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.

 

[Fort40]

Hi, what I have learned through only early 67 service bulletins. The 1967 B stock 426 drag package service manual is a good source and Jim Schilds book as well. "My Mopar" website and Hamtramck registry both have a wealth of I formation. Jalopy journal - HAMB discussion board there was some discussion a few years ago under this same subject. As literature describes the 67 engine as basically a detuned version of the 64-65 and 68 Super Stocks. Factory literature describes a factory 2x4 intake manifold modified by Arlen Vanke, modified 4139 and 4140 carbs, (Cheater carbs came out later in the year) transmissions were either manual as described "Slick Shift" or automatic that was modified manual shift valve body ("Says nothing about reverse manual"). Some of the Automatic restored cars for example show shift pattern as P-R-N-1-2-D unrestored Automatic WO/RO show P-R-D-2-1 Transmission does have a different part# separate from the Street hemi trans.
One would think company literature would be 100%, some say not entirely because it's not documented.

 

[rickseeman]

They may call it a detuned version of a 65 but I think when the dust settles it will turn out to be a Street Hemi short block. I'm no expert, just my guess. And that makes finding a block at least 100 times easier.

 

[rickseeman]

I realize that sometimes Chrysler documents are wrong or will be superseded but...

 

[Fort40]

Like fastmark mentioned.

 

[rickseeman]

Yes, but I assume that would be for a Dart or a Barracuda. As I said, I'm no expert on 67's and it seems illogical to me that they would stamp a 67 engine HC for high compression when it's not high compression.

 

[fastmark]

Well, I sold one of my MP 66 cast blocks before I knew what it was. I’m pretty sure that the short blocks were street hemi compression 10.5. I’ve heard that from several sources. But I’ve also heard the Vanke intake AND cheater cars were in the trunk. Somewhere in my “way back” memory, I remember my block being stamped CH 426 MP and not HC. Thus it did not mean high compression. I was also told that all 67 WO/RO blocks were cast on 10/31/66 and both my blocks were cast on that date. That just may be an accident as mopar cast a lot of blocks on that date. Now I’ve slept once or twice since then and I don’t have a picture that I can find anymore but like I said, the block when to Joel Nystrum. He has a car. I’ve tried to find that magazine with the article about stamping but to no avail.

 

[Fort40]

Not entirely sure why the "HC" and "CH" are transposed? Normal ID stampings on a 67 street hemi block starts w "C" and "H" that denote the year and Engine (Hemispherical) Both blocks I have pics of ID stamps are the same with different assembly dates and where cast on 10/3/66, one of these was Mr. Nystrums. My understanding the "MP" means Maximum Performance and the engines used in these 67 WO and RO cars could be other years as well? Even though they where the same specs as a street hemi (my mistake of calling them a detuned version) but were specially selected and ID'd.

 

[rickseeman]

Not entirely sure why the "HC" and "CH" are transposed? Normal ID stampings on a 67 street hemi block starts w "C" and "H" that denote the year and Engine (Hemispherical) Both blocks I have pics of ID stamps are the same with different assembly dates and where cast on 10/3/66, one of these was Mr. Nystrums. My understanding the "MP" means Maximum Performance and the engines used in these 67 WO and RO cars could be other years as well? Even though they where the same specs as a street hemi (my mistake of calling them a detuned version) but were specially selected and ID'd.

I don't think the C & H are transposed. I believe that block is for a 68 Dart or Barracuda and HC is high compression.

 

[Fort40]

Pan rail gives the plant location, final assembly date month day and year Mr Nystroms block is January 23 1967, the other block pic 10-3-66 of I have no information on the pan rail final assembly date. Good point