The suffix letters (MA) should identify the vehicle the engine was installed in originally. There are several engine number conversion websites available, so that's where I'd begin looking. Other than the stamped number, I can't think of anything different between a "Corvette" block and any other 283.

Of course, I've also got a few WW II vintage Mauser rifles that were the personal favorites of Hermann Goering, and a set of USAF pilot's wings that once belonged to Chuck Yeager! (The wings are the real thing- - - -given to my father-in-law by Yeager himself back in the 1950's!)

Edit:
The 3789935 casting number references a 1961-64 283

A 283 with an MA suffix code is supposed to be a 160 HP 1958 year, with a 2 barrel carb and a manual transmission.

The MA code was also used on a 1967 283, 2 BBL with a Powerglide, 175 HP. Neither engine matches the 61-64 casting number.

I don't think Corvette ever ran a 2 BBL carb. There are also MA codes for 327 engines, but those blocks would have a 4" bore and a different casting number.

Here's a link to the suffix codes:

http://www.1968ss.com/sbcsuffix.asp

Jerry



Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 01/11/2018 5:25 AM.
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