dash numbers on blocks, what do they mean?

[torredcuda]

440-1, 440-2. 440-3 etc. do they mean anything specific or are they just casting information - i.e. when they were cast, mold etc.?

[303 Mopar]

Usually this refers to the shift that engine was assembled.  Some good info here - http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/motor/36.html

[torredcuda]

So what would a 440-7 mean?

[Cuda Cody]

That means it's the 7th time they have made a modification or repair to the block.  Think about like software.  When you launch a new software program you call it version 1.0, but then you have to fix a bug or make an improvement.  So you call the next one version 1.1 and so on.  The 440-7 just means that it was the 7th time they have fixed something in the cast molding.  It really does not change the value of the blocks at all.  I think Hemi's only had -1 and -2.  I can not recall seeing a -3.

So what would a 440-7 mean?

[303 Mopar]

So what would a 440-7 mean?

Hmmm, got a pic?  The old 440 in my Charger had  C440  10 12 2  = 1967 444ci  Oct 12 2nd shift assembly

[Cuda Cody]

I'm bet he's talking about the casting numbers on the side of the block.   

[303 Mopar]

I'm bet he's talking about the casting numbers on the side of the block.   

Gotcha, thanks!   

[1 Wild R/T]

From the 440 Source website...

While we are on the subject of casting numbers, often there will be what is known as a "tooling revision number" or a "dash number" after the casting number. A 1968 440 block, for instance, might read 2536430-12, or sometimes there will just be a space, such as 2536430 12, or sometimes 253643012. While 2536430 would be the casting number, the 12 would be the tooling revision number, which indicates how many times the tooling (core molds) have been reconditioned back to the proper specifications or modified to include improvements. After so many "pours" the tooling gets worn and needs to be reshaped or reconditioned. So theoretically, higher numbers will be later dates and have any casting improvements incorporated into them. The only problem with this theory is that engines were produced in such volume that many many different sets of tooling were used concurrently to meet the necessary output. So while some may have lasted for quite a while, (in which case you will find later dates with earlier revisions) some got worn quickly or damaged and needed to be revised after a short time. So while in some cases, parts with later numbers may include some improvements the earlier parts may not have, on a practical level, it means nothing as far as the quality of the piece. In other words, don't waste your time looking for an early or late tooling revision number. Blocks, heads, water pump housings and many other cast parts have revision numbers as well.

[torredcuda]

Yes, the numbers cast into the side of the block. On a FB discussion a guy was telling me the - # designates the intended use like RV, marine, pass car or truck, I didn`t think that was correct.

[ChallengerHK]

That means it's the 7th time they have made a modification or repair to the block. 

My understanding from way back is that it was the 7th casting group from a given master.

[torredcuda]

If you go here and scroll down there are actually different letter designation for a 440-3 and a 440-1? I should have mentioned we are talking about motorhomes.   
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/Pages_HTML/DodgeVINdecoder.html