1970 challenger 440

[68427vette]

what is the   "-5" mean?  or all they all stamped?

[JS27N0B]

That is the 5th casting out of the sand casting mold. Lower number is a better block.

[EB3-GranCoupe]

Apparently, it is a 'tooling revision number'. 

From http://www.440source.com/partnumberinfo.htm....

"While we are on the subject of casting numbers, often there will be what is known as a "tooling revision number" or a "dash number" after the casting number. A 1968 440 block, for instance, might read 2536430-12, or sometimes there will just be a space, such as 2536430 12, or sometimes 253643012. While 2536430 would be the casting number, the 12 would be the tooling revision number, which indicates how many times the tooling (core molds) have been reconditioned back to the proper specifications or modified to include improvements. After so many "pours" the tooling gets worn and needs to be reshaped or reconditioned. So theoretically, higher numbers will be later dates and have any casting improvements incorporated into them. The only problem with this theory is that engines were produced in such volume that many many different sets of tooling were used concurrently to meet the necessary output. So while some may have lasted for quite a while, (in which case you will find later dates with earlier revisions) some got worn quickly or damaged and needed to be revised after a short time. So while in some cases, parts with later numbers may include some improvements the earlier parts may not have, on a practical level, it means nothing as far as the quality of the piece. In other words, don't waste your time looking for an early or late tooling revision number. Blocks, heads, water pump housings and many other cast parts have revision numbers as well. "

I have a -10 on my '78 440 HP block.  I am just not sure what HP meant by the time 1978 rolled around.  i guess maybe it came from a cop car??

[GranCuda1970]

HP was day shift and HP2 was night shift. My 69 block has a 2 cast where the hp2 would be. There is no difference between a HP block and one stamped with a 2. My crate engine has the HP2. All 69 blocks had forged cranks with the big balancers from what a pro old school dragger told me.

from 440 source website

There is absolutely no physical difference between a block with an HP or HP2 stamp and one without.

All blocks were cast and machined at the foundry, and then assembled at Chrysler's 2.1 million square foot "Trenton" assembly plant in Trenton, Michigan. During assembly, if the engine was given high performance cam and valve springs, or in some cases other items that differed between HP and non-HP engines such as: six pack rods, carbs, etc., then the engines ID pad would be stamped with HP. All blocks originally came from the same place, and there is absolutely no difference in cylinder wall thickness, nickel content in the cast iron, strengthening ribs on side of the block by the freeze plugs (see below for the real story on this,) or any of the other myths you have heard. The number 2, which you may find after the HP, (or in the case of  non HP blocks, you may find just a "2" by itself, usually in the lower right hand corner of the ID pad) refers to the shift during which the engine was assembled. In running a factory, one 24 hour day can be divided into three 8 hour shifts. The first shift was considered a "1" however to save time, Chrysler did not stamp a "1", they just left it blank. So an HP2 engine, only means that the engine happened to be assembled on the second shift. There is no advantage to an HP2 block over an HP. we have never seen an HP3, (or just a "3") although Chrysler does allow for it in their documentation, so let me know if you have one or have seen one. Also of note is that non-HP engines usually used the same heads, intake manifold, and many other parts, which is great since it makes it a lot easier to bring a non-HP engine up to the power levels of a factory HP and beyond. But unless you are doing an original restoration, don't worry about finding and/or paying extra for an HP block

[JS27N0B]

Apparently, it is a 'tooling revision number'. 

From http://www.440source.com/partnumberinfo.htm....

"While we are on the subject of casting numbers, often there will be what is known as a "tooling revision number" or a "dash number" after the casting number. (core molds) have been reconditioned back to the proper specifications After so many "pours" the tooling gets worn and needs to be reshaped or reconditioned.

Just so somebody doesn't think they have a block with the "best" revisions if the - number is higher. These are molds that have been repaired, the block may not have cylinders bores that are as perfectly aligned to the crank centerline, core thickness variations, deck thickness variations, etc.
The lower the number the better the block, period.

[EB3-GranCoupe]

I am just not sure what HP meant by the time 1978 rolled around.

Thanks GranCuda!  I was meaning more along the lines of: By 1978 was there really such a thing as HP....High Performance??  I think my engine was originally rated at 195hp, 320 ft-lbs, and 8.2:1 CR back then.

[GranCuda1970]

With "REAL" HP internals added to a later year cast block according to 440 source you have a better designed block more material in critical areas.

Yeah, I don't know what they meant by HP for 195 ponies.

  What you got in yours now, if you don't mind me asking internal wise I know your 40 over.