Very good sites here that include casting numbers and stampings. The buicks.net site shows where to find the stampings on various engine blocks. Enjoy! Atlanta Buick Specialities Buicks.net NHRA Buick Engine Blueprints
engine codes Thanks Marco - good stuff! I noticed this jewel on the buick.net site: "On models from 1972 through 80, the fifth character of the VIN provides engine identification. This character appears on the dash VIN plate, but not on the engine itself. " Does this mean the engine application code normally found near the dipstick hole on the block is not there after 71? Is there a way to tell the application on an engine by itself? - Bill
Re: engine codes Hi Bill - I'm no expert. Here's what I have learned along the way - I believe the intent of that statement meant that 1972 was the first year that the VIN identified the engine (350, 455, or Stage1). Prior years, the VIN could only tell you big or small block (with the exception being 1971 where the VIN only told you model and body style with no engine specs). To directly answer your question, the two digit engine code should still be stamped on the block (if the block hasn't been decked). In the '70s, the two digit stamping was used to signify multiple models. This being the case, it's a little harder to determine the exact original application.
info Hope im putting this on right site been messing up lateley I need info on where to get books or web sight for buick parts no,s so i can id old parts also afb carbs one more question i need the no for 430 heads the 1968 tallport ones thanks buickgnw
Recently I looked at a 68 GS400 chassis for sale. I checked the head casting number, it was 13842091. This closely matches a number for the 68 regular port heads except for the extra 4 stuck in the middle. Is this the way they all are? and if so why don't the experts (Kenne Bell, Buicks.net, etc) describe the number that way? Hopefully this question hasn't been asked too many times before.......
Just bought an engine from a 67 GS with claimed 57,000 original miles, it came from the lady that bought the car new. It has a 400 block with out any doubt and the NR code for 67, but the heads are 1382983 as some one stated were 68. I doubt these have been changed as this engine has every thing that checks out right for a 67 GS. Sadly it leaked around the front and rear glasses real bad and killed the car. A guy bought it and is parting it out. I got the tinted glasses and some odd and end stuff then decided to buy the engine and the hard to fine frame brackets. He still has the transmission and crossmember. Jim N.
Does anyone know of another site to get the specific casting numbers for each year from now that the Atlanta Buick Specialities cating number link isn't working? The casting numbers given on the buicks.net site isn't very specific to let me know what year blocks I have.
Gessler seems to be compiling a list for heads and intakes from the stuff he's been rebuilding. http://gesslerheadporting.com/gessl...8464cf4d587de6d085256e47001720b1!OpenDocument http://gesslerheadporting.com/gessl...7f3f173a509bfb4d85256e47001a8afa!OpenDocument
I have the following stamp on a Buick 350. The stamp is just to the left of the timing cover and below the head. Could someone help me decode it? 43H241817. Thanks, 72GSCV
43H241817 4 = Buick 3 = 1973 H = Flint, MI 241817 = sequential number, range for Flint built A-bodies was 100001 to 271386
Thanks for decoding that for me. Is there a place on the net I can find that? The bad news is my 72 GS Convertible doesn't have the original engine in it. Now the question is should I drop a 455 in it since it doesn't have the original 350?
Hi new to site and soon proud new owner of 65 Skylark TP Coupe 355 Wildcat. Maybe someone can help me I have done as much research as I can. The seller claims this car has 51k original miles family owned and I have seen some service records (not from dealer) showing milage in 1981 @ 21K. Its not really my concern if its really 151 K but I am suspect on it being a true numbers matching car. The car was built in Freemont CA. My concern is that the enigine stamping on the front right which reads 5Z119380 is not straight. It looks like it was stamped with individual stamping dies, because it is not uniform and curves to the right. Is this common, is anyone else seeing this. I have also not been able to see the engine code that should be a LP on right side of engine. That is for the 300 HP factory 4 bbl. Can anyone please help.
Holy thread resurrection Batman! Welcome 65! The "5" is for 1965 model year...you have a 1965 Skylark The "Z" is for Freemont, CA final assembly...so far so good. 119380 should match the last 6 of your VIN which, I believe, is located in the hinge area of the drivers front door. I've seen stampings "run wild" all over the place. They weren't making showcars. Maybe post a photo so we can see how bad it is.
As soon as I get it I will, it almost looks like it was stamped after the power steering pump bracket was put on. Goes straight through like the first 4 digits then takes a sharp turn down just below the bracket. Just looks odd. Thanks for the reply Brad
