66 SS Chevelle block casting date vs assembly date

MYSTERYCHEVELLE · #1 03-07-2007, 10:13 PM

Okay.. Here's a question that has been asked many times, but I guess until it directly applies to you, we don't pay attention as much as we should

so humor me....

I recently inspected an extremely nice 66 SS L-78 that was framed off, done to the highest level ( used the 66/67 SS FACT BOOK ) and is just plain spectacular. It has a POP and previous owner titles and very detailed owner history, has great before, as found photos, and complete restoration photo album. The POP is Real in my so called expert opinion

and the DECK stamp is original in my opinion, Trans is non orig. and this was stated up front at time of purchase and Rear is original.. Heads, idler pulley, carb, etc.. TRIM TAG and VIN TAG are unaltered... Nothing about this car raises an eyebrow to me in the form of fraud, restamp, or fake docs, etc.. and the resto is top notch and I am hard to please in this regard, esp. with 66 SS's.

but.. yes, there is always a BUT!!

The assemby date of the car is May ’66. but the block casting is K5….it is a a 962 Block as it is supposed to be too.

I’m stumped.. I know the drill when it comes to what is the considered acceptable month span for this type stuff.. but I am having a real hard time believing this car is not the real deal.. if someone goes to the trouble of trying to pass off a car as real numbers matching, and supply you with a multitude of docs, pictures, owner hx and names.. and even if they Re-stamped the deck so well that most would be fooled..( including me ) would they not have found and used a closer casting date block to do so??? Makes no sense?? Not saying someone trying to deceive has to be very smart. But I still find this hard to swallow… they get it all right, to the point of no raised eyebrows.. but they don’t use a block that is closer in date to the car??

So, my question to you all.. anyone else have a similar situation? Known numbers car with casting date and assembly date that doesn’t jive? Or anyone have any insight.. ie.. the stories of blocks that were pulled off for a possible problem and then installed later…

The L-78 engine option was cancelled on May 11 1965 and was not available in the beginning of the 66 Chevelle production year ( July/August 1965 ) but was then reinstated on Oct. 7, 1965 and the dealers were given inserts to show the engine option now available. This is a Kansas built car if it matters, which I don’t believe it does.

Comments welcome

Thanks

Mike Crown

**YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY** · #2 03-07-2007, 10:28 PM

Wouldn't raise too much of an issue with me. I've seen spans from 1-2 days up to 11 months, and Jeff Dotterer confirms that he has seen the same spans in his travels. It happens,

If it was a fake, I would also think the faker would have picked a real closely dated block.

**WILMASBOYL78** · #3 03-07-2007, 10:54 PM

What is engine assembly date..??? Since the L78 engine was only available in a Chevelle in 66 could there have only been limited casting runs of this block..??? I have seen some wide date spreads on 1970 L78 Novas....G1 9 854 block..with a 07/02/70 engine assembly date..second week of July 70 car....POP car..these things happen..we may never know why exactly...I would guess that if we took up a survey of casting dates and assembly dates for various BB motors there would be lots of common dates...just like alternators and distibutors....hope it works out...

wilma

3macs1 · #4 03-07-2007, 11:03 PM

Wilma brings up a excellent point. I don't know about 66 Chevelle but had quite a few 66 impala and other 66 fullsize some l-72, l-36 . I know one l-72 was 5 months prior and anothet I think was still warm when they put it in the car.Like Marlin says I would not be too concerned.

**olredalert** · #5 03-08-2007, 06:13 AM

-------The lower production numbers of any given engine, the more wildly the dates may vary. Rarer engines tended to be built in batches.........Bill S

MYSTERYCHEVELLE · #6 03-08-2007, 08:19 PM

Appreciate the replies gentlemen.. I respect the opinions of all who contributed their 2 cents! I know a few replies does not make for complete confidence.. but then I am not sure now days, we can be 100% sure of anything in this hobby

I do however firmly believe in going with your gut at times, and the Facts that are in front of you.. that said, I do feel this is the real deal!

Mike Crown

**mockingbird812** · #7 03-08-2007, 09:09 PM

Mike,

Will this be in your stable soon? In addition to your docs on this car, I like the complete owner history. What are the colors? Good luck.

BTW, is Nicholas Smith still in business? Was stationed near there and made many an excuse to pass by to check out their latest (particularly on the 2nd floor).

MYSTERYCHEVELLE · #8 03-08-2007, 10:17 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Mike,

Will this be in your stable soon? In addition to your docs on this car, I like the complete owner history. What are the colors? Good luck.

BTW, is Nicholas Smith still in business? Was stationed near there and made many an excuse to pass by to check out their latest (particularly on the 2nd floor).

[/ QUOTE ]

Red/Black

You lost me on Nicholas Smith?? Stationed near where? Broomall

I don't know who that is..sorry., but do tell~

btw.. the deck stamp date is 0506 if memory serves..

**mockingbird812** · #9 03-08-2007, 10:27 PM

Mike

Sorry, I have trains on the brain too

. Was referring to the Train shop that has been there for the better part of a century. 2 huge floors of multiple scale trains with the 2nd floor filled with multiple layouts with incredible detail and SOUND! Terrific vintage memorabilia/posters of old train stations on the walls too - much like a museum. Just off the 476 (rt. 3, I think) in Broomall.

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