Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Portland68** · 05-08-2022, 11:34 AM

Hey all, looking for some help identifying the motor in a 67 C20 I picked up recently. Casting number appears to be 3970010 (302/327/350) but the stamping on the front is (partial vin?) 161180474 and then K03 09 CM.

From what I can tell that means March 9th, Ontario plant but the only hits I get for CM are for a 283.

Any idea on what the correct displacement is? I will be selling the motor locally but don’t want to mislead someone one way or another.

**Accelo** · 05-08-2022, 12:24 PM

The CM typically stands for Crate Motor.

I don't get the vin being there.
Unless it was replaced under warranty and the dealer stamped it?

For what it's worth:
Years ago I purchased a new 010 four bolt block and it was stamped CE on the tab.
Of course no VIN, but I installed it.

**jocko** · 05-08-2022, 05:32 PM

I don't know about the engine, but I sure love that truck!

Agree, the presence of a partial VIN with a CM suffix code (60 283) does not compute. And partial VINs (on later trucks that got those) were usually stamped after the suffix code, at least ones I've seen - I think it could probably be done either way since they are two independent stamps. Got any full engine pics? Looks like a short water pump - does it have an intake or valve cover oil fill? Draft tube? A CE stamp denotes a Counter Exchange, i.e. factory parts supply replacement block - the o.g. crate motor, per se. I haven't seen a crate motor stamped CM - but I'm not familiar with how they were marked either - so that doesn't really mean anything.

By the way, love the truck! (or did I say that already

) Got any more details? Plans? (maybe a separate thread, sorry, don't want to diverge from your original post).

**Portland68** · 05-08-2022, 05:55 PM

Here’s a picture of the full engine as well as a bonus one of the SPID. As far as plans, in my opinion it’s too far gone to bring back and there’s a lot of good parts my dad and I will be taking for our other trucks.

Rest assured nothing is going to scrap and if it had a title it would be a different story!

**jocko** · 05-08-2022, 06:17 PM

Ah, too bad about the title. Pretty loaded 67, CST and Custom Camper in one of my favorite paint combos - white/vermilion. Nice!

**too much stuff** · 05-08-2022, 08:13 PM

Looks like that may be worth trying to get a title for. Not sure how tough it is in your state.

**MJN** · 05-09-2022, 08:19 AM

Per my book CM is 60/61 Impala 283 230hp. CE (Chevrolet Engine) is what was used for a service replacement/crate engine. Partial VIN stamping started around 1960 on cars and in '73 for trucks, the partial VIN on this block does not match your truck. Can you find the block date code or clean off the suffix code pad a bit more?

MARKDTN · 05-09-2022, 12:43 PM

a 0010 block is a large journal block so can't be original in a '67. It is as noted a 302/327/350 4" bore block and was made from '69-80 I believe. Many are 4-bolt mains, some are not. It is desirable as a builder block since it is supposed to be a high-nickel content block. It's probably a 350 but I would just sell it as a 3970010 block and let the chips fall where they may ('69 is the last year for both 302 and 327). I would either pull the oil pan or stick a borescope in the drain plug so you can tell if it is 2 or 4 bolt mains.

**CAMAROBOY68SS** · 05-09-2022, 01:38 PM

The front pad stamping seem off compared to all the other small blocks I have had. There is never usually any spaces in between the sequence, so this might be a restamped pad. Can you see the casting date on the back of the block near the casting number? That would give you a refined area to look. The front pad could have been a 3 letter code originally, that was more common in the 70s.

724jacks · 05-09-2022, 09:14 PM

https://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engin...-stampings.php

Here is a link to a site with the info to decode the engine stamping. It doesn’t look like it matches up with anything. After about 1970 the suffix should have three letters starting with either a c or t. The K in the assembly date code indicates the engine was assembled in Canada, maybe that’s why it looks off. Read through the link, explains it pretty well. The other thing that’s a little different is the third character in the vin should be a letter that indicates where the vehicle was assembled originally. Good luck
Posted via Mobile Device

**70shortfleet** · 05-09-2022, 09:39 PM

If you want a title for the truck you might want to watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjmoNkn7mc4

GASoline71 · 05-11-2022, 03:21 PM

Pull one of the rocker arm covers and see what casting number is on one of the heads.

