I've owned my 69 charger for 13 years, and there is seldom a question that suprises me or catches me off-guard. But recently someone told me that my engine was not a 440 magnum, which I thought it was.... My understanding is that the 383 "magnum" was a stock 383 with the steel 440 heads, and I've always been told that the chrysler 440 was by default a "440 magnum" and the upgraded model was actually the 440 six-pack (obviously with the carb upgrade). I had my local NAPA run my numbers several years ago, as I don't know how to do myself, and was told that my 440 was the "interceptor" model. I assumed that was the high-performance model and never thought twice about it since until just recently when I was questioned about it not being a 440 mag. The number stamped into the block just in front of where the intake manifold is bolted is J440T 430 Does anyone have any help for me?

 

I have no idea where they are coming up with their terminology, so I'm not even going to try to sort that out... what I can tell you about your engine from the numbers you supplied is this:
J = 1973 series
440 is the cubic inches
T = Trenton engine plant
430 = April 30th assembly date
So, it's not original to the car, nor is it an HP version.

 

Thanks for the info. I actually did know that the "J" stood for 1973, and I was also well-aware that this engine was no where close to being original. I had no idea what the other digits stood for though (other than the obvious 440). But do you know the answer to my question about "magnum" vs. other engines. What makes the distinction? Is there a distinction?? Maybe there is no such thing as a 1973 magnum 440, or is there? You say this is not an HP version, what markings tell you that?
Thanks.

 

Should be stamped with HP on the block

 

Dave's correct.... the characters 'HP' will be stamped on the same pad adjacent to the distributor where you found the other characters.