1969 340 Engine Color

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Franko

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Sorry to beat a dead horse yet again. In 2015, I read countless posts on the 1969 340 engine color. The vast majority of them stated that the 1969 340 was painted turquoise, therefore, that’s what I painted my 340 in my 1969 Swinger. In addition, as I recall, the 1968 340s were painted red, the 1970 and 1971 340s were painted orange and the 1972 and 1973 340s were painted blue. I also noted that there were exceptions, due to Mopar using paint left over from the prior year.

I saw the attached chart in Mopar Muscle last fall. It stated that 1969 340s were painted blue. I am wondering if you Mopar motor heads have any thoughts on this.
 

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Sorry to beat a dead horse yet again. In 2015, I read countless posts on the 1969 340 engine color. The vast majority of them stated that the 1969 340 was painted turquoise, therefore, that’s what I painted my 340 in my 1969 Swinger. In addition, as I recall, the 1968 340s were painted red, the 1970 and 1971 340s were painted orange and the 1972 and 1973 340s were painted blue. I also noted that there were exceptions, due to Mopar using paint left over from the prior year. My dad told me that when he bought his 69 340 barracuda new the engine was orange.

I saw the attached chart in Mopar Muscle last fall. It stated that 1969 340s were painted blue. I am wondering if you Mopar motor heads have any thoughts on this.
 
Every 69 340 block that I have seen has been turquoise that being said I have heard stories of red Blocks. my block is dated 11 of 68 and was turquoise from the factory. I have painted it Street Hemi Orange to be correct for my 70 340 swinger
 
Mine is dated 1968. But its turquoise..its a 69 engine
 
when I pulled my engine this is what I found
69 340 barracuda

turquoise
2017-03-17-core-005-jpg.jpg
 
Sorry to beat a dead horse yet again. In 2015, I read countless posts on the 1969 340 engine color. The vast majority of them stated that the 1969 340 was painted turquoise, therefore, that’s what I painted my 340 in my 1969 Swinger. In addition, as I recall, the 1968 340s were painted red, the 1970 and 1971 340s were painted orange and the 1972 and 1973 340s were painted blue. I also noted that there were exceptions, due to Mopar using paint left over from the prior year.

I saw the attached chart in Mopar Muscle last fall. It stated that 1969 340s were painted blue. I am wondering if you Mopar motor heads have any thoughts on this.
My first original 1969 A56 340 that I purchased new was turquoise. The A56 that I have now is also turquoise. Another A56 that I almost purchased in California was blue. My dads original 1968 Formula S 340 Barracuda that he purchased new was red. I have seen a few other 1969 340's in Darts and Barracuda's that were red.

user22374_pic6391_1331152885.jpg
 
Well, we all know that chart is total BS, since it lists the "69 340/360". I've seen 69 340s in all three shades that were bonifide and original.
 
I worked at Dodge and Plymouth dealers from '68 until '72 and I'll be darned if I can remember!!!!
 
The chart I have says blue. So does a Hot Rod Magazine article.
 
Def. don't trust that chart. My folks bought 69 Belvidere new. 318 Engine was red from the day we got it.
There probably was a date when the engines started getting sprayed a different color.
Bet some folks have narrowed it down.
 
These guys should know: I like they say "most" were painted blue but "most" were painted red. :lol:

engine paint.png
 
I think, these color schemes were not depending strict on model years, but more on availibilty of the colors...

I have seen late 1971 340 blocks in blue.
 
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