1968 327 CE block engine code

[WSSix]

My friend recently acquired a 327 that we know is a Chevrolet Engine or crate engine from 1968 given that it has stamping CE839012 on the front pad. What's a little confusing to us is the date stamping which has the engine option code. It's stamped V0109HT. We know this is an engine built in Flint, Michigan on January 9th. I can't find any information stating that HT is indeed the same 350hp 327/4 speed engine that was available in a 68 Corvette that would have carried the HT stamp. Can anyone confirm that the engine code was the same for a crate engine as it would have been for the production engine? Have a source too possibly?

For the record, the block and heads carry the correct stamping/casting for a 350/327 or L79 engine as it's called. I'm fairly certain that HT does mean it's the same L79 from a Corvette. I just can't find any confirmation of that information.

Thank you

[Musclerodz]

CE i think is replacement block. You would be better to ask that question over at team camaro or similar site

[raffman]

The HT code was used for the l-79 Corvette engine from 1965 to 1968, The CE code was def the over the counter replacement engine.

[rchaskin]

I think I read somewhere that the CE stood for Counter Exchange.

[WSSix]

Thanks guys. I figured I might need to try a more restoration oriented site but wanted to post here as well.

As for CE. I read that it's officially Chevrolet Engine, versus Pontiac Engine or Oldsmobile Engine for instance which were also available as crate engines, but that through the years people have also called is counter engine, counter exchange, or crate engine. Honestly, that's not in question. It's the engine code HT that I'm unsure of since it's a CE block.

Thanks

[Musclerodz]

Thanks guys. I figured I might need to try a more restoration oriented site but wanted to post here as well.

As for CE. I read that it's officially Chevrolet Engine, versus Pontiac Engine or Oldsmobile Engine for instance which were also available as crate engines, but that through the years people have also called is counter engine, counter exchange, or crate engine. Honestly, that's not in question. It's the engine code HT that I'm unsure of since it's a CE block.

Thanks

I did not think replacement engines got restamped with vin. that is what bothers me about it. HT comes back as a 1965 350 hp 327 or a 1969 255 hp 350

[raffman]

I did not think replacement engines got restamped with vin. that is what bothers me about it.

That's not a vin # It's the plant where it was built with date and the engine designation code

[WSSix]

Correct. The CE839012 decodes as follows. CE means Chevrolet Engine. 8 means it was built in 1968 and the rest is just a serial number stamped in sequence as the engines were completed. Apparently, the different engine plants had an allotment of numbers they could use. For example, Flint, where this engine was built, would use numbers 00000 through 49999 for their crate engines. Tonawanda might use 50000-74999 and so on. If the plant went through their allotment, A would be stamped after the CE to show the serial numbers had rolled over and started again.

This method started in 1968 and went to 1976.

I find this information interesting since it's a glimpse of our past and how we handled simple situations like running out of numbers to use.

[WSSix]

Anyone know a value on this engine? My friend has taken the engine apart to examine it. The engine shows minimal wear on all surfaces like you'd expect with a low mileage engine. It is indeed standard bore. The only thing they did find different is the engine was balanced. He's not interested in keeping the engine since he doesn't have a car to put it in. Besides, with it having the stamping and casting numbers that it does, he'd rather see it go to someone needing this engine to complete a restoration.

Thanks.