Not sure if this has been discussed previously or not. A few questions: Do any warranty unstamped VIN black have the HP stamping into the top pad? Since there are three versions of a 1970 production 383(383+2, 383+4 LP and 383+4 HP), would there be only one generic issued block to cover those three options or a seperate block for each?? Would this also apply to 1970-71 440 blocks, 440+4 LP, 440+4 HP and 440+6. Does anyone have pictures that they can post showing pad stampings that they have or have seen? Thanks in advance for your input everyone.

I had a 1971 440 warranty short block and it had HP stamped on the ID pad. Keep in mind this was a HP motor and had the heavy six pack rods and would have been different from a standard production 440. That would likely be the reason for the need identifying a HP from a standard production motor. A 383 engine may be a different case if the internals are the same for 2 bbl, 4 bbl and HP engines.

Years back I took these photos of this HP over the counter short block that had not never been put to use.
I cleaned the bosses for the photos.
I believe Chrysler intended them to be stamped on the top pad,
...whether they all were or not I cant say.

Did this short engine have the riveted tag hanging of the side?

On my 383 warranty block. I have an S stamped on mine. I also have the blue tag.

[/quote]Did this short engine have the riveted tag hanging of the side? [quote]

The blue metal tag that would have shed light on the 4 digit corresponding number for the block was gone.
The "bard" ( Chryslers' term for the rivet ) that held it there was present but the tag had been pried or broken off and was gone.
This 4 page oil soaked instruction sheet was present in the valley of the block.

My non-VINned TA 340 block has the rivot in it but no tag, not sure of the history of the block, Bryan bought it before I bought the car from him. My car did have the shortblock replaced in 72 under warranty but they ised a regular 340 shortblock.

It is my understanding that a non-VINned block is simply a service replacement block, the paperwork is what makes it a warranty block. There was no difference in the block/shortblock/engine if you paid for it or if Chrysler paid for it.

Is that correct?

I believe you are correct.
Over the counter, service replacement short blocks, both taken from the same stockpile and shipped to the dealership.

If the dealership was responsible to add number(s) for identification as mentioned in first paragraph, that was their option.

What I need to know is: I want to find several warranty unstamped blocks for some of my cars that do not have their original motors. Should I be expecting to find 383 and 440 blocks with HP and HP2 stampings or just a block with 383 or 440 stamped into it? Is a warranty block just a warranty block in most cases, or were the "HP" stampings the norm or the exception? I would think that a 383+2 or 383+4 LP original block would be replaced by Chrysler with non HP block in both cases, but would an HP block always be replaced with another HP warranty block? Sorry to be so wordy.

Problem solved...

http://www.harborfreight.com/36-piece-14-in-steel-letternumber-stamping-set-60671.html

I have done some research on this in the past so will give my opinion.

The 70 parts book listing for 383 service blocks is;
- one part# for a 383-4
- one part# for 383-2 with cast crank
- one part# for 383-2 with forged crank

It looks to me like all 383-4 cars would receive the same replacement block. The only replacement I have seen myself had "S 383" on the pad, same as posted above. The "S" is for Service replacement / Service block.

So my opinion for 383 engines is that they were stamped "S 383", no "HP".

The 70 listing for 440 service blocks is;
- one part# for 440-4 C bodies
- one part# for 440-4 B/E bodies, and C with high performance engine.

The only 440 replacement stamping I have seen was on a '69 Charger R/T 4 speed (I think more 4spd cars had engine problems than automatics ). It was restored about 5 years ago after having been parked since 1982. No paperwork regarding engine replacement, but original owner remembered it going to the dealer when the car was 2 or 3 years old. He said it was covered under warranty, he did not pay for it. The block had "S 440" on pad and no vin by pan rail. I have pic of stamping. Will find it and post later.

From stampings posted above and what I have seen, my opinion is the 440 engines could have "440 HP" or "S 440".

As already mentioned, "warranty block" is a bit of a misnomer. Anybody could have their engine replaced at a dealership. The same parts were ordered no matter who was paying the bill, customer or Chrysler.

Jim has it , buy a block , machine all the numbers off and stamp on whatever you feel is necessary ...

No matter what it's STILL NOT the original engine and without PAPERWORK to PROVE the block was replaced under warranty all you have is a STORY ....