Barn find 72 340 duster

Tim! That is great info. I didn't know that 72 was the year they changed from forged to cast. Lucky for you to have matching numbers engine and tranny. Was the block masked off before they painted the engine? I found out that were the cubic inch and year is stamped in front of the left cylinder head they put a piece of tejp to mask of the paint. Then they just just removed it!

Is the bolt holding the water in the engine block painted or unpainted? I know from talking with Frank Badalson that the early seventies had both versions. He might be interested in that info. He's trying to find the date were they switched in profuction.

Funny that you should mention Frank. I have know him for over twenty years. He and i used to judge local Mopar car show around this area. Great guy. Saw him in Carlisle this year. The guy i got the car from unfortunately
changed a few things in an effort to get car running to I guess, get more money out of it. water pump, fuel pump was changed. Also the rubber lines from fuel lines to pump were replaced. Too bad he did that. most of the engine is untouched which is great, but a few details will take a little more investigation Which bolt are you referring too? want to make sure we are on the same page.