How close are date codes allow to be?

[Mike G]

I have a pair of exhaust manifolds that I am looking at. The date codes are A30-71 and A19-71. My cars intake manifold is dated A14, the block is A16, engine assembly date is January 31 and the body assembly date is Feb 27. I'm thinking that the A30 is a little too tight, given that I would find it hard to believe that a part could be cast, shipped and assembled on an engine within one day.

What do you guys think and what would be acceptable in judging?

Thanks.

[Michael W.]

Re: How close are date codes allow to be?

You win by a TKO. Manifold dates codes are not judged. Even if they were, the requirements are that casting dates must precede the assembly date- which they do.

[Mike E.]

Re: How close are date codes allow to be?

The chances of that manifold being installed on that motor at the factory aren't very good in terms of the proper timeline, but also can't be absolutely
ruled out.