is it or isn't it????

[mezmerized63]

I have a question about the 440-6 engine that is in my 70 Cuda....This isn't a numbers matching car. The date on the block says that it was cast on 11/8/77 but if I go by the casting number which is 2536430-10, it should have been cast between 1966 and 1972. So I guess my question is... How can I tell for sure what engine I have? Could someone have made a mistake on the casting date and the 77 is supposed to be a 71 or 72?

 

[moparleo]

It is very possible

 

[Adam]

http://440source.com/blockinfo.htm This link has some very good info on the differences in the blocks... right off the bat it looks like the motor mount flange thickness was increased by .200 thou, and shape of the block at the top rear oil sending port are different; starting in 1975... this should tell you.

Another page on that site indicates your block casting number was used from 66 to 72. 1977 has a whole different range of numbers..

 

[DetMatt1]

There's a machined surface on the block next to the distributer that should have some stamping s on it, what do those read? Is there a vin stamped on the small machined surface just above the oil pan rail on the passenger side below the motor mount?

 

[mezmerized63]

Thanks for the guidance on this. I'll try and get it up on a lift soon and look for some additional information on the block. This really has me confused.... Everything I can find on casting number 2536430 says that it was born between 1966 and 1972.... What does the -10 mean after the casting number 2536430-10? I know that the HP changed drastically with the 72' engine so i'm hoping for the best on this....

 

[mezmerized63]

OK, I was able to put it up on a lift today and the only other numbers that I can find are where DetMatt1 said to look. Those numbers are 2F188873. How can I reference these and find out what year this motor was born?

 

[moper]

The "-10" is jus the number of adjustments and changes that were made to the original core box. Thye sevens to me look alittle funky compared the the year and month. Maybe it's just a screw up at the foundry. You also need to look at the number pad on the top of the block, just ahead of the forward intake valley retainer. It should have stampings there too that will help. If it has a "T" next to the 440 on that pad, it's a later engine.

 

[DetMatt1]

The "2" in that partial vin stands for 1972 and the "F" is Newark DE assembly plant.

 

[mezmerized63]

Thanks for the info. I had a feeling this would end up being a 72 motor. I guess the next thing will be to beef up the HP to what a 70 & 71 had originally.