390 Holman and Moody block?

[428Marauder]

Found a guy selling what he says is a 390 Holman and Moody service block for $575. Box and everything. I should def buy that, right? He says he doesn’t see a date code or any casting numbers on it at all. Kinda weird, but also not weird for a service block. What really seems weird to me is that he says it’s a 390. Maybe it isn’t?

https://ibb.co/Hxmj4c6
https://ibb.co/kK2zkbV
https://ibb.co/smxxDDw

[frnkeore]

For a H&M block, I would be more comfortable, if there was some kind of scratch mark on the rear of the block and CJ type, upper water transfer holes, to be worth the money.

From the shots of it, it doesn't look like it would be any stronger than a std 390 block. Separated from the box, there is no connection to H&M but, it might be worth a sonic map, to show extra strength, in the cyl walls.

[428Marauder]

For a H&M block, I would be more comfortable, if there was some kind of scratch mark on the rear of the block and CJ type, upper water transfer holes, to be worth the money.

From the shots of it, it doesn't look like it would be any stronger than a std 390 block. Separated from the box, there is no connection to H&M but, it might be worth a sonic map, to show extra strength, in the cyl walls.

Thanks Frank. I do really like the box. What do you think would be a fair price? It will also cost me about $100 in gas and 4 hours of my time to go get it.

[jayb]

All FE blocks had date codes, service blocks included.  If its not there, it has been ground off.  If H-M prepped the block, maybe they did that?  But I would think that if H-M did that, they would have stamped their own logo in the block somewhere...

[428kidd]

No reason it should have a scratch mark in the back being is its a 390, Ford didnt cast special blocks for H&M to sell over the counter. Figure it this way if its std bore the block should be worth $300 or so. Then the rest your paying for the story and the box. Alot of stuff now days gathers exrta storys of H&M, not saying it isnt what its supposed to be. Holman Moody did stamp there stuff that was worked on similar to how Ford did there SK stuff.  It will have a H&M and a number out from that some where. The box is cool so its really up to what you want to put in it. There is always the chance that he may have other stuff as well. As for the date code it should be there as well hunder the oil filer adapter area. No reason for them to take the time to grind it off , unless someone is trying to make it match a story.

[machoneman]

That box is cool! Yet, perhaps it housed a real 427 years ago and the 390 was placed in it for protection. Btw, I can't fathom why H&M would even fool with a mere 390 as 427's were plentiful back in the day. 

[428kidd]

Plus one Bob!