Topic: Hipo 289 build date vs car build date

[Cool Times]

Good evening,

Quick question:  I’m looking at a 1965 K code over the Internet.  The data plate (which looks original and aligns with the fender stamping) has a build date of Feb 10, 1965. The VIN fits the range of Feb 1965.   I’ve asked for several images of the vins and part numbers before I spend more time on the opportunity.  They did not have an image of the block casting date and I haven’t ask them to remove the starter yet, but the assembly date on the engine is 4H25 (September) and most of the other dates on the components are either Sept or late August 1964.  Appears to be. Sept 64 engine.  However, the VIN is stamped on the block above the oil pan as typical.  Is it plausible that a Hipo could be built 5 months before the car.  Per this site and others, I would have expected 2-6 weeks difference.  The seller states anything less than 6 months is okay for a K code.  I’m having difficulties with that opinion.

Your advice

Thank you

[Cool Times]

Sorry 4H is August...

[jwc66k]

Check the actual engine assembly date -  see below. It's on a "pad" near the distributor. The pictures are from my 66 GT Fastback "K".
Jim

[J_Speegle]

A couple of basic things before we get to a direct answer - sorry

- First as you are likely aware is that the date on the door tag is just the scheduled or guessed upon date an operator thought the car might be built on. The real build/completion date could be 3-4 weeks off in either direct (earlier or later) or even more in odd situations

- Where was you car built? Shipping times/distance may may all be part of what needs to be considered also

[sgl66]

What plant was it built in? There is more than 1 owner installed VIN stamped block out there so don’t bank on that too much.

If you have a 4H25 assembly date and September parts, that’s a big clue right there making the 6 month window more questionable

[Scode67FB]

could the "H" actually be a "M"?

[Cool Times]

Thanks everyone for responding.  When I posted my question, I counted the months wrong and thought 4H25 was September 25, 1964 instead of August, so my statement on the engine components was also off a month.  The 4H25 date comes a photo of the assembly date stamp by the distributor.  Most of the engine components are H or late G parts so appear to align with the engine assembly date.  The VIN is 625xxx and should be close to the Feb 10 1965 scheduled date on the data plate, but not absolutely sure.  It was built at the Dearborn plant and delivered to a Detroit DSO.  So, not being able to see the mains or the casting number behind the starter yet, I have no comfort this is is the original engine (mostly due to the 6 month period between car build and engine assembly date). What confuses me is why fake a hipo by stamping the vin onto a block that is out of the sensible range. 

Appreciate the help.  My gut tells me not to travel to look further.  As well, I would have expected the seller to have better documented explanation for the date difference.   The good thing is that they’re not selling it as numbers matching, but posting photos of the block VIN and letting the buyer make a conclusion.  I guess buyer be ware.
Thank you.

[Cool Times]

Scode,
The H is very clear.  Good question, so went back to the photo,

Thank you

[ChrisV289]

The date stamp by the distributor is the casting date of the intake manifold.  Are you able to grab pictures of the engine and post?

[jwc66k]

The date stamp by the distributor is the casting date of the intake manifold. 

Not in this picture. It's on the block. It's not a casting date, but an actual assembly/inspection date. It's also on the sealing surface of the oil pan. The casting date of the intake is near the carburetor.
Note: the red arrow shows the casting/mold number of the head. It's another "clue".
Jim

[Cool Times]

Attached is the photo referencing the 4H25 engine assembly date.  Let me know if I’m reading this wrong. As well, the 4 speed cast date looks like an A (I think) which aligns closer to the Feb 10 scheduled.  They did not have a a photo of the transmission tag or vin stamp (if any).

Thank you.

[ChrisV289]

Not in this picture. It's on the block. It's not a casting date, but an actual assembly/inspection date. It's also on the sealing surface of the oil pan. The casting date of the intake is near the carburetor.
Note: the red arrow shows the casting/mold number of the head. It's another "clue".
Jim

This is the casting date of the intake. Seems closer to the distributor than the carb in my opinion

[jwc66k]

This is the casting date of the intake. Seems closer to the distributor than the carb in my opinion

That date tells you less than the engine assembly date, except if it's after the engine assembly date. Then all bets are off.
Jim

[Cool Times]

The intake casting date is a late 4G_. Was told verbally during a phone call, but validated with a photo.  So, it is apparently before the assembly date.
Thank you.

[Cool Times]

Correction: “not” validated with a photo.
Thank you.