Re: Call me skeptical (was Re: IML: '65 Crown Coupe Ordered New w/300L 413!!!)

["Bill Watson" <wwatson5@xxxxxxxxx>]

Chrysler did not start stamping the engine plant into the engine number
until the late 1960's.     And when they started doing that, the engine
plant was the first digit (preceded by a P), followed by the engine size,
the 4-digit date of assemby (based on Chrysler's 10,000 day calendar) and
the 4-digit serial number.   There was no digit for the model year in the
engine number - that was supplied by the partial VIN on the engine block

>From 1960 until the above system was adopted, the first digit was the
engineering department series letter (model year), followed by engine size,
month of assembly, day of assembly, and shift number (if not 1st shift).
Codes for "HP", "MP", "R", "P", "LC", "HC"  were stamped after the block
size while "T" was before.

HP - High Performance
MP - Maximum Performance
R - Regular fuel
P - Premium fuel
LC - Low Compression
HC - High Compression
T - Truck engine
H - Hemi (426-cid)

Any variations from the norm for the engine's valve guides, bore size,
undersize camshaft, undersize crankshaft , undersize main and rod bearings,
etc. were stamped after the date of assembly.

The "HP" and "MP" designations were used when an engine had different
internal parts from the normal engines, such as camshaft, pistons, etc..
Otherwise, how would a mechanic know the engine had a special camshaft, for
example?   Chrysler's parts catalogues note when a part is for an engine
other than normal.  Differences in carburation are easy as the carburetor
has a number attached to it.

If anyone wants to shoot someone for the engine decode, blast away.  I am
the one who decoded his data tag ("99" engine code) and the engine number.


Bill
Vancouver, BC



----- Original Message ----- 
From: David Whitney
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 10:20 AM
Subject: Call me skeptical (was Re: IML: '65 Crown Coupe Ordered New w/300L
413!!!)


"M" on the stamped pad is not a failsafe indicator of an "MP" engine.  It
could very well mean the assembly occurred at the Mound Road plant.  The
seller does not provide a photo or rubbing of the stamp.

I have not seen a 413MP engine from '65.  There was a 413MP in '62, which
was superseded by the 426MP that was available in '65.  The 300L's engine
did have a different cam, but was not distinguished with the factory
designation as high performance.  Taking into consideration the methodology
for measuring and reporting horsepower in the mid-'60s, I suspect the
Imperial's hp was underreported to begin with.

And then there's the fact that horsepower is not evident off the line.  That
is where torque and gearing show themselves.  The 300L being Chrysler's
sporty offering in 1965, it had a 3.23 differential and received a cam that
gave it rubber-burning characteristics.  Horsepower shows itself at high
RPMs, where almost no Imperial spends its time.

Since the seller is offering up this piece of information with the intent
that the value of the car is greater because it has what "appears to be" a
special engine, I would look for more confirmation.  Coupled with the fact
that the seller's ID is new to eBay, I say caveat emptor.

Happy motoring,

David


Happy motoring,

David

'91 K-Imperial driver
'66 Crown Coupe project
'66 LeBaron dual air and every option known to man




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