Topic: 70 351C 4V Correct Date Code

[69vert]

Hey guys, I just bought a 1970 Dearborn built Mach 1 with a build date of 0F15 or June 15th 1970. The original engine was changed at some point so I am now trying to track down a correct dated engine. I was told 2 to 8 weeks is the ideal window. The FMX trans that's currently in the car has a date of 0F1 (I think it's the original but haven't pulled yet to check the vin stamp) which is 2 weeks prior to the build date of the car. I found a 70 351C block that's dated 0F4 which is 10 days prior to my build date, is that too close? Thanks

Chris

[J_Speegle]

First welcome to the site

Secondly that's for providing the needed info from your car

Don't have allot of data points for 70 Cleveland engines and real build dates but will try and help a little

Since your car was build at Dearborn it's possible that some of the time spreads for engines was a little tighter IMHO than lets say San Jose just based on shipping time. Looking at other engines built during 1970 production at the same engine plant and their Dearborn completion date I found a spread between the real build date and the casting date of the engine of 20-34 days. Again very very small sample but hope it helps in some way.

Consider when comparing casting dates, you have casting, cooling, machining and then assembling the engine as well as transportation to the car assembly plant.

Hope this helps and that some others will offer some additional related (year and plant) dates for you

[69vert]

Thanks for warm welcome and the info. It sounds like 10 days would be a to close. Thanks again

Chris

[redmastercraft]

I can help you narrow it down to a day or two.  I have a Dearborn built 1970 Mach 1, 351C 4V that was produced 15 Jun 70 as well.  Mine is 200814 and the engine is original to the car.  The date code for the block is 0D30 and the heads are 0E18 and 0E17.  Your original engine should have been produced within a couple of days of these numbers

Matt