My 440 Block is cracked, Date Code Correct Dates?

[forsy1979]

Received bad news today that my block is cracked on the '67 440 block i have.  It wasnt numbers matching, but my transmission is matching however so i want to get one that is close.  I am now on the lookout for a date code correct engine blck, but have no build sheet and only a fender tag build date of December 8, 1967.  Does anyone know how far back from the fender tag to take for an approximate time.  How many months back would be a good guess?  any help is appreciated as always!

Clint

[Ghoste]

I would say no more than three and no sooner than about a month?

[forsy1979]

Thanks Ghoste!  Kind of what I was thinking too

[Chargerguy74]

My matching #s '74 Rallye Charger was built on March 21 '74 according to the Mylar sticker, I just checked the casting date on the block and it is January 28th, '74. I'll post the SPD later tonight when I get home. I don't keep my fender tags on my cars. Lynch car.

EDIT:

SPD: March 20, 1974
Mylar: March 21, 1974
Block: January 28,1974

[68RT440]

Our '68s 440 is matching numbers and the fender tag shows projected build date of April 15th (no build sheet) and the engine casting date is January (can't remember the date)

[forsy1979]

UPDATE:  I have located a 1967 440HP virgin block.  It's never been bored.  He wants $700 for it.  It has a date code of 4-4-67.  My fender tag says 12-8-67.  Is this close to being date correct enough you think?  Am i splitting hairs?   I dont know how far back is still legitimate for date correct engine. 

[Ghoste]

That's pretty far away in my opinion. 

[forsy1979]

Since it was build in 1967, would i still be looking for a 68 440HP block?  even though it would need a '67 casting date as well as a 67 assembly date?   Does anyone have a matching early build charger?

[Ghoste]

If you want it to be perfect then yes.  If your car was built in December then about any block dated from July on will be for a 68 I would think.

[Troy]

The "experts" usually say about 30 days prior but my December built car has everything pretty close (my transmission is 10 days I think). They were cranking out 68 Chargers at a very high rate early on so I doubt there would be several months between engine and car. Where are you located? I may know of a November/December 440 HP (bare block).

Some people will say that if it's not the original engine then it doesn't matter (date coded or not). Hard to say really. If you don't plan on selling then it's not a great idea to overpay for a date coded block that adds nothing to the car (in my opinion).

Troy

[forsy1979]

Troy, I'm on the Illinois side of St Louis, MO.  Belleville, IL to be exact.  That would be amazing if you knew of one!  This guy's has a 440HP block that says 4-4-67 casting date and 4-20 on the stamp pad.  His price is $700 for his.