Block Markings

While STILL trying to get my '68 327 clean enough for new paint, I happened to notice today the markings on the block (with the images flipped over) look like letters and numbers.

And while cleaning other spots, I found more of the blue paint I asked about before.

Looks like the letters H J. (pass side of the block)



This looks like number 4, then underneight the numbers 29. (driver side of the block, at the very front)



This looks like it says M F to me? (driver side of the block, farther back)




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Looks like random markings made by a junk yard, machine shop or just somebody that wrote it with a grease pencil then painted over them. If you could trace the blocks history somebody might remember, but I doubt if they mean anything of importance. There`s no telling how many times the blocks been painted or how many colors.

These are just marks put there at the factory to denote that certain machine operations have been finished or certain assembly steps have been completed, each employee or machine station makes it's mark so that it can be confirmed if there is any confusion later on down the assembly line. You will find these same marks all over the underside of the car when it was new, they just don't show on the motor when new because the factory paints the engine after it has been completely assembled.

I can only attest to the engine's history since 1976. When I bought it.

Until two teeks ago it was covered in grease (on the block) like it has been since 1987 when I removed it from my car.

My guess is the blue and Chevy orange still visible are the only two times the engine's been painted in it's life.

As for what happened to it before I bought it I can't say? I just know it's listed as a '68 327 and I bought it out of a '68 BelAir for $75 complete in 1976.