Re: 1968 GTX vin / engine stamping questions
[Re: 1_WILD_RT]
#619374
02/21/10 02:28 AM
02/21/10 02:28 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714 Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms
Mr Wizzard
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Mr Wizzard
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
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Quote:
What I'm saying is with early cars especially prior to 1/68 no stampings of engine/trans is not uncommon..
I know what you mean Wild, I've seen that notion prepetuated here on Moparts many times myself. Problem is that there are few who back it up with facts, I haven't seen a single example of an original (unstamped factory installed 68 engine) posted on Moparts, just stories of such.
I think allot of it boils down to wishful thinking on the parts of some people whom own cars with replacment engines and would rather it be deemed "acceptable as common place" so they can slide by with a "numbers matching" car regardless of the engine being swapped out in the past. If anyone is reading this and has such an original example please post it and all the supportive evidence/pics etc. I'm as eager to learn new things as anyone.
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Re: 1968 GTX vin / engine stamping questions
[Re: ScottSmith_Harms]
#619382
02/21/10 03:24 AM
02/21/10 03:24 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,546 Las Vegas, NV
6bblgt
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,546
Las Vegas, NV
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Quote:
Here you go
D = 1968 Model Year
440 = Cubic inches
10 9 = October 9th, 1967 Engine Assembly Date
2 = Second engine assembled that shift
although some earlier "special" engines are numbered, I believe:
2 = second shift
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Re: 1968 GTX vin / engine stamping questions
[Re: ScottSmith_Harms]
#619384
02/21/10 03:28 AM
02/21/10 03:28 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 24 Oregon
Dirk
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 24
Oregon
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Quote:
As it appears in your pic I;d say you have a non stamped block. I wouldn't stop looking just yet though, go a little further in each direction with your paint removal to be sure. I can see where a line worker may have stamped it only on one part (as opposed to both) in the case of an automatic car since they would be right next to one another. On 4 speed cars the trans stamp is in an entirely different area of the trans hence my earlier comment about finding one on the trans would mean the engine would also be stamped.
All of your other engine stamping codes (dates, etc.) align perfectly with your cars SPD, I remain confident that it's the original to your car. I can't say for 100% certain without a personal look but otherwise everything looks right.
Much appreciated Scott. I will Remove the rest of the paint for a last look.
It is a rust-free Texas car with AC that I will do a quick survivor restore on so I can enjoy it for a summer and collect needed parts before a rotisserie later. I will post it in "Projects" as well.
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Re: 1968 GTX vin / engine stamping questions
[Re: 6bblgt]
#619385
02/21/10 03:34 AM
02/21/10 03:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,546 Las Vegas, NV
6bblgt
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,546
Las Vegas, NV
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There is a theory making the rounds that some plants only stamped "high performance" engines early in the '68 model year. If someone has an opportunity to inspect a couple of 440 c-bodies, more light may shine on the subject. I have a "feeling" with no " HP" stamp and no apparent VIN stamping, this engine may simply be a good close date replacement. Great looking car!! Both engine and trans are stamped in this 383 4bbl auto Hamtramck assembled Charger (324 SPD).
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