[74SDformula]

Was looking for a block and came across this. Don't remember ever seeing another block that did not have a machined pad for the VIN stamp. Figure it could be a bad casting possibly. Also wonder if it might have been done intentionally by the factory.

[74SDformula]

A few more photos.

[tom s]

I have a block with no vin,eun or code.Engineering 303 std deck block with just the 8V303 stamped on it.Tom

[Tellyshavilli]

That’s definitely a first

[Green Hornet]

Interesting...

[johnta1]

Big core shift?
Piece of the sand mold broke off?

I thought at 1st that the timing cover would not seal, but your last pic shows that it probably did.

I could see if they had it recessed up higher where the radiator hose goes on cover. (giving more room for the hose/clamp)

Definitely different. Maybe an early April Fools joke?

[Formulabruce]

Best guess its a Non automotive application.

[tom s]

YS code!

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by tom s

YS code!

That just means it was built for a automatic, or standard.
Either way, this was Not designed to go under warranty..
Maybe they tested various heads. And seats with it.

[unruhjonny]

that's neat - for sure!!

I wonder if it was an oversight at the casting plant - that was probably quickly remedied.

[tom s]

I need to see if my 914 block has the pad.Tom

[johnta1]

Need to see if any March 27 1972 blocks had this 'void'?

[Burgess]

I think this is someone's creative way to remove the VIN without leaving any sign that there was ever one on it.

Looks to me it could be done by someone with some skills and some time with a die grinder and a pick hammer, maybe even skimming off the bulk of the material with a milling machine.

The slightly deeper ''trough'' along the edge closest to the timing cover is exactly what grinding with a carbide burr along an edge creates. Then a whole lot of pecking with a not-quite-sharp pick hammer to duplicate the cast roughness, while spilling over into the un-modified casted area for a nice blend.

[tom s]

Lot of work for a block that has a code and a EUN?Tom

[unruhjonny]

I be incline to would agree.

I would think that the engine code (denoting heads, cam, exhaust manifolds and carb) in addition to the EUN would both point to this engine being originally installed in a car;
I cannot think of a single YS (400/4bbl/TH400) car worth this level of work just to remove the stamped partial vin.

[Transamric]

Very interesting. It appears totally factory made to me, but so untypical. Not even a partial VIN stamped anywhere else?

[rwfisher]

I have 2 1969 blocks that both have Engine code and EUN stamp but no vin stamp. Both original WQ blocks, cast within 10 days of each other. 1 of unknown original origin the other had been used in a 1970 Hondo jet boat.

[74SDformula]

Originally Posted by Transamric

Very interesting. It appears totally factory made to me, but so untypical. Not even a partial VIN stamped anywhere else?

I have inspected the front face of the block carefully and see no partial VIN stamp.

These stamps are hard to see but there is something by the distributor hole. This is from the block in question.

Here is a thread about stampings by the distributor hole. http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=827637

[Matt Meaney]

Originally Posted by tom s

Lot of work for a block that has a code and a EUN?Tom

strange people do strange things for strange reasons.

[tom s]

Couple pics of my 70 914 block face as best I can shoot in the car.