Engine code question

[DMZ73]

I know this has probably been covered many times over:
How do I identify my engine block? I know it is a 34B496-1-360 -LA block, 71-74
Here's the photo:

http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/110736457

What I don't know, is what it really came from. It was in a truck, but it lived a life before...
What I have not found are the actual block Vin cast #s yet...

http://www.yearone.com/updatedsinglepages/Id_info/mopar/mopar%20casting%20numbers/castingnumbers1.html

I will update the # later tonight. Is there a particular identifier between car/truck?

Best,

Dan  Zimmermann

[DMZ73]

W 3??3?87 is the stamping on the block.
Anyone have a clue what that means?

[Alaskan_TA]

Dan,
The number you posted is the (well, part of) the engine serial number. There should be a letter before the W? The W stands for the Windsor, Ontario engine assembly plant. The first four digits after that are the engine final assembly date code & the last four numbers would tell you what sequece it was on that day. As an example 0050 as the last four would be the 50th engine assembled at that plant that day. Look for more numbers & / or post a clear close up photo of it if you can?

Also look for the VIN number on the passenger side of the block, it will tell you more about what it possibly came out of than the engine serial number will.

Barry

[Chryco Psycho]

A lot of Vans came from Windsor plant

[DMZ73]

Thanks guys!
The complete numbers on the drivers side are 3W360R3987
The only numbers I can find on the passenger side are
D N 6 2 72

I do not see any other numbers on the block, such as
A machine pad to stamp specific numerals.

There are a few machine flanges from the head to the block,
But those have been painted over and I see no paint sinks to indicate
Any numerals.

Am I missing it - as in am I not seeing the numbers because
I am not looking in the right place?

Thanks,
Dan

[Alaskan_TA]

Based on the 6-2-72 casting date, the first 3 in 3W360R3987
 may be a "H" or a 'J'?

If so;

H - Series (model year) 1972

J - Series (model year) 1973

W - Windsor, Ontario engine assembly plant

360 - 360 CID

R - Regular fuel

3987 - 10,000 day date code for the final engine assembly - June 28, 1972

The VIN pad is on the passenger side of the block, down low, right above the oil pan rail. If it has no numbers on it, the engine may be an over the counter replacement or warranty engine.

[DMZ73]

I see no H or J as a prefix.
This motor came from a truck that had it's motor replaced many years ago.
The truck was a 77 ram pickup. It has a mixed bag of parts. The prev owner thought
That the motor was a 74.

I looked where you said to look.
There is a pad there.... But You would have to be a forensic expert to be able to decipher any of what is left. You can trust me on that.I will do every trick in the book on photoshop to try to get any numbers out of it, but it looks unlikely.
I'll post a pic later.
Want to know something really funny?
The last two digits of my vin are coincidental with the casting date.
Dan

[DMZ73]

Here are two pics:

From what I can see it's a total guess, even going CSI on it.

http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/111508849
http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/111508852
http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/111508854
http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/111508855

Perhaps if I knew some basic codes within that timeframe, I might be able to decipher it fully.
I see a letter that either looks like an R...

try this one:
http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/111509902

What do you think?
Dan

[Alaskan_TA]

I think it it too bad to read, so I will have a beer instead. 

[DMZ73]

I know what you mean.
Maybe the secret is locked in the rust forever.
I just would like to know what vehicles came
Standard with the 360 in 72.
If I don't find out then so be it.
I have a tremendous amount of cleanup
Work left on the motor before paint.
Thanks again guys!
Dan