I just purchased a 1965 Dart. It's a 273 car and the engine is also a 273 but the block was cast on 4-1-1969 and does not have any stampings either on the front of the block or down on the rail.

The heads and manifolds all appear to be correct for the car. So my theory is that the short block was replaced under warranty in 1969 or 1970.

Does anyone know if my theory is plausible? Would it be normal for a 1969 short block to be devoid of stampings if it was shipped to a dealer's parts department?

The block casting number is 2806030-273-3.

 

Welcome to Mopar Forums.
I know Cheby did such things back in the day and for the life of me I cant remember if there was a "W" stamped in the block next to the casting #. They did something like that anyway. I don't believe I have ever seen a block with no casting #'s but what you say may be possible. Perhaps someone else has more insight on this.
Just checking is your 5th # of your Vin a D ?
Did you look just under the head on the front driver's side of the engine ? Some 273's came with only a 27 stamped in them. Let us know.

 

No, my VIN is L452712131

Block has casting #'s but no stamps.

 

I did look there. I even pulled the power steering pump to make sure I was getting a good look. Maybe I will do it again just to be sure.

 

Sorry on the VIN thing I was thinking of 69 Vin #'s not 65. My bad. Most of the LA engines the #'s were as mentioned just below the head drivers side on the block. I did a little more diggin and found that warranty Mopar engines were usually denoted with an "S". The -3 on the end of your casting #'s, could it be an S ?

 

are you sure its a 273 in there now?
they were enlarged to 318 in 67 i believe

 

The block casting number has 273 in it. I found two different sources that say 273's were made from 64 - 69. I gather there are some differences starting in 67 but they seem to be with the heads and intake. My heads, intake and exhaust manifolds all appear to be original.

 

I crawled under there again. Definitely a 3.

 

OK, just checking, wanted to be sure. I am willing to bet though if you look where we were talking about, the id pad will be there. Hard as heck to see with everything there, but there. Keep us posted.