67 block vs 69 block

[Red63440]

Is there any physical difference between the two blocks...is one stronger than the other in any way? Both are 440's.

Just went to hppt://www.440source.com and read about the blocks.....between the two that I have the 69 is a better block due to the horizontal strengthing rib, this rib is missing in the earlier 440's.

 

[62MAX]

I think 69 was the first year for the reinforcing ribs on the side's of the block.

 

[Red63440]

I think 69 was the first year for the reinforcing ribs on the side's of the block.

I thought I said that.......:eusa_angel:

 

[62MAX]

I thought I said that.......:eusa_angel:

You said that while I was typing!!

 

[Red63440]

You said that while I was typing!!

Ok, I will say things SSSSsssssllllllllllooooooooowwwwwweeeeeeererrrrrrrr.lmao!

 

[lewtot184]

the original block for my 69 r/t doesn't have the ribs, but it was cast in late '68. i believe those ribs are more of a "freezing" strengthening. basically there isn't any internal differences.

 

[Red63440]

the original block for my 69 r/t doesn't have the ribs, but it was cast in late '68. i believe those ribs are more of a "freezing" strengthening. basically there isn't any internal differences.

You are correct but it does make that area in the block stronger.
This is part of what is in the article on blocks on 440source.com

On the side of the block just above the freeze plugs, sometimes you will find a strengthening support or "rib" cast into the block. This was started in the 1969 model year on 440's (E 440 code on the ID pad), or approx mid '68 casting date. This is an improvement that was instituted around this time and lasted until the end of production. Every 400 block we have seen has this support, and NO 383 blocks we have seen have it, (Another small reason to build that 400 stroker...) Yes, blocks do occasionally crack around the freeze plug area, so it is considered desirable to find one that has this strengthening rib, however it is not a necessity, and certainly no reason not to use a nice 66-68 440 block you may find or have. As mentioned above, this rib has nothing to do with HP or non-HP. Notice also there is a slightly raised area in the center of the block, starting at the oil pan rail and leading up the skirt to the freeze plug area. The machined part of this (by the oil pan rail) was used to stamp the engines serial numbers. When an engine has the strengthening rib, it will usually have this pad as well. This explains why serial numbers were first used in this location in 1969. The only exception we have found is 70-71 383's... they will have the pad without the rib.

 

[lewtot184]

there was a "cold weather" block that had a lotta of ribs.