no "first in / first out" inventory controls were used

if a block or pallet of blocks got buried, whenever they were rediscovered they'd be sent into further production

from what I've seen, '72 was an odd year with many big variations date-wise, maybe new procedures being put to use, cleaning up former messes shruggy

the block casting has not much to do with the final assembly, what is stamped on the front of the block below the driver's side head?

HM340R xxxx xxxx ?? scope cast crankshaft ??