How do I tell what year a 394 is?
Thank you,
Pat

 

If the heads are original to the block this will get you close.# 18 heads are 1959- 60, #20 heads are 61 unless it's a Starfire then its a #23, all the rest 62-64 are # 23 also including the Starfires....Tedd

 

63 & 64 had an aluminum water pump and timing cover .
There is a number stamped on the left head that will tell you the year , HP rating , etc .
Should be above the center exhaust ports . Can be de-coded using various shop manuals .
All 394's had bolts on the edge of the valve covers . 59 & 60 371's had them also , but were 2 bbl carb .
59 & 60 's had smooth valve covers . 61 thru 64 had " ribbed " top covers .

 

What would be the block casting number for 61 and 62?

 

Ok I have been able to identify a 61 as 577476 and 62 as 582813. Can't find 63 or 64.
I thought we all should have this info.

 

Wasn't it just the 394 Starfire tat came with aluminum water pump and timing cover?

 

No , all 63 & 64's had aluminum timing cover / pump .

 

Good to know. Thanks

 

My '63 is 585786 . '64 should be the same .

 

What is the difference between #20 and #23 heads?

 

Valve sizes and bigger ports .