Engine build dates

[S7MS427]

OK, there are two places in which my original block is stamped with assembly date codes: 1) just in front of the left side cylinder head and 2) on the oil pan rail near the block casting number and casting date. Both are 5L3 (November 3, 1965). Would one of these be for the short block and the other for the complete engine assembly? If so, which would be which? If I were to speculate, I'd say that the one on the pan rail would be for the short block making the other for the complete engine. Thanks for any information.

[J_Speegle]

OK, there are two places in which my original block is stamped with assembly date codes: 1) just in front of the left side cylinder head and 2) on the oil pan rail near the block casting number and casting date. Both are 5L3 (November 3, 1965). Would one of these be for the short block and the other for the complete engine assembly? If so, which would be which? If I were to speculate, I'd say that the one on the pan rail would be for the short block making the other for the complete engine. Thanks for any information.

Believe the sate stamp on the oil pan rail is the date the block was machined at least that was what I was told from a worker at one of the engine plants.

From what I've collected same time the same day as the engine assemble date other times there is a month or more spread between the two dates.

[S7MS427]

Jeff,

Thanks, very interesting. Would it then be safe to say that the stamp out in front of the head is for the final assembly of the complete engine?

[6R07mi]

My Nov 5th SJ scheduled build car has 5L1 Cleveland plant stamped in both locations, so block machined & assembly  = same day ?

jim p

[J_Speegle]

Apparently. As mentioned have examples where they were machined then went right into assembly while others waited a while.