1962 max wedge block

1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 04:33 AM

Hi all,
My question is, for a high compression 62 max wedge block, is there a specific stamping on the ID pad? Or is it just the date and then HP 413? In 63 max wedge ID pads had LC for low or HC for high, but not sure on 62! Looking to buy a complete high compression 62 dodge MW less engine and I have a spare HP real deal MW 413 for the car, just not sure if that's good enough???
Please help moparts people!
Thanx

Posted By: 70440+6bbl

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 04:40 AM

Here you go Blaine

Posted By: mr. 63plymouth

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 04:46 AM

Thanx buddy!!
Your the man!!

Posted By: mr. 63plymouth

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 04:47 AM

Actually that is the exact block I need for a HC 62, T-85 dodge built July 15!
I want it!!!

Posted By: AndyF

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 05:34 PM

I was at a garage sale about 30 years ago and the guy was selling a bunch of blocks that were stamped like that. At the time I didn't know what they were but I remember the big stamp size. Obviously over the years I've wished that I would've bought the blocks!

Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 07:08 PM

No Max Wedge block is easy to find but 62's seem to be particularly difficult to locate, not many out there that's for sure. The large font style is typical of early High Performance Wedge engines, "Special" engines were assembled on the Marine assembly line which used the larger font.

Posted By: WO23Coronet

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 07:36 PM

How can you differentiate between an HP non Max Wedge block and a Max Wedge one? Did the non MW one use a smaller font?

Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 08:34 PM

Quote:

How can you differentiate between an HP non Max Wedge block and a Max Wedge one? Did the non MW one use a smaller font?

The same block castings were used for other applications, not just Max Wedges. The differences were in the finish machining (Max Wedges had valve reliefs machined into the tops of the bores, etc.) and the final stampings on the pad. The MW stampings (and most other unique HP engines of the era) used a MUCH larger font as compared to the regular production line engines. Example, here is a pad frpm a 1963 300J 413 Short Ram engine, same font, different info. FWIW ALL Max Wedge engines were originally painted orange. If you see ANY traces of original turquoise paint on a "supposed" MW engine, it's not an original MW.

Attached picture 7749381-300J413Pad2.jpg

Attached picture 7749381-300J413Pad2.jpg

Posted By: PLATINUM6BBL

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 09:46 PM

Back in the late 60's Walt Chapman picked up a wrecked 300J since he was the local tow/salvage yard. Walt fixed the dented sheet metal (drivetrain wasn't hurt) and kept the car for himself for a while. One thing he noticed was that it had more power than any other 300 letter series car he had driven. Once, when Lee Petty was visiting, Walt mentioned it to Lee that the 300 was really strong and Lee asked him if he had looked at the block numbers. Nope. Lee looked at them and told Walt that the reason it ran better was that it was a Max Wedge block! This story was told to me as a first hand witness account as one of my best friends is Walt's nephew, who worked for Walt at the time at his yard in Corsica.

Posted By: kidmopar

Re: 1962 max wedge block - 06/20/13 11:27 PM

Quote:

Quote:

How can you differentiate between an HP non Max Wedge block and a Max Wedge one? Did the non MW one use a smaller font?

The same block castings were used for other applications, not just Max Wedges. The differences were in the finish machining (Max Wedges had valve reliefs machined into the tops of the bores, etc.) and the final stampings on the pad. The MW stampings (and most other unique HP engines of the era) used a MUCH larger font as compared to the regular production line engines. Example, here is a pad frpm a 1963 300J 413 Short Ram engine, same font, different info. FWIW ALL Max Wedge engines were originally painted orange. If you see ANY traces of original turquoise paint on a "supposed" MW engine, it's not an original MW.

Thank you Scott!