ZL-1 casting dates

[Eddie M.]

I'd have to look to be sure mine has 311 on the pad above the bellhousing flange and CE on the pad at the front

[rpoz11]

Im starting to wonder over these images as well as mine I had. Casting date first then: block #? I am starting to wonder that the # under each casting date is the number in order from 1 that was casted? ie: 266'th Block made, 446'th Block made???? In relationship to casting dates Ive seen and observed, the casting dates clearly reflect a chronological numerical below each date! Each number seems to correspond correctly with progression to dates given. Any thoughts from the Board here on this?

[yountto]

Does anyone have an 052 casting block with a TO317ML on the pad??

[x44d80]

Mine has 3.7.69

[GMH454]

I have been starting to wonder that myself. If these were cast in batches, then the numbers might have been progressive through production, not numbered by the batch.(or maybe the batch casting is another long term established Chevy myth ) ????

[rpoz11]

Well, it's a matter of getting this info together and having enough real samples to present a probable sequence order. If the results show no number repeated itsself, then quite possibly each block having it's own numerical might help in the actual # of the 6052's made. Theory so far to me but possible. I would hope maybe sYc or Cunnen could help position this suggestion; time will only tell...

[John]

..if this block never had any numbers on the front pad ...would it have been an "over the counter" block ?
...what would it be worth?

[KevinC]

John,
The 052 block that I have was indeed bought "over the counter" as an empty block in early 1971, hence the blank front pad. I have the slip from the purchase and the cost at the time was $1035. Seems awfully cheap by todays standards, but that was a lot of money in 1971.