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  •  » Best guess as to this Date Code?

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    4/11/2021 3:35 PM  #1

    Chaplin
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    Best guess as to this Date Code?

    I picked up what I think is a 390 service block today. It has no engineering code on it and I can't figure out the date code. I think it is something D27,  but can't make out the first digit. 8 maybe?

     

    4/11/2021 4:26 PM  #2

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Looks like an eight, so 27 April 1968.
    Does it have an assembly date stamp?

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/11/2021 4:40 PM  #3

    Chaplin
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Not that I have found. But it's still pretty grimy, so I'll look again once I get it cleaned up a bit.

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/11/2021 5:03 PM  #4

    50vert
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    It should be on a machined pad at the top of block, below the L/H lower front head bolt.

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/13/2021 4:50 PM  #5

    Chaplin
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Looks like 8D 9N.

    I'd post a pic, but the link to post pics has magically disappeared again.

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    4/13/2021 5:28 PM  #6

    50vert
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    That would make it 9 April 1968, with last letter being an assemblers station ID.
    It's gotta be after the casting date. Is there a 2 between the D and the 9?
     

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/13/2021 5:58 PM  #7

    Chaplin
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Nope, nothing between the D and 9.

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    4/13/2021 7:28 PM  #8

    Nos681
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Chaplin...have to be on desktop version and use post reply....not quick post...to add pictures.

    At least that’s what works for me.

    Last edited by Nos681 (4/13/2021 7:29 PM)

     

    4/13/2021 7:53 PM  #9

    Chaplin
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Thanks. I know not to use the "quick post" function when trying to post pics, but I always access this site from my phone and always select the Desktop version.  Every now and then the attach pic link isn't there and then it randomly reappears. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.

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    4/14/2021 5:35 PM  #10

    50vert
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    I can't explain how it could'a been assembled before it was cast???
    Engineering code should be on the R/H side around number two cylinder. With that date, it should have a vin on the block, but a lot of 390's were stamped on a head, if the heads aren't original, it could be missing.
    Sorry I couldn't help more. What are your plans for the engine?

    Last edited by 50vert (4/14/2021 5:36 PM)

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/14/2021 7:36 PM  #11

    Chaplin
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Yeah, it is a bit of a mystery.  When I can post pics again, I'll post a pic of the assembly date code.

    As for what I am going to do with it, I've got a 69 coupe that I've been trying to figure out what to do with.

    I've never been a big fan of 69 coupes, but I came across the 69 CJ coupe below and think it's pretty cool. My coupe is basically the same (same color and dog dishes) as the CJ pictured below. I was thinking I might build a "clone" of the CJ coupe. So, I'd build the 390 into a 445 stroker, add a shaker hood and scoop and have a visual clone of that CJ coupe with a lot more power.

    At least that's the current plan.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hemmings.com/stories/2013/04/17/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1969-ford-mustang/amp

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    4/14/2021 9:00 PM  #12

    50vert
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Yaayy ... another FE for the group!

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/17/2021 1:42 PM  #13

    Chaplin
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    Re: Best guess as to this Date Code?

    Well, I pulled the pistons and the crank from the block today. The pistons say 390 4v on them and the crank is a 2U.  No date codes on anything though.   The block looks good to the naked eye so hopefully everything will check out and it will clean up at 30 over.

       •Thread Starter
     

     

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