I looked at the 383 and checked the number on the side of the block...it looks like one of the numbers in the middle did not get stamped or is stamped so bad that is does not show through the paint. It matches the info I have and appears to be a numbers matching block but I looked farther up on the block and saw a 68 casting. Is my block not really numbers matching with a 68 casting or is this a common thing? I have seen on my 440 I have in my Dodge 330 that the numbers are not very good on it (almost not present and crooked) and I know where it came from. I have been told Mopar numbers stampings are often pretty bad by others and have seen this but I am just not an expert on this stuff. Opinions on this subject appreciated...
Byron - ask 10 guys and you'll get 10 varied opinions. The first and foremost thing you have to remember when researching stampings, date codes, casting dates, and their ilk, is that it was an assembly line environment and you can NEVER SAY NEVER. That being said, it is
unlikely that a car with a build date as late as yours - damn near at the end of the production year - would have a '68 casting block. Please note that I used the term "unlikely", not "impossible". Some things to consider; perhaps the engine required some rework and was not finished & installed until quite some time after its initial assembly - creating a gap between casting date and EAD and/or final installation. Also, they did not employ "first in - first out" inventory practices like we do today - and who knows what else may have happened within the walls of that factory?
What is the actual casting date? Any other stampings that you care to share with us?
Lastly, If I were you I would not get too worked up about it. It is a beautiful car and that is all that matters.:cents: