Just got our 440hp block back from the machine shop only to find out that when they decked the block they also resurfaced the top of the block where the valley pan rest's and it removed the 440 hp stamp. Is there any other way to positively prove that this is in fact a hp block now?

 

On the left side on the block,just below the deck,should be the casting number. It should be marked *******-440 HP. Post the complete number for us to decode.Left side or is it on the right?

john

 

thanks for your response. the numbers on the right side (pass side ) are the casting date 08-14-69 and 2536430-7 does not have 440hp. also on that side at the bottom of the block just above the oil pan rail is a stamped no oe109829 that e is somewhat unledgible could be a f or 5 or s. on the left side (driver side) the only no is 2536430-7. hope these will code out. thanks again

 

The 0E109829 is part of the VIN. 0 being the 70 year model. E or F( wont be a #) being the plant location. And 109829 being the sequence #. Does this coincide with your VIN?

 

I have never quite understood why they machine the top rails of the block when nothing sits on there , the valley pan will flex enough with the rails left alone .
There is no other proof of an HP casting than the front pad , the casting is the same for HP or non HP
Hopefully this is not the numbers matching block !
E - BTW is the LA California plant

 

Thankfully it is not numbers matching but we did pay a premium price for the block with the HP stamp and took the time to explain to the machine shop how important that little stamp was,The machine shop foreman even mentioned that it wouldnt be a problem because there is no need to machine that surface as you mentioned. But somebody dropped the ball. So now my question is would it be ethical to restamp the block? Or is there some other course of action recommended.