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340 Block Cast Date

Posted By: Matt M

340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:03 AM

What is the acceptable range for a cast date vs the build date for a 340 block?

If a block was cast in 5/69 could it be the original block for a car built in 11/69?

Thanks Matt
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:08 AM

Possible but not likely, most were assembled within a month of the casting date. Look on the front of the block (drivers side under the deck surface) the 10,000 day assembly date will be there, an assembly date that is within a few days or weeks prior to you cars SPD will be "most correct" in most peoples opinions.
Posted By: 69CoronetRT

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:19 AM

Quote:


If a block was cast in 5/69 could it be the original block for a car built in 11/69?




Wouldn't the easiest way be to check the VIN stamped on the block or are you concerned the block has been restamped?
Posted By: NV69B7RR

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:29 AM

I can't say if yours is correct or not, but its possible. But my 71 340 is an exception to what is considered correct. My 340 blocks julian date is July 8th 1970 and the cars SPD was in Oct 14th 1970.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:33 AM

Hey NV69B7RR
check your e-mail
Posted By: RobX4406

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:45 AM

Could it... sure.

Not the norm but not outside the range.

seen some 71-72 cars with blocks cast in say jan and feb in cars SPD in the aug/sep ranges. Anything is possible.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:48 AM

My guess is a block with that casting date went into a 1970 model year car. get those numbers and you will know for sure.

Attached picture 6763751-340BlockID(3).jpg
Posted By: ademon

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:49 AM

Quote:

I can't say if yours is correct or not, but its possible. But my 71 340 is an exception to what is considered correct. My 340 blocks julian date is July 8th 1970 and the cars SPD was in Oct 14th 1970.


what is the casting date?
Posted By: NV69B7RR

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 04:54 AM

I'll look it up this weekend.
Posted By: big-block-dave

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 01:55 PM

Quote:

Quote:


If a block was cast in 5/69 could it be the original block for a car built in 11/69?




Wouldn't the easiest way be to check the VIN stamped on the block or are you concerned the block has been restamped?




Yes look at the vin#. What's all the other #'s on the block? I have a 6/30/69 SPD car looking for a close motor.
Posted By: BradD

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 02:54 PM

A friend of mine had a 73 340 Cuda with the original motor that was cast 11/71. I figured it was the last year for the 340 so Chrysler used whatever was laying around. I dont remember any other dates on the car or block. It's been a few years ago.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 03:01 PM

When it comes to engine casting dates vs assembly dates vs installation dates one needs to speak in general terms as far as what was the "norm" because there were MANY exceptions over the years. Proving possible exceptions to be indisputable facts all boils down to originallity and documentation.
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 03:36 PM

I have found that any Mopar engine cast after 1969 could be used in cars up to 1974, those before the 70 model year usually are cast pretty close to 2 months before the SPD.
Posted By: RobX4406

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/05/11 05:29 PM

Wasn't any JIT inventory going on at chrysler back then... bell curve anyone?
Posted By: Matt M

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/06/11 02:31 AM

Guys

Thanks for all the replys
The reason for the post is I did get a photo of the VIN on the block, and It looks a little funky, but the photo is crap.

This is what my friend told me to look at also

"Possible but not likely, most were assembled within a month of the casting date. Look on the front of the block (drivers side under the deck surface) the 10,000 day assembly date will be there, an assembly date that is within a few days or weeks prior to you cars SPD will be "most correct" in most peoples opinions."

I need to get more information

The car is a 1970

Thanks again guys.

Matt
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/06/11 02:53 AM

FYI, VIN # stampings were quite OFTEN poorly done, what you decribed doesn't surprise me at all. Post a decent pic of it and we can let you know what we think.
Posted By: TJP

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/06/11 03:44 AM

had a numbers match original 69 340 dart, block was cast in 11-67, as was the intake etc.
the vin numbers were correct, un altered Car had been parked since 74. Suprised me hope this helps
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 340 Block Cast Date - 08/06/11 04:55 AM

My best guess is that this is an original stamping, scrape the paint and take a better pic and I would have a stronger opinion one way or the other. Also, those numbers on the face of the block would come into play, get those as well.

Attached picture 6765518-0B192879.jpg
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