Hi, name is Ed. I'm looking at a '70 GS 350, checked out the VIN and tag numbers etc. but where is the engine code (SP), and does anyone have a good picture of a stock motor?
hey Ed I'm new to the site too Ed but not to Buicks. The code is stamped on the block between the #1 and #3 cylinders. (drivers side 1st two cyls starting from the front) A small section of the deck is visible where the head doesn't cover it. Typically that area is dirty so you'll need a small wire brush to clean the area. I attached there's two engine pics of a car I saw on ebay. It's an all original 59Kmiles GS455... I grew up on Long Beach Island but I moved to Pawleys Island, SC back in 1992. I bought my 70 Skylark back in 1987 in NJ. I just finished a 10 year frame off resto this july. Where area you from in nj?
I think I saw that on ebay too. Do you know if the 350 and 455 look similar. That looks like it. The problem is, I've seen numerous '70 GS 350s and the motors look different from one another. I'm trying to see what an original 350 should look like. The car I'm looking at is in MA. I've only seen pictures and since I live in the Belmar area of NJ, and it's a 5 hour drive, I want to make sure it's original with SP code. The owner claims it's a # matching original.
Ed, The 455 and 350 look very similar without looking closely. If the car is a true GS it and has the original engine it will be an SP code. Don't worry about the SP. I think it's more important to check the serial number on the engine to verify that it is numbers matching. You'll find it on the front of the block just to the left of the power steering bracket. The last six numbers should match the last six on the vin. Speaking of the VIN, a 1970 GS350 coupe should be 434370Hxxxxxx I've looked at a lot of these cars and people do their engine compartments in different ways, parts get replaced over the years and GM used some different parts from the factory as well so don't worry so much about little things under there. If the guy wants you to pay for a numbers matching car you need to verify the numbers. I attached a pic of a GS350 engine, also from ebay. If you go look at the car during business hours take your cell phone and call Year One (1800yearone) and ask for tech help. I'm pretty sure they will walk you through verifying the numbers over the phone. Maybe somebody from this board that knows these cars would go look at it with you. Good luck.
Thanks for the info. I'll take your advice and check the numbers. The VIN # I got was correct as well as the Tag #s. So it's a good chance everything is original, but I'll confirm that when I go there. Thanks again.
stock 350 Here's the stock 350 that was in my 70 skylark. She had quite a litle snap to it.. I guess 70 was a good year.. am in the process of putting in a 455 with stage one heads..
