Hi, I will be installing this 394 engine once it comes back from the rebuilder. I was hoping to get an idea of what a stock 394 v8 engine should look like. If you have pics please post as this engine will be detailed nicely. It appears to not be the original engine and does not look original.

 

It's either a 1963 or 1964 engine. 2 barrel, single exhaust, 23 heads, looks correct for a Dynamic 88 to me. What makes you think it's not original to the car?

Look on the driver side head above the center exhaust ports. There's a number stamped into it. A "J" prefix indicates a 1964 engine. "H" is a 1963. If the rebuilder swapped the heads side to side look on passenger side head. There are no numbers that tell if it is the original engine.

A 1964 high compression 2bbl 394 should be red including valve covers with a black aircleaner housing. Brackets, fenderwells, firewall and core support are black.

Low compression 2bbl 394 are light green.

Fusick has correct reproduction radiator hoses, battery cables and other underhood detail items.

 

Thanks ,I'm gonna look into it.
Did these engines have the vin # stamped on them?

 

No VIN number.

 

A little correction here if you don't mind.
According to the 1963 shop manual, an "H" prefix was for a 1963 two barrel engine.
A "J" prefix was for a 1963 four barrel engine.
I think that 1964 had a "K" prefix, maybe someone with a 1964 shop manual can confirm.
Should be in the "General Information " section of the manual.

 

Charlie, I was going by my 64 Starfires which both have J prefix and S suffix.

Always thought those engine numbers were wacky!

 

The "J" prefix must have carried over into 1964 maybe.
Do you have a 1964 shop manual? The answer would be there.