What is CONV 1 ???

[bobs409]

Thought I'd try out the new forum...

Since it's been raining here for what seems to be the past month, Im spending some time on my '63's 283 that's on the engine stand in the garage.

On the back passenger side, there is "CONV 1" in raised cast letters about 3/16" of an inch tall characters. Any ideas on what this means? It is a 1963 283. And no, it's not a convertible.

 

[Hippie]

I have seen that as well along with CONV 2 and 3 over the years. I always assumed it was a mold section identifier from the foundry. The blocks were sand cast but they had master molds from which the sand molds were made. These consisted of several sections and they had several sets of them. I just assumed that was an ID code for a certain mold and section. I could be wrong though.

 

[bjburnout]

Bob is the block casting no. 3790721 ?
According to Colvin's Chevy by the numbers...in 62 and 63 these engines were service conversions for the Chevy II. The oil filter boss is raised 1-1/2" to provide clearance for the steering gear.
Otherwise it is identical to the 870 blocks.
There is no mention however about the identifier 'CONV' 1

 

[bobs409]

BJ, this one is #3794226

Here's everything else too:

Engine: T05I6D block casting number: #3794226 date code E 9 63
Water pump: 3704911
Intake manifold: 3746826 E1363
Head (pass) 3795896 D2563
Head (driver) 3795896 E1463


This isn't the original engine to my '63 but it was rebuilt and installed in 1975. It only had about 29,000 miles since this rebuild. Engine is clean, quiet and does not smoke a bit.

The funny thing is the build date on the cowl tag is 5D so I think this engine is dated pretty good for this car. Got lucky on that.

 

[bjburnout]

Well, the D says 58-62 170HP Passenger or 63-64 195HP passenger car but the 4226 shows truck. Colvin says these blocks were thin wall castings in order to make the water jackets bigger and used in cars and trucks. Should be a good motor for normal use but don't be punchin it 60 over or puttin' a blower on it..

 

[bobs409]

Hmmm... I never knew what it came from but no plans of modifying it. Thanks for the info.

Im going to be one of the few left that will keep his 283 stock.