the message boards. We will be glad to help answer any further questions you may have on your car. In the mean time, feel free to check out the 1959 Corvette pages on Corvsport.com

www.corvsport.com/Corvette/C1/1957-1961/C1_1959_Overview.html

[ranewman01]

Thanks guys. I do know all about the other markings. I have grown up with hotrods and vettes. I just sold my 65 roadster last year and am contiplating what my next project will be.
One thing I havent done is check the cast date code to see if it is even close to the stamped number. I will be doing that this weekend. It is an original 59 vette motor on the other casting. I would imagine someone has ground and restamped the motor which was stupid. Just thought I would check with another resource. I appreciate your responding so quickly.

Best Regards
Rick Newman

[EllAffing]

Himplasia <a href=http://adrugo.com>cialis</a> Levitra Costo Che Hanno Paxill Online Usa

[Gary Kirby]

I have a engin code of 3737739 and a casting code of FI20CD what can you tell me about this engine

[Gary Kirby]

It is a complete carb to oil pan, Fan to bell housing