Stamp pad engine suffix question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: NorCal
Stamp pad engine suffix question
Take a look at the stamp pad from a 1966 327/300 HP that I looked at today. What does the last letter look like to you all? It sure looks like an "F" to me, as in "HF" - which would be a 1965 327/300 - not a '66. I believe a '66 should be "HE", yes?
The end of the pad/letter F is somewhat obscured by a rust stain, which I mentioned to the owner and he suggested using steel wool on it even though I cautioned against it.
Could it be a poorly stamped "E" that just looks like an "F"?
Why would a '66 that is correct in all other regards have a HF suffix?
i know that the engine was rebuilt. Could it be possible that the front of the pad was partially decked in the process, removing the bottom of the "E"? It does seem that the stamped images at the right side are perhaps lighter/shallower than those on the left. Compare the "Hx" to the "FO", for example.
The end of the pad/letter F is somewhat obscured by a rust stain, which I mentioned to the owner and he suggested using steel wool on it even though I cautioned against it.
Could it be a poorly stamped "E" that just looks like an "F"?
Why would a '66 that is correct in all other regards have a HF suffix?
i know that the engine was rebuilt. Could it be possible that the front of the pad was partially decked in the process, removing the bottom of the "E"? It does seem that the stamped images at the right side are perhaps lighter/shallower than those on the left. Compare the "Hx" to the "FO", for example.
Last edited by tuxnharley; Mar 26, 2016 at 12:56 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: NorCal
Engine assembly date of Jan 18th matches well with body date of Jan 27th.
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From: Shamong, NJ
It looks like HE to me too. I think the stamping got a little close to the edge of the pad, causing the bottom of the "E" to be light. As rtruman said, you should check the date on the back of the block. Knowing the casting number would help. A 65 is going to have a 870 block, and a 66 will have a 174 block.
If I was judging that car, or doing a pre-purchase inspection of it, I'd be okay with that stamping.
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Not that it matters but check out our 66 stamping. It's an AO Smith car. 
Last edited by Geralds57; Mar 26, 2016 at 10:24 AM.
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To the OP, my first impression was "E" as well. I would use some vinegar to soak off the rust and then use a piece of paper and rub a pencil over it to see what kind of impression you get. If an 'E', the lower leg should show up. Doesn't look like the block has been decked, the numbers are too deep for that, IMO....