Correct Date coding of engine block and components

[OE Espo]

What is the consensus on correct date coding for engine blocks and related components? i am looking for a 4speed block for my 68 bird. i have now found a couple and with the dollars involved, i want to get the most "correct" one (if thats the proper terminology, that i can. i know it will probably ever be numbers matching. does it even make sense to spend the money? does it increase the cars value?

[Mike Nixon]

Normally the casting date was 2-6 weeks prior to the car's build date.

There are exceptions to this. With the amount of restamping going on today a numbers car is justa little machine work away.



Mike