I was just given (yea!) a complete 455 engine (carb to pan, minus manifolds), but nobody knows what year, or what it came out of. Where the codes are supposed to be (block deck below the left-side spark plugs) it's clean as a whistle, and no markings of any kind. The only numbers I can find are the block casting number 1238861, and a "72" cast in the heads at the #1 and #8 cylinder ends, which all points to a '71 or '72 engine, BUT WHICH 71/72 engine? 1. Where are the block id numbers (missing?), and if so, is there a good reason to machine the deck surface? 2. Is there another way to tell exactly what I've got or where it came from? The whole engine looks original unrebuilt (filthy mcnasty), but you never know. I plan rebuilding it, and would like to know exactly what I'm dealing with. Thanks, James
As per this site: http://www.atlantabuick.com/CastingNumbers.htm It looks like you've got a 1971. The carb numbers could assist even further, assuming it hasn't been replaced. Check the flat deck of the block between the back two spark plugs. Clean well, the stampings may be light. Look for a two letter code, such as TF or TR (or TS... :TU: ) Also check and see the head numbers by pulling the valve covers.
I've done the wire-brush-on-a-drill bit to the block between all of the sparkplugs, and there are no stampings to be seen. Makes me wonder if the block has been surfaced, and if so, why? Anybody know a simple measurement to see if the block and/or heads have been machined? I'll get the carb and head numbers next time I'm in the shop, may be Friday... Thanks! James
It will be either a late model yr 71 or early 72 Look for the vin # on the front left, face of the block, just below the head surface and above the pwr steering pump. Should have a number like 41Hxxxxxx for 71, or 42Hxxxxxx for 72. The "H" is flint plant, and if the block was made in a different plant, it will have a diff letter there. If you take a valve cover off, you will see the head casting number and only then can you identify the yr of the heads. If you want to know if they are stage 1 valves, then you would have to pull a head...:eek2:
