Engine number pad painted?
 

Which engines, if any had the engine number pad painted? I have seen 1st gen Z28’s and L78’s with the engine number pads not painted and I have seen L48’s and L35’s with the engine pad painted. What is correct? I am not sure if it has anything to do with a solid cam or aluminum intake.

From John Hinckley:

Thank you, very informative

As an addition to the knowledge shared here the engine Suffix designation was also crayon marked on the head or on the side of the block. Later Suffix designation labels were used for fast identification of engine assemblies.

Here are two of the examples of those markings. Right side up Tonawanda big block 70 CRV on right rear of block vs upside down Flint small block 70 CTB on passenger side of block.

Great pics Rick!!

Were the grease pencil marks put on before the block was painted? I have seen some engines with the grease pencil marks with the engine designation on the front head. Are these marks on top of the paint or did the bleed trough the paint? Thank you

At the engine Plant Yes, under the paint and yes sometimes visible through the paint depending on how thin the paint was applied. Paint runs and crude stripes were included on the head faces which is a treat if you are stripping original Chevy orange.

Crayon for Suffix was used at Norwood again to identify the engine for build up on the motor line but usage was less consistent if experienced personnel were dressing.

Suffix labels ended the need to do this at the assembly plant.

All inspection marks that I have ever seen were on the bare cast iron with rare exception. Depending on the type of applicator the paint often times did not stick to the inspection mark too well plus it is likely they were not always dry before the engine was painted. Here are some examples of engine assembly markings.

My Z had 2 stripes on the front of the drivers head and what looked like a huge cursive ok on the side of the block. Probably a DZ but it was really fancy if it was. I think in the how to hot rod your small block chevy, maybe the rebuild book, it shows engines at the plant with writing on them before paint