Purchased a 1969 Dart 340 4-speed car and trying to figure out if its the original drivetrain. Not that it really matters to me as I plan on modifying the car anyway and owner did not advertise the car as numbers matching so more for curiosty sake
Could a 1969 come with a 69 block?? I always thought the block would have been the year before (ie 68)
The engine and tranny are matching and they match the VIN on the dash. But there is no fender tag and no build sheet in the seat I have not dropped the headliner yet to check for build sheet there.

Thanks

If the block and trans VIN's match the dash VIN plate with rosette rivets and the radiator support and trunk drip rail match the dash VIN then I think that is called a "numbers matching car". From (440) blocks that I have seen the casting date and the engine assembly date usually (but NOT always) are 2-4 weeks apart. Seen more but that's another .

It is possible that a late build 69 could have a 69 block but typically they will have the previous year casting date from what I have seen. With out a build sheet or a fender tag the scheduled production date is a mystery, maybe someone with a list of VINs and SPD can place yours in a range that might justify the 69 block. If the block has the VIN on the pan rail then I would post a picture of it and let the knowledgeables give their opinion if it is original or restamped.

For what it is worth if it is number matching then I would pull the original drive train and set it in the corner and modify something else, that why you wont damage it and you can always go back.

Does it have the information when the engine was ASSEMBLED (not cast) Not that familiar with the small block but usually on the BB there is something like E ('69) then the engine displacement 440 (or 340) then below it will be the day 4 (example) and month 6 (June) and HP to the right of the date for High Performance.....

Now if that engine assembly date and info is around 2-4 weeks after of the block casting date then you could "assume" it might be the original engine....but there is no guarantee....well without photos for the Moparts

Henry you might try looking under the carpet on the drivers side floorboard for the build sheet. Thats where I have found them before. Good luck.
Ray

Of course 69 Darts can have 69 cast engines, anything built after January 1st 1969 can have a 69 cast block, and the VIN on the passenger side of both will prove it is from that car. I have found plenty of broadcast sheets taped behind the glove box liner, of course the seat bottoms and rear seat back, behind the door panels, under the carpet, and a few in the headliner.

Here's a question for you, is it a GTS or a Swinger? What was the date of the switch over? Could a Dart be had with a 340 without being one or the other?

Thanks for the info everyone Car is in storage right now so I will have to wait until spring to look for the body numbers and build sheet.