No problem Don. If I read it right, according to the Greg Lane reference
all Max Wedge blocks had the notches. He does not call out only 413s.
Lane also notes that "Original Max Wedge blocks use two different size
punch sets for stamping the identification numbers on the engine pad.
The fonts are different for the punches as well as the abbreviations for
engine size and performance level are different from regular passenger
car engines of the same cubic inch."
He also says 2R or 3R is (usually? always? -- that's not clear) below
the AAQA.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Gary H.
-----Original Message-----
>From: Don Gallimore
>
>I'd heard the notches at the top of the bore only applied to the 413.
>Did the 426 need those, also?
>
>As far as the AAQA - I have an industrial 426 block - late 60's if
>memory serves me right, that has the AAQA on it.
>
>Sorry, don't mean to be negative but these are the two issues brought up
>
>that I questioned. I can take a rebuttal with grace, however. Always
>willing to be schooled.
>
> Akron Don
>
>Gary H. wrote:
>> I suppose you'll have to guess why someone would bother to grind off
>> the
>> casting numbers.
>>
>> But there are pictures of the notches on the Web page address below.
>>
>> "...all original max wedges have exhaust valve reliefs in the tops of
>> the cylinder bores. They aren't very big reliefs but they are a must
>> have on an original max wedge of any year. Exhaust valves were so big
>> they didn't clear the block without this machining. If it doesn't have
>> relief notches like in these pictures... it wasn't originally a max
>> wedge. Period. Keep in mind grinding clearances don't count as factory
>> work. Only machining like the pictures above were done by the factory.
>> If someone used a grinder to make these notches it is not factory and
>> is
>> most likely a street wedge block"
>>
>> http://racehemi.maxwedge.com/topics/castings.php
>>
>> The special oil pickup photo is shown here:
>> http://racehemi.maxwedge.com/topics/oilpans.php
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Gary H.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>>
>>> From: steve hracs
>>> have 426 block, says VT 426 on the pad
>>> has notches on the cylinders. AAQA on the front, casting date has
>>> been
>>> ground off! i measured pick up 1/2"
>>> can someone show a pic of notches to see if they match mine. trying
>>> to
>>> determine if this is real? thanks
>>>