VIN stamp on block

[kilroy]

Hi - first post here, so please no criticism

I recently picked up a 71 Challenger 340/4/4-speed car. I know the block's vin stamp does not match, but what I was curious about is that the VIN is followed by the letter "R". The block does appear to be size and date-correct per the casting. The gearbox VIN does match.

Not sure if the block's VIN "R" has any significance - hoping someone here may be able to tell me if it means anything special.

There are a number of other things that do not appear correct on the car (intake, exhaust manifolds, and some other stuff) which I am searching for now...

Thanks in advance,
-Brian

[Chryco Psycho]

Welcome
 I have nothing to help you on the R after your VIN though , I assume you are referring to the vin along the right oil pan rail under the engine mount

[Cuda Cody]

Depending on what year it is, it could stand for "Regular Fuel May Be Used"

That is what R's stamped on engines mean, but I do not know where they put it.  It could also just be a mis stamp.  Happened all the time.

[Super Blue 72]

Depending on what year it is, it could stand for "Regular Fuel May Be Used"

That is what R's stamped on engines mean, but I do not know where they put it.  It could also just be a mis stamp.  Happened all the time.

I have "R" stamped on the pad on the front of the block under the driver's cylinder head, but not on the pad on the oil pan rail as Chryco mentioned, just the VIN.

On the pad on the front of the engine mine reads HM 340R, and as C O D Y mentioned it's for regular fuel, which means in my case that mine isn't a '71 340.    It's a low compression engine.

[kilroy]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I had read something about the "R" possibly meaning Regular Fuel, but wasn't sure exactly where the R stamp would need to be for that.

My "R" stamp is following the VIN on the pad next to the oil pan.

Guess I was kind of hoping it meant something like "Replacement," as in the factory/dealer performed a warranty replacement of the block

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I had read something about the "R" possibly meaning Regular Fuel, but wasn't sure exactly where the R stamp would need to be for that.

My "R" stamp is following the VIN on the pad next to the oil pan.

Guess I was kind of hoping it meant something like "Replacement," as in the factory/dealer performed a warranty replacement of the block

 I'm with you here.  My first guess was replacement block, but I truely didn't know. Aren't you glad I didn't reply?   

  Mike

[Chryco Psycho]

could be a replacement block , there was no set standard on what to do with a replacement block as far as marking it