L78 head dates

[ssl78]

I bought a L78 motor the assy date was T0604 the head dates were F39 and F49 I know the stamping was done with the heads off is it possible the shortblock was built at one time and heads put on a different day.

[Kurt S]

Heads would be installed within minutes of the block being stamped.
But they could be the same day as the stamp.

[bergy]

Remember that the head dates are cast in at the foundry. To be the same day - the head had to be cast, work its way all the way through cooling and finishing (6-7 hours at best), ship to the motor plant (next door), get all the way through head machining & build, transport to the engine build line, and install. All that had to happen in 16 to 18 hours (start of foundry first shift to end of motor plant second shift). Not impossible, but WHEW!

[ssl78]

Kurt, do you know of any original engines that the heads were cast the same date as the assembly date, that is true it would almost seem impossible to cast and install the heads the same day but I had a L78 pace car the block was cast the day before it was assembled. I guess its also possible something went wrong during assembly and was pulled off the line and finished later. Thanks for the replies.

[Kurt S]

I haven't noticed if any heads were cast the same day.