what engine and what manifold do I have?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by Lane in Mt.Hermon, Oct 8, 2017.

  1. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    I am unsure of where to find out what engine and what manifold I have. Can't seem to locate any numbers on the block. I think it may be around 1970 as it is matched with a TH400 transmission with its' plate stating '70 - BC 210 669.' I realize that this tranny could have come from another car. What do I need to do to find the engine number and also determine what manifold it has? I know it is a Buick 350 V8. Has the oil filter down by the water pump on the passenger side and other distinctions like the angled spark plugs. I tried to upload a photo but it said it was too large for the server to process.

    Previous owner had bought it from someone else and told me it was a Buick 350 [so that's all I know]. I believe the engine is good as the HEI distributor caught fire prompting the previous owner to sell it. My plan is to break it down and rebuild same. Any help will be most welcome!

    lane
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Send the photo to the e mail address in my signature and I will reduce it and post it.
     
  3. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Trans is from a 70 big Buick. Check for two letters stamped into the block around the dip stick hole. Also look for the casting numbers and the numbers 350 on the step down behind the intake manifold. Finally look for a partial vin on the front of the block just below where the head mates.

    If the HEI is original it was introduced in the 74 model year. It may be a donor so this is not conclusive.
     
  4. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Buick 350 has 6 bolts for valve cover and big Buick has 5 bolts for valve cover.
     
  5. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Here is the picture,

    Engine 1R.jpg
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Can't even see the intake manifold.
     
  8. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    I found a stamping on the intake - 'B1249169' and an internet source said it was a '75 350 4bbl .......
    guess my real question is - will the engine casting number be enough [along with the intake cast#] to buy some parts or will I have to get inside to find a stamping on the head? I am finding/ordering a few things in advance and in the meantime 'get educated' on this particular engine. My previous mechanical experience is with the various tractors I have owned. This is a little more complex I know. Thanks to you all.
     
  9. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    What parts do you want to buy?
     
  10. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Looks like it was on/or in a fireo_O
     
  11. rtv72

    rtv72 Founders Club Member

    I was under the impression that Buick changed to Blue paint in 75 not red in the picture??? If correct and the engine wasn't repainted it could be a 74. You need to fine the engine code to be sure.
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  12. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Also I believe HEI was optional in '74, sooooooo it could be a '74
     
  13. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    I was pretty sure the 350 stayed red until 75. Blue in 76. I know Oldsmobile was gold in 75 still. No corporate color
     
  14. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    If the cast# for the engine - 1241748 and the cast # for the intake - B1249169-2 are enough then it may be a 75 [one internet source said it was a 1975]. The fire was when the HEI distributor caught on fire which prompted the previous owner to sell the vehicle. Interestingly, I also thought it should be blue and I'm pretty sure it has been repainted. I have to locate the code of either 'AB' or 'AM.' Also cannot find the VIN of either 'H' or 'J.' My understanding, from web sources, is that AB means 2bbl and AM means 4bbl. Mine has a 4bbl on it. This one looks to have always been red, even tho' it has obviously been repainted. Can't find any blue underneath what paint I've scraped off.
     
  15. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    I forgot to say that the parts I'm looking for now include brackets for A/C, alt., and power steering brackets and pump. I posted in the 'parts wanted' section and received several replies and even bought something. The PO robbed all the brackets and equipment before selling it.
     
  16. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The Buick 350 is basically the same from 68-78. The accessory brackets should all have the same mounting points. The problem you may have is pulley alignments, but it looks like you still have the crank and water pump pulleys, so it may not be an issue. There were 3 different water pumps for the Buick 350.
     
  17. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    Larry, is there anything I need to know about the 3 different water pumps when going to my FLAPS? Or just examine the one offered at my FLAPS and compare it to this one? [FriendlyLocalAutoPartsStore]
     
  18. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Measure the one on there now. 350Waterpumpspecs.jpg
     
    alec296 likes this.
  19. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Buick 350/455's were a turquoise blue metallic in '75 (actually a nice color)
    In '76 they went to an ugly milky light solid blue, 'course they were pussified by then:(
     
  20. Lane in Mt.Hermon

    Lane in Mt.Hermon Well-Known Member

    Larry, that diagram/drawing is perfect ..... thanks.

    Mark, the turquoise blue metallic does sound nice ...... where to find?
     

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