Verne Frantz, opinion needed

[Stefano]

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[Stefano]

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[Stefano]

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[Stefano]

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[Verne_Frantz]

Stefano, I have no doubt that is an original deck and assembly stamp, indicating standard trans with 3x2s (280hp). The tri-power set-up appears completely correct with the exception of the replaced fuel lines and center 'T' fitting. The plug wires should have 90s at the distributor and 15deg bends at the plugs. The LH valve cover is incorrect. The rear wire loom should be low on all 3x2 motors. I couldn't quite determine the height of the RH cover loom in the photo. There appears to be a patch panel on the firewall where an airconditioning plenum may have been. There may be an indication on the cowl tag if the car originally had A/C. The other engine compartment features appear to be correct.
I hope this helps.
Verne

[Stefano]

Your the "W" man. Thats a lot of info. Thanks!

[Hylton]

That deck stamp looks like the "A" was struck 3 or 4 times. Also pad looks to have circular markings from a decking at one time. Did the big blocks get a different type of decking process than the small blocks? Not saying anything is incorrect, just unusual to me.

[Verne_Frantz]

Hylton, Tonawanda didn't step up to the cost of a deck grinding machine like for the small blocks. They used a circular cutter, or grinder for all the W motors. Also, it's very common to see the assembly date stamp with the first suffix letter in a gang holder, then the second suffix letter was added by hand. That same gang holder could be used all day on all standard trans motors, then the second letter made it more specific to horsepower, carb, and cam. It's not that uncommon to see the second letter struck more than once, or bounced.
Verne

[mockingbird812]

Dang Verne, that's hard core............and very impressive!

[Hylton]

Thanks for the info Verne!