it has a 1" x 1.5" square pad directly above where the water pump mounts, extending from the cylinder head mating surface, but there is no stamp code whatsoever. It does not appear to have been decked. Rounded edges all around and no milling marks. It has 010 cast in various places. Why doesn't it have a stamp code? What does the 010 mean? The owner wants $100 for it and the crank, its standard but needs 30 over. He does not know its origin.

Can anyone help me?

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ericj205@worldnet.att.net
'71 RS/SS w/ vortec heads in progress
'73 LT parts car
'95 Formula

Eric it could be a replacement block. Or someone could of just purchased it over the counter. (I did that once in 73). In that case it would not have a Engine Plant Code since it was not really assigned to any particular vehicle. If it was put in a car as a replacement the mechanic installing the block should of stamped an "X" on the pad that you were talking about. He should of also stamped the VIN on it also. Most of the times they did not do it.

There is a pad by the Oil Filter Boss. Check there for a VIN #. The 010 is just merely the last 3 digits of the Block Casting Number 3970010. See the 010 at the end of this? Some say it is the nickle content of the Block.

It is a good block. Check it for Cracks (have it done by a machine shop) Also check the date code of the block. It will be on the opposite end of the block that the pad is on.
Should have a code similar to this D132 which would denote April 13, 1972.

Hope this helps,

Bob R

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1973 Z28 Original Owner
5 Year Frame Off Restoration
http://www.geocities.com/bobr73z28

Eric,
If you visit MadMike's site he has tons of casting numbers for various blocks. I had a 383 in my '72 with the same casting number on it. I learned it was a "desirable" block with a high nickel content on Mike's page. Some refer to them as "Oh-ten" blocks.

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'73 RS/Z28