Engine pad opinions
 

Gentleman i have a lead on a late 68 JD 396 block and was wanting opinions on engine stamp ! Guy claims hes owned it since 1990 and its been on stand since. The motors 3 hours one way but i want your guys opinion on stamp before i make the trip. Its a 9-17-68 date code JD 4 bolt block. I know not the greatest picture but all i have. Thanks

One for comparison.
Cast date on block is A 28 9

I can’t tell much about the broach marks, but I like the stamp, especially compared to the other example. There are many similarities in font, spacing, alignment.

The stamp that dave posted, the two zeros are the same, whereas the stamp that chevyman posted the two zeros are slightly different. FWIW, 5 months difference between cast date and build date seems like a lot....in my experience with the 69 model year, the two dates were usually much closer together, like dave's example.

JD stamp...
 

It might help to know the game plan for the block if you buy it.

Do you just want/need a 4 bolt block?? Does the cast date or assembly date matter??

Photo is a little fuzzy to confirm originality...the anomaly with the 'zeros' might be something to take a closer look at.

Again, unless the date stamp is critical...??

-wilma

I’d like to see the VIN stamp to compare timelines.

I just got home making the 6 1/2 hour round trip to look and buy the shortblock. It’s definitely a 69 L78 396 4 bolt main with the original steel crank. Cast date of I-17-8 Here are some more crappy pictures but it does have a kansas vin number on it. It has been bored .30 but cylinder walls are near perfect . I bought it for my 69 ss396 300 deluxe 4 speed post car project however if the original car is still out there it might be available to cars owner for something comparable (69 motor)in trade.

CON VIN stamp looks good to me, and that's probably a good date match for an engine assembled February 7th.

Better pictures
 

I have also put it in the orphan thread!

Checked my list and dont have any info on chevelle, added it in case info comes up in the future. The chevelle was a 02B build. thanks for posting the info.