sortasane

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.

jaunty75

I'm surprised he's still your friend.

joe_padavano

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...

svnt442

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).