Matching numbers

[70Cuda340]

I'm the 2nd owner of a 70 Cuda that I picked up a couple weeks ago.  Here's my newbie story:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=24833.0

I'm in the teardown phase for a complete restoration.  When getting ready to pull the short block (heads, intake carb, distributor were stolen off of it years ago while it was sitting for the last 30 years), I was able to get to the engine serial #.  I was told by the original owner it was the original drivetrain, since the car was only driven for 6 years. 

The EIN is FW340P30420285.  Casting date of 7/11/69.  My VIN is BS23H0E124007, and the car was built in late '69.  I have Herd's Challenger and Barracuda Restoration Guide, and it's somewhat confusing as to whether the numbers should match or not.  I checked my tranny, and the serial # matches the VIN.  I've been a Chevy guy for most of my life, with a bunch of Mustangs strewn in here and there, so I'm a little green when it comes to Mopars.  Are the #s always supposed to match like they do with Chevys?  I was thinking maybe he got a warranty block later on, but the build date is awfully early for that. 

I want to call the original owner back, but need to make sure I know what I'm talking about when telling him the engine isn't original (if it truly isn't).

Thanks in advance for the answers.

J.D. Stewart

[FM3V6M]

I think you are looking at the casting #, the VIN should be on the passenger side on a small-smooth rectangular pad just above the oil pan, it should be a partial VIN :0E124007.

[MOPAR FANATIC]

  Hello 70340cuda,and welocome aboard.i to have paul herds reto guide and i agree that some of his explanations are hard to sink in.if you read his reply,he says its stamped below the right cyl head,i think?check your book to see ,this was brought up awhile back and i agree with the above post, i to believe its right above the oil pan.  ---dave--

[70Cuda340]

The casting # is 2780930-340-8 on the driver's side and on the passenger side it's 7*11*69.  Below the driver's side cylinder head (if there was one anymore) is the FW340P30420285, and it's stamped in.

J.D.

[Cuda Cody]

That 340 is cast about the right time for your build date on your car.  Keep looking.... you haven't found the VIN on the motor yet.  It should be there..... It will be on a pad and much smaller than the casting numbers.  Look for "E0124007"

Good luck! 

[FM3V6M]

Here you go...

[70Cuda340]

Thanks!  I would bet I have a matching #s driveline after all.     I'll check tonight.

J.D.

[Alaskan_TA]

The FW340 number you found in the engines serial number, it is not the same as the VIN. There have been a couple of books published in the past that say it is the VIN. 

Best of luck on the search!

Barry