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.