Hey guys I have a question about a car I am looking at buying. I it is a 73 Roadrunner U code car. The numbers on the block match the vin and rest of the body numbers. My question is this the block is an early 74 block and does not have an HP stamp on the pad. Is it possible that an early 74, 440 engine went in a late build 73 car. Should the block have the HP stamp on it?
Thanks
Ron

Ron - The critical date you want to look at is the assembly date of the engine which obviously must precede the assembly date of the car. The block ID Pad to the right of the distributor will give you the assembly date of the engine. The fender tag will give you the scheduled production date of the car. If however the block date is after either of the previously mentioned dates, then there is some funny business going on (restamp). Good luck.

If it's a U-code car, I believe it should be a Roadrunner GTX - correct?

Correct, sort of. After 1972, the GTX was a package added to a Roadrunner. So in 1973 and 1974, you ordered a Roadrunner and added a GTX upgrade vs the GTX being a separate car.

Anyone ever heard of a 74 motor going into a late build 73 Car?

How are you determining that the Motor is a 1974?

I am not sure the current owner states the top pad markings make ii a 74. I have only seen pictures of the car, nothing close up. Shouldn't a 73 roadrunner/GTX that has a 440 also have an HP on the pad. Owner states it does not have an HP.

catalot doesn't mention the 74 440 being HiPo on the Satellite section




However on engineering section:



I love contradictions LOL

Funny they mention FORGED? crank LOL

for 73...




engineering section



once again... FORGED? crank ?

Tell him to look at the date on the side of the block. Is this an all original car restored or what?

No, not possible, even on a warranty engine. Blocks are dated the day they are cast. So unless they had a body sitting at the factory for 1/2 year and all of a sudden decided to install an engine is highly unlikely. Most likely someone re-stamped vin on thee block. without pics, that' only conclusion that old logically be made. There is the possibly it is a 1974 model car and the vin way a typo, but highly unlikely.

Thanks that is what I am thinking also, I passed on the car.