Clay,
I agree with you. The missing stamping indicated an over-the-counter-purchase vs. an installed motor. The clue about the date comes from the fact that it's a hydraulic side oiler. According to the experts that I confirred with, hydrolic blocks weren't made until 68. The only way to tell from the outside (I believe) is to look at the back of the block near the cam seal and you'll see 4 inset bolts with female hex sockets. A couple of these bolts are actually galley plugs for the lifter
oil. I understand that it's easy to change a hydraulic block to a solid lifter block by switching these bolts. I spent a few hours on the phone with one of the well respected CC members who builds FE motors and he confirmed that it's hydrolic with original parts.
Al,
The lighting is bright and it does make everything wash together. I'll take pictures here in a bit and post them later tonight.
Thanks for your interest guys. It's amazing how much you learn from folks just by owning one of these engines. I've got a long way to go but it's a fun trip!
Charmer