The block in my car was changed out by the dealer after about 10,000 miles. Everything else is numbers matching. From all I have read it seems then the car is not numbers matching, but is date code correct? I have documentation that the dealership replaced the bad block. The car will be a driver when I am done with it. So, does it matter then if I change out the motor for a different date code correct block? I don't want to ruin the "value" of the car. Thanks Mark I would however like to keep the car as "stock"/original as possible.
If you have the documentation to verify that the block was replaced at 10K then you have the engine that is supposed to be in the car. That has value to it above what any "generic" engine from a junk yard or odd car would have. That said, it is not the engine that installed at the time of assembly. Therefore, it is not worth as much to a purist as it could be. Your car is correct but not numbers matching. The most important thing you've said is that you have the documentation to show the repair/replacement of the block. FYI, I would venture a guess and say that the short-block was replaced under warranty like a lot of other Buick engines from 1970. The foundry and assembly of the engines at the time was not an A+ level of quality control. If you are planning on driving and enjoying the car then don't think twice about the issue.
Thanks for the response! Yes I am going to drive it, but, I don't think I am alone in believing "correct" cars are an easier sell (I don't plan on it, but ya never know) in the future. Thanks again for your insight. Mark
Factory replacement blocks carry their own stamped part numbers. Some generic block out of another car would not have that. Duane
Thanks, Duane Again I learned something I didn't know! I don't know if my brain can handle much more!!!!! lol When I get the engine out of the car I will find and notate all info found on the block. Thanks again.
Duane Would a service replacement warranty shortblock in a 70 GS 455/stage 1 car have anything stamped between 1 and 3 and 5 and 7 spark area of engine deck, if so what would they be ?
Replacement blocks of this vintage will have a number stamped on the front vertical face of the block directly under where the driverside head bolts on. They may have an application code stamped on the block/head surface, but as to what it could be it's anyones guess..............................and really doesn't matter anyway. It's just as possible it would come with a big car's application code, the pistons/crank were all the same. However there are two things to remember with replacement blocks, 1. If the block was replaced early in the production year it may have a block dated for the previous year. (Maybe not for 70 cars because of the 400/455 change over) BUT you should be able to tell if it's correct by looking at the date codes/part numbers on the parts. 2. There will not be a partial vin number stamped into the block/head surface. That type of thing was done at the factory level and would not have been stamped when the dealership installed the new motor. I can sure see GM sending a set of stamping dies to dealerships across the country and paying the techs to stamp the parts, not............................................... Duane
Duane I have another 70 Stage 1 GSX that has all of it's original top end Heads, intake and Qjet However, Block is a 1238861 which is a late 71 after Job Block. As you mentioned below drivers head on front face of Block is stamped BIEO 642 Can you dicipher this ? I assume this would be a warranty replaced block in this car that was done under warranty in late 71 early 1972? Thanks
Rich, You don't have all the numbers. It should read "B1E0?642 and the question mark might be a zero or 1 It decodes as "B" Buick "1" 1971, which means it was probably replaced in 1971 while it was under factory warrantee "E" engine plant "-----" consecutive 5 digit number. If you could read what the "?" number is you could probably get a good indication as to when the block was replaced in 71. Duane PS. You can send me $10.00 for verifying your block.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Later.
