Production - Engine Identification
Hemi Engine Identification
By David Mizen
The engine number can be found next to the distributor.
First Digit:
All Valiant Hemi engines have a "D" prefix. Chrysler Centura Hemi engines have a "DF" prefix.
Second Digit:
The second digit refers to the size
| DIGIT | SIZE |
| 1 | 215 |
| 2 | 245 |
| 3 | 265 |
Third Digit:
The third digit refers to the performance level
| DIGIT | PERFORMANCE LEVEL |
| 1 | Low Compression |
| 2 | Standard Performance (1 BBL) |
| 3 | High Performance (2 BBL) |
| 4 | Premium Performance (Pacer, R/T & 770) |
| 5 | Six Pack (E37 & E48) |
| 6 | Six Pack (E38 & E49) |
EDIT: Pacer and R/t models were only 70-73 hence only A, B and C motors can be pacer and R/T. 6cyl 770's also had the D34 prefix
Fourth Digit:
The fourth digit refers to the gearbox type
| DIGIT | GEARBOX TYPE |
| 1 | Auto |
| 3 | 3 speed manual |
| 4 | 4 speed manual |
Fifth Digit:
The fifth character is the year of manufacture.
| DIGIT | YEAR OF MANUFACTURE |
| A | 1970 |
| B | 1971 |
| C | 1972 |
| D | 1973 |
| E | 1974 |
| F | 1975 |
| G | 1976 pre July |
| H | 1976 post July |
| I | (skipped) |
| J | 1977 |
| ...and so on... | |
Remaining Digits:
The remainder of the digits gives you the sequential build number.
To make life a little easier we now have an online function to decode these engine numbers for you - try our hemi engine decoder.