What does a 1973 454 engine pad look like?

[Calvin C.]

Does anyone have pictures of a 1973 454 engine number pad. I have seen three now and they all look different. Some have large numbers left others right. What is standard so I do not buy a restamped pad.
thanks
cal

[Warren F.]

Re: What does a 1973 454 engine pad look like?

Cal:

The two engine foundry plants, Flint (small blocks) and Tonawanda (big blocks) used opposite stamp configurations. Most big blocks are assembly date/code stamped on left (as facing front of motor) and vin derivative stamped on right. Small blocks are the opposite.

Assembly date/code numbers/letters larger than vin derivative stamping number/letters.

[Patrick H.]

Re: What does a 1973 454 engine pad look like?

Cal,

And what else looked "different?"
Warren described the locations of the codes, but what else caught your eye?

Patrick

[Calvin C.]

Re: What does a 1973 454 engine pad look like?

On one block the numbers look even. On the second they look like they are crooked. If they were all put in holder to punch all at onece why whould one number look a little crooked. Also the numbers look like a different size on one block.The larger numbers are different yet the small ones look the same. Example: The large numbers on block "a", are a different size than the large numbers on block "b", but still larger than the vin numbrers. Did they use different size punches in the same year?

thanks
cal

[Justin B.]

Re: What does a 1973 454 engine pad look like?

I have a 73' Chevy 1/2 ton pickup with its original 454 engine and 400 turbo trans. The decoded stamp pad says that this motor/trans. was used in multiple 1973 passenger car applications. Would you like for me to examine this pad and get back with you??

[Calvin C.]

Re: What does a 1973 454 engine pad look like?

Yes that would be very helpful. My car ia a 73 454 convertible and I am going to do my best to get back to stock.
cal