65 Hemi engine

65 casting date blocks could have been used in any 65-68 Hemi car, Race or Street Hemi. The cross ram would have obviously been correct for a Race Hemi if originally installed, etc. The VIN would not appear on any Hemi until 1968. You'd usually find the 68 model year VIN stamping on the upper rear of the block just opposite the oil sender. If it's a Race Hemi it would have also had unique stampings on the upper distributor ID pad. If it turns out to be a 65 casting date Race Hemi with a VIN# it's most likely a 68 Super Stock Dart or Barracuda engine. As mentioned, post all the pics you can of any numbers you find and it shouldn't be to tough to nail it down to one or the other.

So it's obviously worth trying to buy it. Any idea's on a number I should throw at him? He knows what he has at least Hemi wise.

Hard to say Larry, people all seem to have different opinions on vintage Hemis. An original 1971 engine, carbs to pan, 100% stock externally, just a grease ball yanked from a car early in it's life, went for 20K this weekend. Most consider a 1966 engine (usually considered the least desirable year) in similar shape to be worth roughly half that, so IMO, somewhere in that range would be about right. It's certainly a premium piece (if all or mostly there and unmolested) to the right guy.

The early (a990) blocks are nodular iron.
The 66 hemi was the only year they did not have a tufftried crank.

empty bare block I would think approx 40-50% over the cost of a new mopar bare block,?????

probably more depending on IF it can be determined what it's out of

Knowing if it's standard bore would help. If it's + .060, that should drop the price somewhat because it would likely be custom-piston time. If you can get your hands on a bore gauge, take one with you and check the bores.

Above post:

No cracks or windows. 30 over clean bore. I 'll see if I can get the #'s off it, more so I am trying to get the engine.