Need help finding GS 350 engine #'s?

Have a friend buying a 71 GS 350 convertible that is all original numbers matching. Question is, what #'s should he check, where will he find them, and what will they match too?

Should the block #'s match the cowl #'s? VIN?

Where on the block will he find them? Does he need to check the heads?

What about the tranny or rear-end, anything to check there?

Also, he is also getting a 72 455 motor, supposedly a complete Stage 1 motor. What and where should he check here?

Thanks, Chris

 

Hi Chris,
This site has some pretty good info on casting and code numbers.
http://www.buicks.net/shop/engine_ident.html
Harvey

 

Thanks Harvey, Good info!

I did see it says where to find "350 numbers until 71". Anybody know where to find them in 71? Did they move?

Thanks, Chris

 

Hello Chris,

Take a look at the front of the right cylinderbank, that's where you'll find the enginecode, a 2 lettercode for 1971 starting with a T.

There's also an engine serial number on the block, this should match the car's VIN. It's found between the left exhaust manifold and spark plugs number 1 and 3.

Hope this will help

 

Thanks Erik,

Is that the location for both the 350 and the 455's?

 

455 2 digit code is found next to the dipstick on the deck of the block...

The 2 digit code on the 350 is located between the 1& 3 cylinders on the deck of the block.

 

Thanks as well Adam!

 

Chris

The 71 asm manual shows the block is stamped on the FRONT left (drivers side) perpendicular to the head mounting surface, and above the water pump. It should look something like "41H1xxxxx". The "H' is the flint plant, but would be a different letter there IF assembled in another plant. The numbers after the letter should match the last numbers of the VIN.:bglasses: :3gears:

 

Thanks Dan!:grin:

 

ADAM AND DAN ARE BOTH CORRECT. The engine code is located beneath the 1 and 3 spark plugs on the deck and the VIN is located on the front of the block, below the deck, on the drivers side. Basically behind the power steering pump, if so equiped.:TU:

 

Hi Chris,
Did your buddy get the car? Was it the red convert?
Harv

 

Actually, it is the red convert, and his flight was delayed, so he should be there in about an hour. I should know late tonight / tomorrow if he is buying or not. I will keep you posted!

 

All these avatars with orange cars are confusing me:laugh:


I keep thinking they're the same person talking to each other!

 

LOL I see that Dan was in on this thread also which makes three of us. I hope I get to see mine in person soon. I'm still waiting for a pick up date from the transport company. It shouldn't be long now though. ChinaMike has been VERY patient with me!
Harvey

 

Thank you all for your help, my friend is now the proud owner of a 71 GS 350 Convertible, original red car with white interior and top.

Once it is shipped to NY from Memphis, I am sure he will be sharing some pics with us.

Thanks again for all of the help!