Help with identifying a motor

[aValiant318]

Good evening everyone! So this afternoon I started looking at casting numbers for my motor, transmission and rear end (A904 tranny, 741 case 8 3/4). But, when I got to the motor, which I THOUGHT was a 70s 318 LA, the casting number led me to believe the motor was made May 13th, 1955, which I believe makes it a 318 A. Or, I'm reading the casting marks wrong. I'll post pics. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[aValiant318]

I just realized one of those photos sucks. Lemme try again.

 

[Syleng1]

Sorry not 1955 la motors did not start until 1964

 

[737jetdr]

Casting numbers should be lower LH side of block above the starter

 

[72bluNblu]

All the info you need is here...


How to ID a Small Block Engine Block:

But that's a 1971 318, regular fuel, from the Mound Road plant.

 

[aValiant318]

Gotcha. I'm new to reading casting numbers and all that, so I obviously confused myself pretty quickly. Thanks everyone for the help and replies!!

 

[A56]

There are casting numbers and stamped numbers. These are casting numbers

 

[cudamark]

JFWIW, an easy way to tell the difference between a poly block and an LA block is that a poly block doesn't have freeze plugs in the front.

 

[aValiant318]

Definitely good info!! Thanks!