C6DuffMan

This is probably a question for the NCRS forum, but I figured I'll try my luck here too.

How far apart can the date codes be for the block, intake, and exhaust manifolds? How far apart were they from the factory? I'm missing the intake and exhaust manifolds for my 71 454 and will need to start tracking down replacements soon.

The original block is dated D 8 71, Apr. 8, 71. I would like to keep the date codes as authentic and original as possible.

TIA

Easy Mike

The NCRS will accept anything within six months. Usually, casting and assembly dates were much closer.

Mid to late March casting dates would work for you. Possibly even early April. What is the engine assembly date and your time/build code?

Alan 71

Hi Duff,
Mike's right about the NCRS using the 6 month time period.
My base engine sb was built the first week of January, 1971; and has an intake manifold with an August 1970 date and proper 1971 casting number on it. Pretty long time?!
It worked the other way too. My trim tag indicates January 14 as the day the car passed the station where the tag was installed. Here's a date from one of the door panels... January 12, 1971. Pretty close?!
Regards,
Alan

Mike Ward

The components you mention must pre-date the assembly date of the engine, not necessarily the casting date of the block. NCRS will accept up to six months but 2-4 weeks spread is much more realistic.

77C34SPD

This is interesting. does this 6 month period also apply to other parts such as mirrors. My 77 has production date of 5-77, my door mirrors are dated 6-DMI-6. now will these mirrors pass as correct for judging?

Alan 71

Hi 77,
I believe the 6 month lead time applies to mirrors too in NCRS Flight Judging.
The other glass... windshields, etc. can have up to a 12 month lead.
Your mirror date sounds a bit early.
Regards,
Alan

Mike Ward

Although it would be hard to understand why both mirrors in this case are almost 12 month out of date. Possibly things are different on later C3s?

77C34SPD

suppose I could use the argument that who knows what parts were in the "back room" when they needed them. yeah, thats it. I like that one. Could be true.

hunt4cleanair

I would more likely believe the mirrors fell out, shattered and the closest replacement dated glass was the 76... Twelve months is a stretch and if the plant is building 50,000 units in a year...not much is sticking to the parts bin!

And I wouldn't worry about it either because the only deduct, if any is for the date which is a 20% deduction on originality...if at all. An exterior judge would probably make a note unless all date codes are out of square.

C6DuffMan

Engine assembly date is Apr. 23. Car build date is Apr. 29. Thanks for the info.

Easy Mike

Late March dates would still be good. April dates prior to 4/23 would be even better.

C6DuffMan

I found a nice one dated April 14. Would that be too close?

Easy Mike

No. Fits your window.

redvetracr

If you or anyone else is interested I have a correct set of 3969869/3880828 (NO AIR) exhaust manifolds available for a 70-71 454, dates are F2770 & E2770, considering the dates are on the back side where no one will ever see them these might work. send a PM if you or anyone else is interested.