please help...340 casting numbers

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moparwingnut

moparwingnut

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hi all! new to the mopar small-block world (have a bigblock too)...just bought a '72 Duster, (H-code car, 9-17-71)
.
...trying to verify the engine numbers but other than correct 340LA stamping, there doesnt seem to be any vin number or other info in the usual places (left side below cyl head/anywhere under the date code)
...and the date stamping is also confusing as there are only 2 digits!? (25/72)

the car runs strong, and i want to determine:
is it a numbers matching engine?
is it a forged crank?
is it 8.5:1 compression ratio?
there's an edelbrock intake and holley carb on it..so someone has likely been in there!

***EDIT***
..i just realized i'm starting to see some numbers on the pad under the cylinder head...whats the best way to reveal them?
...whats up with my date code?
...is there another location to look for vin numbers?

please help any way you can!
cheers
jeff in ontario

IMG_20200910_113544.jpg


IMG_20200910_113336.jpg
 
Last edited:
Mopar rules and so do big tits and cold beer.
Disagree if you like chevies, *****, and Starbucks.
 
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moparwingnut said:
...the car is a 1972, built in september '71...the motor however says 25/72...so, assume it is not matching?
Click to expand...
So you dont have a month or it is a 1 for jan?
Anything's possible, could have got a motor 3 months later. Lol

It looks like the Weeping head gasket is thicker than a stock one so who knows
 
VIN should be located on the passenger side of the pan rail.
20200910_125948.jpg
 
If the car was built Sept 17-71 the engine should be dated prior to the car build date. Many blocks were cast a month or so earlier, warehoused, machined and possibly assembled, than may be warehoused before installation. 72's should have the VIN of the car stamped on a machined pad on the drivers deck surface in front of the cylinder head. the 25-72 (25th week of 1972) should be approximately June 15 of 72. that engine would make sense if the car was a 1973 that started production the first of August of 72
 
Being a 1972 yes you are in the who knows zone...is the motor fairly complete and in the car? If it seems complete, check the front damper... does it say or have lettering on it like below? If yes CAST crank...hope that helps...

?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.jpg


BTW - picture was stolen from the internet I have no rights to it and sorry if someone might get offended..
 
the top pad appears to have only the numbers 41(1?)3 9154 ....hallowe'en '72?!
as for the lower pad, i cant get access to it right now to wipe off the grime..

IMG_20200910_130220.jpg
 
RhinoMan68 said:
Being a 1972 yes you are in the who knows zone...is the motor fairly complete and in the car? If it seems complete, check the front damper... does it say or have lettering on it like below? If yes CAST crank...hope that helps...

View attachment 1715592930

BTW - picture was stolen from the internet I have no rights to it and sorry if someone might get offended..
Click to expand...

the engine and damper are painted blue if thats of any use...
i dont see any sign of numbers/letters on the damper
 
toolmanmike said:
If the car was built Sept 17-71 the engine should be dated prior to the car build date. Many blocks were cast a month or so earlier, warehoused, machined and possibly assembled, than may be warehoused before installation. 72's should have the VIN of the car stamped on a machined pad on the drivers deck surface in front of the cylinder head. the 25-72 (25th week of 1972) should be approximately June 15 of 72. that engine would make sense if the car was a 1973 that started production the first of August of 72
Click to expand...

..i didnt think they used week/year?
 

moparwingnut said:
hi all! new to the mopar small-block world (have a bigblock too)...just bought a '72 Duster, (H-code car, 9-17-71)
.
...trying to verify the engine numbers but other than correct 340LA stamping, there doesnt seem to be any vin number or other info in the usual places (left side below cyl head/anywhere under the date code)
...and the date stamping is also confusing as there are only 2 digits!? (25/72)

the car runs strong, and i want to determine:
is it a numbers matching engine?
is it a forged crank?
is it 8.5:1 compression ratio?
there's an edelbrock intake and holley carb on it..so someone has likely been in there!

***EDIT***
..i just realized i'm starting to see some numbers on the pad under the cylinder head...whats the best way to reveal them?
...whats up with my date code?
...is there another location to look for vin numbers?

The first number might be missing.
please help any way you can!
cheers
jeff in ontario

View attachment 1715592906

View attachment 1715592907
Click to expand...

block.jpg
 
...is there any way to determine the compression ratio by compression test?
...i'm tempted to add this spare nitrous cheater setup to the car with a 150 shot. should be a breeze if it's 8.5:1 correct?
 
if you take the 3915 off the front of the block that is the build date, =

Day 3915 is Sunday, April 16, 1972
 
brian6pac said:
if you take the 3915 off the front of the block that is the build date, =

Day 3915 is Sunday, April 16, 1972
Click to expand...
Could this be a missing 3? The bumps between the numbers are from the screw heads that hold the date plate to the core.

block2.jpg
 
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