In this photo, anywhere it says "engine" it should say "block" and whereever you see "built" it should say "cast". Those numbers and symbols were part of the sand molds when the block was cast. Casting numbers have little to no relation to when the engine was assembed, other than being well before. I have two 340 blocks, both cast on the same day: 9/24/71. One has a 1972 VIN and the other is a '73. People who think they can nail down their car's actual block casting date when trying to find a "correct replacement" are completely delusional.
