What I need to know is: I want to find several warranty unstamped blocks for some of my cars that do not have their original motors. Should I be expecting to find 383 and 440 blocks with HP and HP2 stampings or just a block with 383 or 440 stamped into it? Is a warranty block just a warranty block in most cases, or were the "HP" stampings the norm or the exception? I would think that a 383+2 or 383+4 LP original block would be replaced by Chrysler with non HP block in both cases, but would an HP block always be replaced with another HP warranty block? Sorry to be so wordy.
I have done some research on this in the past so will give my opinion.
The 70 parts book listing for 383 service blocks is;
- one part# for a 383-4
- one part# for 383-2 with cast crank
- one part# for 383-2 with forged crank
It looks to me like all 383-4 cars would receive the same replacement block. The only replacement I have seen myself had "S 383" on the pad, same as posted above. The "S" is for Service replacement / Service block.
So my opinion for 383 engines is that they were stamped "S 383", no "HP".
The 70 listing for 440 service blocks is;
- one part# for 440-4 C bodies
- one part# for 440-4 B/E bodies, and C with high performance engine.
The only 440 replacement stamping I have seen was on a '69 Charger R/T 4 speed (I think more 4spd cars had engine problems than automatics
). It was restored about 5 years ago after having been parked since 1982. No paperwork regarding engine replacement, but original owner remembered it going to the dealer when the car was 2 or 3 years old. He said it was covered under warranty, he did not pay for it. The block had "S 440" on pad and no vin by pan rail. I have pic of stamping. Will find it and post later.
From stampings posted above and what I have seen, my opinion is the 440 engines could have "440 HP" or "S 440".
As already mentioned, "warranty block" is a bit of a misnomer. Anybody could have their engine replaced at a dealership. The same parts were ordered no matter who was paying the bill, customer or Chrysler.
