[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Rx : We can do all that and develop a "range". But that's not going to get us what we really need.

I have been tossing this subject around since 1985 here and there. Sold somewhere between 200-300 HiPo Pontiac engines from 85-93 and have never been able to develop a certained pattern that could be exact. Only the dating can be somewhat patterned.

In my experience I have noted : the unit number is the first stamping done to the block, perhaps as soon as it's cool enough. It is always precisely stamped so I think it's done by machine. The block code is hand stamped and comes later after it is determined how it will be applied and fitted WS,YS, XH, etc... (which is why some are not that straight in line with unit number or heavy/light from one side or the other/overstamped/etc...). The VIN comes last and is hand stamped upon determining the exact Car and equipment/accessories/pulleys/brackets/etc... at final assembly.

Having the exact unit number for that exact Car is the only thing that will ever matter to much degree. Since the date is cast with the block, and the sequence/unit number is stamped shortly thereafter. A "range" is not really all that beneficial concerning the re-stamping of acceptable date coded replacement blocks. But would still be interesting to see Dan do the crunching and establish a range - nonetheless.

Just hoping to somehow create enough interest to create a stir. Especially now that we are in the 6 figure helm. Maybe they are waiting til we hit 7 figures before they drop the Bomb ?