[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by RA1John

I spoke with a friend who worked at the PMD engine plant back in the 60s and he stated that all engines were built according to vehicle build orders. Engines weren't built up ahead of time and set aside until they were ordered (other than for replacement).

Just to make sure I understand: when you say "all" - does that mean ALL (like including garden variety powerplants) or "all SPECIAL" (meaning just unique, low volume, interesting engine codes)?

Incidentally - that's how the bodies were built. All bodies were built to order; they didn't build a bunch of generic bodies to pull from. So it's easy for me to imagine engines were built up the same way.

Originally Posted by RA1John

Also, during production, if there was an engine problem at the vehicle plant, is it logical to assume that PMD engine would provide the vehicle plant with another broadcast code correct engine according to that specific application?

Yes (assuming they had enough parts to build another). This is true all the way up to a complete vehicle: if a whole car got lost or smashed they would build a replacement unit to that same specification.

Originally Posted by RA1John

Likewise, would it have been possible during the '68 MY that a customer could order an engine with a broadcast code and not get an "SR" engine?

I don't understand the question; do you mean could a customer order a complete engine over the parts counter by using the specific broadcast code (aka part number) he wanted, and not get an SR engine? No - it would still be a service engine, because it wouldn't have a VIN stamped on it (since it wasn't installed in a vehicle at the assembly plant).

K