1971 SB 3-Digit Casting Date

[Tom W.]

I have a 71 350/270 engine with manual trans.
The Block Casting date is 3 digits "B61" = Feb 6, 1971.
Can a 3 digit Casting date be correct? Should it be a 4 digit number?
The Judging Guide uses only 4 digit examples so I'm looking for clarification from the forum.

This date lines-up with all other numbers on the car.
Engine Casting: 3970010 = 71 SB
Casting Date: B61 = Feb 6th
ID code: V0209CJL = Flint, Feb 9th, 350/270 4spd
Trim Tag: H02 = Mar 2nd

Thanks, Tom

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 SB 3-Digit Casting Date

Sure you can have a three character date code. My 1970 has an 0010 block A70 = Jan 7, 1970. And that is the one the UAW put in the car 38+ years ago. I have judged many of them. No problemo.