Engine year ID

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by Tim Ross, May 18, 2019.

  1. Tim Ross

    Tim Ross Member

    Can i find out what year me 3.8 v6 was made by the numbers on the block?
     
  2. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    By vin depending on year. Casting numbers would not be specific. What is it in?
    Not much specific about 79-84 14 bolt pans difference wise. All about equal. A 109 block 85-88 has better oiling and a 20 bolt pan. Same basic block as turbo cars. 77-78 is first even fire but small port heads.
     
  3. Tim Ross

    Tim Ross Member

    Thanks. I found a chart that put the casting numbers as 78/79. From a la saber. I want to paint it the colors that it came from the factory. It looks like a blue of some kind.
     
  4. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Corporate blue. 78-79 there are changes between years. Mostly in heads. 79 are taller port heads. You may want to find out what year heads are. Casting numbers dont tell you what car it was in. Was that a stamped engine code you looked up?
     
  5. Tim Ross

    Tim Ross Member

    Thanks for the response. The numbers are from the stamp in the engine. I don't think it is taller port heads. Are there numbers stamped on the heads? Thanks for your help. Corporate blue sounds correct.
     
  6. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    No stamped numbers in heads but casting numbers will be different. And some valve cover are different. I believe the early heads have a corner that is flat and theres an indentation across the valve cove bolt holes , kind of like the old nailhead covers.
     

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