I found a '69 Electra 225 in the U-pullit in Omaha this past weekend. At least, I think it's a '69 judging by pics I've found on here, and by the date molded into the tail light lenses. Shame, it could have been a really cool car. Anyway, I'm wondering what engine it would have had. It looks like a 455, but having never seen a 430 and being fairly noobish with these, I don't know how to tell the difference. o No: The distributor, air cleaner, and some other parts were gone, but it looked fairly complete otherwise.
It will have 430 on the block by the firewall just behind the intake. The valve covers will look different if orginal. They will have a flat square area in the middle for the 430 sticker. All the internal parts like crank,rods, heads will fit on a 455.
I wondered about the heads. Compared to the heads on the 72 455 that I'll be getting for my Regal, would the '69 heads be worth pulling?
Well, here's the numbers on the carb: 7040240 md 0070 According to the chart I found, that would make it (off of) a 1970 455, with a build date of Jan. 7, 1970, correct? http://carblueprints.narod.ru/images/buick/buick-electra-225-limited-4-door-hardtop-1968.gif That's what the car looks like alright, minus the front end damage.
The car in your photo looks like a model year 1968 Electra. Why don't you check the VIN on the car ? The sixth digit is for the model year: 9 = 1969 and 0 = 1970 :TU: Check the rear of the block, where the engine meets the transmission. You will find a big 430 or 455 there, together with the casting number.
The '68 and '69 Electras were similar with the most noticeable difference being the front end/grill: 1969: 1968: Both had a different front end compared to the '67. They used to tweak the design a little each year back then.
Heads will fit but the oiling system is different on the 67-69 430. If the heads are 70 heads it would be better to use on your 72 block.
