Engine identification help please

[diffwhine]

Told you it was newer than it looks!

[Exile]

Engine numbers for the 5mb began with 361 for the 8:1 petrol, then a 5 figure serial number and a suffix letter.

I find it rather strange that the Factory should put identifier numbers on 5mb engines, which are exactly the same as on 1953 2 litre petrol engines - apart from a suffix letter.

Could they not think of another number sequence - or did they think that the differences between the engines were so obvious that no-one would notice or care?   

[autorover1]

I wonder if its a replacement block and the old number stamped on it without the suffix. It looks a little irregular.

[TimV]

Engine numbers for the 5mb began with 361 for the 8:1 petrol, then a 5 figure serial number and a suffix letter.

I find it rather strange that the Factory should put identifier numbers on 5mb engines, which are exactly the same as on 1953 2 litre petrol engines - apart from a suffix letter.

Could they not think of another number sequence - or did they think that the differences between the engines were so obvious that no-one would notice or care?   

By 1980, 1953 was 17 years previously. Same time away from today as 2007. Quite rare for cars in those days to last that long. 

[Old Hywel]

Did you struggle with maths in school, Tim?
 

[TimV]

I thought it didn't look long enough - 27 years - 1997!

[Old Hywel]

As a 53 model myself, something didn't look right.

[TimV]

My first car was a 1954 Minor - that was scrapped at 21 years old!

[Len]

Landrover len210
Have realy close look again after the last didgit.
Am I imagining a letter very faint as an A possibly ?