I have a 455 that is suppose to be a 74. I have been lied to me by this friend so many times though that I don't know. The letter on my heads is J but I can't see anything any where on the block except on top of the timing chain housing. My oil dipstick tube is also loose but no matter what I try I can't see where it goes in the block. Is it a wedge fit or does it have a tab for a bolt. I know y'all can help. Y'all always do. Thanks in advance.

 

I'm surprised he's still your friend.

 

SEARCH is your friend.

The second character of the VIN derivative stamp is the year. A 1974 block would have a "4" in that location. Here's where you will find the VIN derivative stamp on the block:



Here's what the stamp looks like after you clean the crud off of it. Note that this photo is of a 1972 block, as the second character is a "2". Frequent readers may recall that this particular block is NOT a W-30 motor...

 

If that pad is blank then the block is most likely a service replacement (read: warranty) and the mechanic was too lazy to stamp the block when he installed it into the car.
My first 350 was like that and I had no idea why at the time (I was 18).