I have a 455 block that I believe is a 70. I was told, and read some threads on here that stated that if it has a WF on the block then it is a 455 GS motor. Is this correct? I cannot find any number on the block even close to this code, but I did find some #'s toward the the rear of the motor, and the # is 1231738. Next to that it says GM and a #3 stands alone just a bit away from that #. Is this block I have a service block? Are there any pros or cons on a service block?
W code is for 1972 engines Here's a list of the codes for V8 Buick engines: First letter (of the 2 letter code): 1970 = S 1971 = T 1972 = W 1973 = X 1974 = Z The 455 engine code is found between the #1 and #3 spark plugs and the exhaust manifold. 1231738 is an engine casting number for a 1970 and 1971 455 engine block.
I'll take that's for the WF code and not for the engine casting number, Jim ? With that casting number, it can't be a W code engine.
Erik I agree as a 1738 would make it a 70 or 71 block. I would think either the W code or the 1738 is incorrect info but you learn something new every day here.
If I read the message correctly, Andrew was only told about the WF code, he didn't say it has the WF code: That so true Jim !!! :TU: :laugh:
Can you get us a pict of the "W_" code? Also, is your 72 body built near 08D, or E on the Fischer Body Plate? Need more info... :bglasses:
Good thinking, Dan :TU: Did the engine codes change with the model year or with the calender year o No: 1971 also had the casting number 1238861 for the 455 engine. I was thinking: Maybe they first put all the "left-over" 1970 engines into the 1971 model year cars and started after that with the 1238861 engines ?
Andrew - Look at the picture below, and let us know if you have anything stamped in the identified areas -
I would look at the pictures, but there is none, no link to get to them, and if I click on the X it does nothing. What I was saying was that I have heard that the 72 GS 455 blocks had the WF code on them. I looked at the block I have and that # I listed is the only # on the block. This is not the block that was in my car, rather one I picked up years ago. I was just trying to figure out if it was a factory motor, and if so out of what year etc... Or if it was a service block since there is no Letter code on the block. Anything I can do to help find out what is needed then just let me know, whether pics or whatever else. Another reason I ask this is becuase my car is obviously a clone, and I have a chance to get a WF code GS 455 block that has been tanked and magnafluxed. I kind of wanted this block since it was for a 72 GS 455, but I was trying to find out more on my block, so I can make up my mind if I want to use it or not. Not that is makes any difference besides the numbers anyhow.
No picture? o No: Try this link - http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/engine_ident_where.html It's the last picture at the bottom.
Buicks.net doesn't allow direct linking of their images and photos, if you copy & paste the URL of the "red cross" into your browser, it comes up with this: This image is being pirated from Buicks.net! But anyway: here's the image: (Notice that after clicking on Marco's link, you are able to see the picture where you first saw the "red cross". This has to do with the fact that this url is now in the memory of your computer.)
1231738 Is a KNOWN, factory original for 1970 and 1971's. It is NOT a replacement block for sure, as they had different casting numbers all together. You implied in your question that it was in a 72. I know most of the 71 model year had 1738 blocks. Not sure exactly when they changed, only that is was toward the end of the model year. :bglasses: Oh, and no the engine codes did not change during a model year, only at the end/beginning of a new model.
No the motor came out of a 70. Just wondering, since I had the chance at the WF coded 72 block, but in the end I guess it is all just #'s anyway, thanks.
