1968 427 Cougar block date range question

[AlanCasida]

 I was wondering if anyone could tell what the block casting date range would be good for a '68 427 Cougar? I have a 427 side oiler block that is also machined for hydraulic lifters. It has a crack in the deck I am looking at getting repaired. Although I am pretty sure it is a marine block since it has brass screw in freeze plugs I was wondering if it could be used as a proper 427 block for a Cougar restoration. Mine has a casting date of 7 G 1 or July 1 1967. 

[Gregwill16]

Alan, first off I am not a GTE expert by any stretch, but that date is in the range for them. I once had a 7F27 dated block, best I remember, and it actually had something like a February or March 68 assembly date along with some other stampings that was GTE relevant. That block went to a GTE owner who was glad to get it.
So look on the front knorbs at the bottom of the head decks for an assembly date and any other stampings.

[Gaugster]

The folks over at West Coast Classic Cougar would be a resource to reach out to. Also classiccougarcommunity.com has many experts about all things Cougar related.

[AlanCasida]

Thanks for the replies. I got in contact with Royce Peterson, "THE" authority on '68 Cougars and he said it fell within the range to be a correct block for a 427 Cougar. Not that that matters all that much. Just something neat to know. 

[Gaugster]

Glad you found your answer. Yes, Royce P. is very much in the know about Cougar's and related vehicles.

[Hemi Joel]

It is my understanding that a GTE would have the VIN stamped on the block. If it dosen't have the correct VIN, then does the date code really matter?

[wsu0702]

Royce Peterson is our resident expert on GT-E Cougars.  Hopefully he will see this this.  If not I am connected to him on Facebook.

[6667fan]

Alan, is the block machined as a center oiler? If it is a true marine block that is most often the case.
Did Royce comment on a marine block being utilized in GTEs?

Good luck with project!

[wsu0702]

Factory GT-E engines were real deal side oiler blocks.  Everything else about them was early 428CJ ;-).

[AlanCasida]

It is my understanding that a GTE would have the VIN stamped on the block. If it dosen't have the correct VIN, then does the date code really matter?

Since my block started life as a marine block it has no VIN number stamped into it.  While not original, it might be the next best thing for someone.

[AlanCasida]

Alan, is the block machined as a center oiler? If it is a true marine block that is most often the case.
Did Royce comment on a marine block being utilized in GTEs?

Good luck with project!

My block is an actual side oiler and is machined for hydraulic lifters. That is what kind of piqued my curiosity. Here is a pic of the left side.

[6667fan]

That’s cool. Seems like a very early C8. I wonder what the earliest date is of those blocks. Does it have any casting numbers on side of block? What makes it a marine block? The oil galley survived but it has been said not all marine versions were cast as side but run as top oilers due to galley being machined away for mounting needs in boat. Could it be a service block for a passenger car?

[AlanCasida]

That’s cool. Seems like a very early C8. I wonder what the earliest date is of those blocks. Does it have any casting numbers on side of block? What makes it a marine block? The oil galley survived but it has been said not all marine versions were cast as side but run as top oilers due to galley being machined away for mounting needs in boat. Could it be a service block for a passenger car?

The only reason I have for thinking it is a marine block is the previous owner thought it came out of a boat and that it has brass screw in freeze plugs which I guess were put in marine blocks. It has a casting number C8AE-A on the right side of the block along with the 7 G 1 casting date near the oil filter pad.