Since my SP got pretty hot (260) and blew a headgasket two weeks later (yes, odd), not into a coolant port, just between 3 and 5. I was wondering if it needs the heads surfaced/decked as well as the block, is it possible to retain the "SP" stamp? Is it just a matter of telling the machine shop to mill around it? Or is it deep enough that say, if decked .010, it would still be visible? Any input appreciated as always.
A machine shop will not mill around that. I don't even think that is possible. Put a straight edge across the deck and see if you can ascertain anything.
Does it really matter that the numbers and the SP are gone ? I don't think #'s matching really helps the small block buicks value as much as it does the big block cars.
Your Vin number is stamped on front left of block. That identifies it besides the SP production code.
Nick Swervo at Iveland has created a cnc program at his machinists shop that goes around the stamping
lol just saying it makes perfect since to me.......but I'm personal not one that is into every part has to be gm original. nothing bad about those cars that require that. but in my book function means more to me than a 2 letter stamp, especially if not tring to lie or misrepresent something. if a motor needs a clean up cut to make it live, it's still the same valuable block, your not trying to fool any one. if a picture is good enough to prove sammy hagar owned a car, why is not good enough to prove a motor is legit.
Odds are if anything warped it would be the heads. That being said, with the engine not leaking any coolant, more than likely the heads aren't even warped. You would probably be good to go with new head gaskets, but of coarse while the heads are off do check them for flatness.
What Ben said, originality is cool, but I like function better As soon as you start turning fasteners, removing parts, even replacing with "genuine GM" parts, its not original anymore. Date codes, stickers, paint blotches are nice, but if you get your underware all bunched up over that and don't drive it, your NOT having fun, then before you know it, your sick, disabled, crippled, in hospice, then die.
Funny thing about people talking about numbers matching is that the OP's engine is swapped in an 80s Regal! Not sure why that SP matters at all in this case now that he knows what it is?