Gary

05-08-2022, 11:34 AM	#1
Portland68 Active Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 187	Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? Hey all, looking for some help identifying the motor in a 67 C20 I picked up recently. Casting number appears to be 3970010 (302/327/350) but the stamping on the front is (partial vin?) 161180474 and then K03 09 CM. From what I can tell that means March 9th, Ontario plant but the only hits I get for CM are for a 283. Any idea on what the correct displacement is? I will be selling the motor locally but don’t want to mislead someone one way or another. Attached Images

05-08-2022, 12:24 PM	#2
Accelo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,295	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? The CM typically stands for Crate Motor. I don't get the vin being there. Unless it was replaced under warranty and the dealer stamped it? For what it's worth: Years ago I purchased a new 010 four bolt block and it was stamped CE on the tab. Of course no VIN, but I installed it.

05-08-2022, 05:32 PM	#3
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? I don't know about the engine, but I sure love that truck! Agree, the presence of a partial VIN with a CM suffix code (60 283) does not compute. And partial VINs (on later trucks that got those) were usually stamped after the suffix code, at least ones I've seen - I think it could probably be done either way since they are two independent stamps. Got any full engine pics? Looks like a short water pump - does it have an intake or valve cover oil fill? Draft tube? A CE stamp denotes a Counter Exchange, i.e. factory parts supply replacement block - the o.g. crate motor, per se. I haven't seen a crate motor stamped CM - but I'm not familiar with how they were marked either - so that doesn't really mean anything. By the way, love the truck! (or did I say that already ) Got any more details? Plans? (maybe a separate thread, sorry, don't want to diverge from your original post).

05-08-2022, 05:55 PM	#4
Portland68 Active Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 187	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? Here’s a picture of the full engine as well as a bonus one of the SPID. As far as plans, in my opinion it’s too far gone to bring back and there’s a lot of good parts my dad and I will be taking for our other trucks. Rest assured nothing is going to scrap and if it had a title it would be a different story! Attached Images

05-08-2022, 06:17 PM	#5
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? Ah, too bad about the title. Pretty loaded 67, CST and Custom Camper in one of my favorite paint combos - white/vermilion. Nice!

05-08-2022, 08:13 PM	#6
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,786	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? Looks like that may be worth trying to get a title for. Not sure how tough it is in your state. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

05-09-2022, 08:19 AM	#7
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,051	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? Per my book CM is 60/61 Impala 283 230hp. CE (Chevrolet Engine) is what was used for a service replacement/crate engine. Partial VIN stamping started around 1960 on cars and in '73 for trucks, the partial VIN on this block does not match your truck. Can you find the block date code or clean off the suffix code pad a bit more? __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

05-09-2022, 12:43 PM	#8
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,165	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? a 0010 block is a large journal block so can't be original in a '67. It is as noted a 302/327/350 4" bore block and was made from '69-80 I believe. Many are 4-bolt mains, some are not. It is desirable as a builder block since it is supposed to be a high-nickel content block. It's probably a 350 but I would just sell it as a 3970010 block and let the chips fall where they may ('69 is the last year for both 302 and 327). I would either pull the oil pan or stick a borescope in the drain plug so you can tell if it is 2 or 4 bolt mains. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project Last edited by MARKDTN; 05-09-2022 at 12:48 PM.

05-09-2022, 01:38 PM	#9
CAMAROBOY68SS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Hillsboro, Oregon Posts: 492	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? The front pad stamping seem off compared to all the other small blocks I have had. There is never usually any spaces in between the sequence, so this might be a restamped pad. Can you see the casting date on the back of the block near the casting number? That would give you a refined area to look. The front pad could have been a 3 letter code originally, that was more common in the 70s. __________________ The Twins: 1968 C10 SWB - Blue 327/5 Speed 1968 Camaro SS/RS - Blue 327/4speed C10 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=833278 The "Others" 1933 Ford Pickup (Camaro in disguise) 2017 Camaro SS Life long Chevy guy

05-09-2022, 09:14 PM	#10
724jacks Registered User Join Date: May 2022 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 4	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? https://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engin...-stampings.php Here is a link to a site with the info to decode the engine stamping. It doesn’t look like it matches up with anything. After about 1970 the suffix should have three letters starting with either a c or t. The K in the assembly date code indicates the engine was assembled in Canada, maybe that’s why it looks off. Read through the link, explains it pretty well. The other thing that’s a little different is the third character in the vin should be a letter that indicates where the vehicle was assembled originally. Good luck Posted via Mobile Device

05-09-2022, 09:39 PM	#11
70shortfleet Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St.Peters, MO Posts: 2,239	Re: Motor ID - casting number and suffix disagree? If you want a title for the truck you might want to watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjmoNkn7mc4

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