I have a 72 Mach1, 351cj. Currently the engine is out and just back from the machine shop. I was expecting the block # to be "D2AE-CA, or possibly "DOAZ-D", or "DOAE-J- G". The number is in fact "DOAE-L OH4". Is this a replacement block or a standard number that I was unaware of.
Thanks for any input,
Keith
Keith,
Like you I would imagine that it would have a D2 or possibly a D1.
Can you read any of the partial vin stamped on the rear of the drivers side of the block?
You are correct in assuming you should have a D2 # on the block if the engine was original to your '72. '70 & '71 cars had D0 castings except the 351 Boss which had a D1 casting. '72 & '73 should have a casting # beginning with D2. Your D0AE-L number denotes a standard '70 or '71 passenger car 351-C, 2-bolt mains. The 0H4 is the casting date; 0 = 1970, H = August, and 4 = 4th day. (August 4, 1970) Hope this helps. GXR
It doesn't suprise me that the engine is not original. It probably came out of Grandpa's station wagon. It may be worthy of note that it is a 4 bolt main block.
Thanks for the input,
Keith
I have others tell me that they have found 4-bolt blocks in various family cars. The story is that the factory used what was left at the end of some runs. I don't know.
The center main webs on the 351-C can be drilled and machined for four bolt cap configuration. The only 4-bolt blocks I've encountered were '71 Boss blocks, '72 H.O. blocks, and '72-'73 C.J.'s. I, too, have heard of such oddities, but only in the '72- up cars with D2 casting #'s.