RO Hemi Block

[skyman51]

First question I have is, was ther any actual difference in just the block of a race Hemi vs a Street Hemi? RO vs RS.
The last RO and WO 1967 Super stock Dodge and Plymouths were built Feb. 12, 1967 according to my research. 55 of each. Rk Motors Charlette is advertising a white 1967 GTX built June of 1967. When they sent the motor out to be rebuilt they were told it was a RO block, and wonder if the plant just had one lying around and just used it for a street Hemi application. I kind of doubt that. To me it just means sometime in its life the engine was replaced and a RO block was found and used. I don't think it makes the car something special. What is your opinion?

 

[Meep-Meep]

I believe there was a note worthy feature on some early blocks and that in itself makes the block special - but not necessarily stronger. The feature I believe is a rounded area vs. a square area around the distributor hole but I don't recall which is which. But like you said, a lot could have happened in 40+ yrs, so unless it can be proven with documentation that the car is real or has noteworthy history, it's otherwise just a collection of special parts.

 

[super-bee_ski]

Seems like a "late build" date: June 1967.
Heck, it's a Hemi GTX.
I'd love to own one.

 

[lewtot184]

i think the 64-65 hemi's had a different head/valve cover and there may have been some block differences (not sure). it's my understanding that the ro/wo engines were just 1967 street hemi's and the casting date would probably be '66.

 

[Meep-Meep]

i think the 64-65 hemi's had a different head/valve cover and there may have been some block differences (not sure). it's my understanding that the ro/wo engines were just 1967 street hemi's and the casting date would probably be '66.

From what I have heard there were so many 66 blocks cast that they didn't bother casting more until 68, thus no 67 hemi blocks. I believe it's not uncommon to have an early 68 hemi something with a 66 block but stamped as a 68.

 

[lewtot184]

From what I have heard there were so many 66 blocks cast that they didn't bother casting more until 68, thus no 67 hemi blocks. I believe it's not uncommon to have an early 68 hemi something with a 66 block but stamped as a 68.

thats my understanding also. i know the one RO my friend had was just the street hemi engine. it had some real heavy leaf springs, battery in the trunk, and some air cleaner/hood scoop stuff in the trunk. thats been many years ago for me, probably early '70's.

 

[rev.ronnie]

From what I have heard there were so many 66 blocks cast that they didn't bother casting more until 68, thus no 67 hemi blocks. I believe it's not uncommon to have an early 68 hemi something with a 66 block but stamped as a 68.

This is true. The Hemi I just finished was from a 1968 car, numbers matching, original owner. Had numbers stamped on the rear pan rail and the top of the bell housing area. The casting date , however was 1966.