Cast date code question-engine build match cast parts?
 

I have a 1972 Chevy Nova SS with a 350 Flint built motor. The engine was built the 27th day of January 1972. I am currently trying to match a correct cast water pump for this engine. The water pump date code is L-21-1, reading December 21st 1971. So this water pump was cast 5 and 1/2 weeks ahead of my engine build of 27th January 72. Is this correct for a numbers matching engine of mine and if it were judged at a car show would this pass the correct time limit for my engine? Any help and input is appreciated.

NCRS says within 6 months is acceptable for dated components. Glass gets 12 months. MCACN is almost identical. You’re in a nice and tight range only 5.5 weeks out!

I would say that is a reasonable date for that engine.

What is the cast date of the block ? It may be even closer to the cast date of the pump.

Cast date of the block was the 24th of January 1972.

I kind of figured the cast and build dates would be close, but it removes another 3 days from the separation, making the pump even more believable as original.

Cast date of the block is irrelevant, what matters is the engine assembly date compared to the w/p cast date.