Hemi Identification: Part II

Here we will break down where to find identification numbers on early Hemi’s and what they mean.

Please note this is a guide for most automobile, truck, industrial, and marine applications. I have done my best to pull together the best data available as of this writing.

Block numbers can be found stamped into a flat portion of the block located just in front of the valley cover. Here are a few examples:

First a Dodge, then Desoto, and finally a Chrysler block all of which can be deciphered with the chart below.

Head casting numbers can be found by removing the valve cover. Note that “Triple Nickel” or “555” heads make reference to the only casting number that has three “5”s in the part number (non-sequential). These have been said to flow better than any other Chrysler heads.

Connecting Rod casting numbers can be found on cast on the “I beam” portion of the rod. The example below is a NOS 392 rod.

Crankshaft part numbers can be found on the counterbalance portion near the center of the crank.