Yep that was me, As stated by my posts in that threat baha ;-) when I first picked the car up I was under the impression it was all original, been learning, researching and asking questions since... Been working hard all year didn't have any time for the car really, I now have a month off work and am getting into it while I can!
Well I moved p/s pump out of the way and found # 261451 on the block, the stamp on my rear axle definitely starts with "N" second letter could be an "R"? looks to be only half stamped, then 331, Looked for build sheet somemore, no luck, contemplating removing dash still.... Getting nowhere fast..
Post a pic of the engine bay Nate - someone here can probably positively ID it, then you'll find out where to look for the numbers. On 430's all the numbers are stamped on the drivers side, front and rear, between the exhaust manifold ports. The one on the rear will ID the block, and the one on the front should match the VIN number of the car. If they are not where they should be, you probably have a transplant. :TU:
430 4 sure!, so those engine numbers should be exactly where specified - you may have to remove some of the paint, dirt 'n crud. o No: Front one will be 8H XXXXX (...VIN #, if it's original to the car), between the front plug wires, and the rear one will have the production code number, prefix PD (...next to the dip stick hole), followed by XXX, somewhere between the rear plug wires, on either side of the choke stove in the exhaust manifold. Be gentle with that CAT 966 Loader when you adjust that rear bumper, it will probably work ! LOL :laugh:
Don't be too sure about that, Randy. The 966-series is only a mid-size Cat, the Riviera is a full-size Buick :laugh::grin::laugh:
Dang eh, I must have a super lightly stamped serial number on that block cuz there is no evidence of a number, will pick away at it and see if I can find it again, the numbers I found on the pass. Side were very evident my reason for giving up on the left side, but they must be there right! And yes the good ol art of metalwork with heavy machinery will take place and hopefully work nicely ;-). And hey if this full size buick is fighting back then we have a whole fleet of equipment to try out baha!
Well I triple checked the left side for numbers and I am 100% sure there is no signs of any numbers, would lead me to think perhaps the block was decked/shaved??? But there are numbers on the passenger side, which would lead me to believe it has not been? I ran across one post about Canadian built engines perhaps having different markings? But I can no longer find that post, can anyone supply information reguarding that claim? Also I plan on contacting Vintage Vehicle Services tomorrow for a option package request hopefully they can help me out! Here is a photo of my engine casting number.
Well I am expecting an e-mail today with my vehicle build information via. Vintage Vehicle Services, kind of exciting! Will post the build sheet when I get it so we can all check it out together whoot!
Heres what I got emailed to me so far and was told tech specs and originals will follow. From what Ive read H2 is ride and handling package which includes heavy duty rear springs and wheels for trailer towing? Curious as to why my tilt steering column isnt on there, perhaps thats all they had decoded at the time the email was sent?
Nate the following items were standard equipment on the '68 Riviera: Super Turbine Transmission, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Dual Exhaust, Tilt Steering Wheel, Trunk Light, Courtesy Lights, Electric Clock, Deluxe Wheel Covers, and Custom Padded Cushions. Any other installed accessories were extra cost options. :TU:
Right on thanks, so appears I have a few options on this car but nothing spectacular, perhaps will find something more interesting when I get the actual documents in the mail.
In 67 the 430 engine ID numbers are stamped on the passenger side between exhaust ports. You mentioned seeing numbers there. What were they? And Steve, that is the coolest avatar
Passenger side at the rear between plugs I read: 70135115, passenger side at the front between plugs 306, engine block cast # at rear in saddle is 1381625(430) Heads cast #'s are 1240149 Intake cast # is 1386681. I am fully aware I have 70/71 455 heads.
Very Good you found the ID Stamps. 70135115 is the VIN. 7 means 1967 but I don't understand the 0 as that designation normally IDs the factory location and I'm not familiar that 0 references any of the factories.......but I am no expert on numbers. Maybe it could be a D? H is flint which if engine came out of a Riviera it would be H. the block most likely came from an Electra or Wildcat. In same area as the 306 there should be an ND which also designates 67 430. Sometimes they are very hard to see and aren't stamped in line with each other but with what you have we know its a 67 block. The intake appears to be 1968.
Will triple check stampings on passenger side of block to try and confirm vehicle block came from but definitely is looking to appear someone had built this motor, very curious as to what/if the the block was modified or internals were upgraded, I had a post in the engine tech section and I stated it appears to have dual valve springs and the valvetrain under the covers looks very nice and clean so I was also curious about that. Either way she runs great, might still send the carb out for a performance rebuild/tune.
