Date Code ?

[Beavis]

when someone refers to a date code motor, does this mean the correct date ? if we are talking about a non numbers matching.

if i have a 69 roadrunner (non numbers matching) would putting a 1968 383 HP mean i put a date code motor in it ? or does it have to be a 69 block ?

 

[moparnation74]

Typically, it is referred to as a "Date Correct" block. So first you need to know the actual build date of the car. That is from either the build sheet or fender tag. Your 69 for example the consensus is anything within a 3 months window prior to build date is acceptable. If your car was built in 4/1/69 somewhere within 1-3/69 is correct. Just do not get close to the build date and you have to understand assembly purposes back then as to why I suggest that. Also, keep in mind of they early 69 builds. A car built in 10/68 for the 69 model year will have a casted block for 68 but the ID pad will have "E" for 69. So pay attention if it is early. You do not want a casted block of 68 with a "D" for 68 in a 69 early built car...

Hope that helps...

 

[Beavis]

how dramatically does the value of the car drop if your not in the 3 month period ?

 

[moparnation74]

As long as you are not past the build date....it wouldn't affect the value of the car. What is your build date and the casting date? What are the numbers on the ID pad?

There is also an assembly date on the pad as well, I forgot to mention that. So the casting date could be farther out but the assembly date on the pad may be correct. So you still may be ok.

 

[Beavis]

its going in a 69.5 A12 super bee

 

[PurpleBeeper]

If it's a real six pack super bee, then I'd go through all the PIA to get a "date correct" block.... if it's a tribute, then put whatever block in it you have.

 

[moparnation74]

It is your car...original or not put in it what makes you sleep at night...."Date correct blocks" are out there...Just make sure with whomever you purchase one from will stand behind the block.....

Define the build date and go from there.....

 

[Beavis]

its a real deal car. #190

im looking for a block now

 

[Beavis]

am i going to have to settle for a GTX block or Charger ??

 

[moparnation74]

Beavis
It doesn't matter which model......It is a non matching "date correct" block that's your only option....

 

[super-bee_ski]

when someone refers to a date code motor, does this mean the correct date ? if we are talking about a non numbers matching.

if i have a 69 roadrunner (non numbers matching) would putting a 1968 383 HP mean i put a date code motor in it ? or does it have to be a 69 block ?

Remember:
Original IS ALWAYS correct/original
Date correct is not original

 

[MoparBill]

Beavis
It doesn't matter which model......It is a non matching "date correct" block that's your only option....

What about a warranty block??

 

[69Coronetrt]

how dramatically does the value of the car drop if your not in the 3 month period ?

Not original is not original regardless of what is installed. I don't see how a block within the 3 month window adds or detracts from value.

 

[moparnation74]

What about a warranty block??

That is an option is you can find one....but to run around making a claim that it did have a warranty block is fictional without dealer proof.

Tampering to make a block as a warranty block falls under the grinder/stamper conscious.....

 

[moparnation74]

Not original is not original regardless of what is installed. I don't see how a block within the 3 month window adds or detracts from value.

I do not see why it wouldn't add...were not talking tens of thousands. How may of the A12's built and restored today have the original six pack motor? Out of those restored how many do not have a date correct block? So would you want this guy be out of the norm with the A12 crowd?

Just saying....Whats the harm, he needs an engine anyways? Why not just make a little more effort to stay in line with that select car group?

 

[69Coronetrt]

I do not see why it wouldn't add...were not talking tens of thousands. How may of the A12's built and restored today have the original six pack motor? Out of those restored how many do not have a date correct block? So would you want this guy be out of the norm with the A12 crowd?

Just saying....Whats the harm, he needs an engine anyways? Why not just make a little more effort to stay in line with that select car group?

The question was whether or not "date" correct added value compared to not "date correct".

Imho three months not original is no different than three years not original. The core value is in the car being an A12 car. The engine date is, virtually, irrelevant to the end value. I don't see the effort and time taken to find a date correct block worth it on the back end when expediting the restoration with a non date correct block would get the car done quicker. I see it as a time and effort vs value thing. To me it's not worth the effort to find a block within a certain window.

 

[moparnation74]

The question was whether or not "date" correct added value compared to not "date correct".

Imho three months not original is no different than three years not original. The core value is in the car being an A12 car. The engine date is, virtually, irrelevant to the end value. I don't see the effort and time taken to find a date correct block worth it on the back end when expediting the restoration with a non date correct block would get the car done quicker. I see it as a time and effort vs value thing. To me it's not worth the effort to find a block within a certain window.

I do get your point but doing the latter is out of the norm with certain select models....buyers of these cars are in different category and expect certain things..So if you first understand the buyer then you may understand the purpose...

 

[dieseldazzle]

The question was whether or not "date" correct added value compared to not "date correct".

Imho three months not original is no different than three years not original. The core value is in the car being an A12 car. The engine date is, virtually, irrelevant to the end value. I don't see the effort and time taken to find a date correct block worth it on the back end when expediting the restoration with a non date correct block would get the car done quicker. I see it as a time and effort vs value thing. To me it's not worth the effort to find a block within a certain window.

From my experience if you have a rare or performance model that you are selling or plan to sell and you don't have the original motor, the next best thing is to have a date code correct motor.

It may seem silly to you, me and many others but I'm here to tell you that when it comes time to sell, having a year/date/period correct motor brings more buyers.

Would you rather have a 78 date code 440 in your real A12 car or a 69 date code 440 in it?

 

[69Coronetrt]

From my experience if you have a rare or performance model that you are selling or plan to sell and you don't have the original motor, the next best thing is to have a date code correct motor.

It may seem silly to you, me and many others but I'm here to tell you that when it comes time to sell, having a year/date/period correct motor brings more buyers.

Would you rather have a 78 date code 440 in your real A12 car or a 69 date code 440 in it?

Given that the basic design of the block is the same but the 78 is structurally stronger, the 78. The date on the block is irrelevant as neither is original. I would not pay more because the 69 block is a close but no cigar 69.

 

[dieseldazzle]

Given that the basic design of the block is the same but the 78 is structurally stronger, the 78. The date on the block is irrelevant as neither is original. I would not pay more because the 69 block is a close but no cigar 69.

Neither would I, but we are amongst the few.