component date codes vs engine assembly date

[bertfam]

Tommy,

Not necessarily! "Most" components associated with the actual running of the engine were attached at the Engine plant (Flint, Tonowanda, etc...) However, things like alternators, starters, pulleys, belts, hoses, spark plugs, carbs, etc... were attached at the assembly plant (Norwood or Van Nuys/LA). So your distributor and H2O pump should be a few days to a few weeks prior to the ENGINE assembly date. The alternator and starter should be a few days to a few weeks prior to the CAR assembly date. (LA built cars might be even earlier than that as they didn't have quick access to the parts like Norwood cars did.)

Ed