[bergy]

I agree. The pad dimension is established in the machining operation that locates the block off of "as cast" pads. Since the castings varied slightly - the thickness of the machined pad varied as well. One "tell" however, is the "lip" on the water pump casting when it bolts up to the block (the distance that the water pump sticks above or below the pad). Since the water pump mounting bolt holes are established from the same locating pads as the head face, there should be some consistency in "lip" area. I've seen some "original" stamps where the water pump sticks up way above the pad stamp area. It's not a 100% "tell" of a decked block, but certainly bad juju. JMHO