WTB Wanted HC426MP 10-3-66 Block

[Fort40]

Looking for a Maximum Performance (MP) 426 hemi block. Stamping on the flat pad near distributor reads HC426MP
Block date would be 10-3-66 or possibly 10-10-66
Appreciate the ad B bodies

 

[rickseeman]

Wow, that's gonna be a tough one. Not many exist and probably nobody would sell one. In theory 1-15-68 would also be a possible date. And possibly others.

 

[Fort40]

Hi, appreciate your reply, your right, probably like hens teeth. Thought I would give it a try? Never know?

 

[rickseeman]

Always good to try

 

[fastmark]

Well, I HAD two of those blocks years ago. I did not realize what they were until I sold one of them however. If I remember correctly they were both cast on 10-31-66 which I have been told was the most common casting date in 66 blocks. I had three hemi blocks cast on that date at one time. I realize what the MP meant when I read an article in Mopar Action about the stamping on the pads of blocks that stated all of the 67 WO/RO cars were stamped that way. I’ve never had that confirmed in any other literature but I I’m not sure where that information would be found. I sold one block to a SS racer and the other block I sold to Joel Nystrum. He goes by HemiJoel on all the boards. He has a 67 RO car. I’m not sure how many of these cars kept their original engines over the years. I’m helping out a guy here in town with a very original 67 WO car but he’s missing his original motor. The car is not cut up at all. I’m sure the motor was pulled early and put into an another car. It is one of on 14 original 4 speed cars. If you have knowledge of these cars, I can always use some more information on these.

 

[Fort40]

Appreciate the reply, Sounds like you're working on a nice car. I have gained that similar knowledge as well. Scott Smth from Spokane Washington of Harmes Carburator Shop I is very knowledgable about these cars, as well and a great guy to talk to. People that bought these cars new or owned them as you know, most likely didn't know about these stampings either. Most were modified from the start, engines swapped out or kept to update a different car, they just wanted to go fast. Research that I have done is with service bulletins, dealer letters from Chrysler, owners and lots of detective work. Similar questions seem to be in agreement when discussing details about theses cars. The markings-stamps from pictures that I have seen were from 2 different blocks. An authentic original unrestored car I would guess may be non existent? Lots of these guys have forgotten more than I know.

 

[fastmark]

There is a book written about these cars by Jim Schilds (I may have miss spelled the last name). I met him years ago when I had my 65 lightweight car. He wrote a book on those as well. I have not talked to him in years, so I’m not sure if he’s still alive. Mancini is out of stock so we have one coming from Jim Kramer. I have not thought of Scott Smith. I know him as he has restored an AVS carb for me. I restore six pack Holleys so we run in the same circle. I have not talked to him in years but have exchanged some emails. Talking to Scott is hard. He’s very busy and our time zones are way different! Lol. His talk time is limited to 7 to 9 pm west coast time because of his strict schedule. I go to bed way to early so even for central time. I get up early and work. If we can’t find out what we need from the book, I may have to email Scott. Thanks.

 

[rickseeman]

He's not alive. RIP. His books were informative. You can't get too many books.

 

[rickseeman]

I'm into 65's and 68's and really know almost nothing about 67's. But I was thinking that they are 10.5 compression. If they were, I assume the stamping on the top pad will not say HC and possibly not MP. Maybe the same stamping as a Street Hemi. Which would make a block a lot easier to find.