SB and SP engine codes for 1970 Skylark

Hi All,

Bit of a question, I've come to find out that in 1970 for the Skylark there were 3 engine codes...

<table style="width: 462px; height: 82px;" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr align="center"><td>[SIZE=-1]SO - V8 - 350[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]2[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]260@4600[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]360@2600[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]3.800x3.850[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]9.0:1[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]37[/SIZE]</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td>[SIZE=-1]SB - V8 - 350[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]4[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]285@4600[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]375@3000[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]3.800x3.850[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]9.0:1[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]37[/SIZE]</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td>[SIZE=-1]SP - V8 - 350[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]4[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]315@4800[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]410@3200[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]3.800x3.850[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]10.25:1[/SIZE]</td> <td>[SIZE=-1]40[/SIZE]</td></tr></tbody></table>
So what is this SP engine with 315hp?? How common was it? I've tried to find the engine code on my block but I can't seem to locate it in the position they mention, left side between/beneath the two spark plugs. My engine had a T/A Stage 1 manifold put on with a 4 barrel anyways, so I just want to know what I'm dealing with. I'll feel like I hit the lottery if I have an SP in my skylark custom

 

Generally a GS 350 engine for the 70 model year.

 

so it was possible to order a GS 350 engine in a Skylark?

 

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=191575&highlight=SP+skylark+custom

 

so it was possible to order a GS 350 engine in a Skylark?


yes. you could get the SP code engine in any flavor of Skylark, Le Sabre or Sportwagon ( barring the "455" units, of course ).


http://www.teambuick.com/reference/years/70/70_engine_number.html




left side between/beneath the two spark plugs

yes, drivers side on the deck of the block between the #1 and #3 spark plugs. you'll likely have to clean it off.



My engine had a T/A Stage 1 manifold put on

if they decked the block when they were modding the engine the code got milled off.

 

Get some brake cleaner and spray the deck surface between the 1 & 3 spark plugs, then a good bright light, even a magnifying glass wouldn't hurt.:bglasses:

 

hmm interesting, thanks for all the info. i've checked and checked and don't even see any little bumps that might even resemble letters around that area. could unfortunately have been milled off huh. there's no other way to identify which engine it came with is there, either. does anyone have any pictures of the engine code on their block?

 

The SP code engine had 10.25:1 compression ratio and needed premium fuel, not regular octane like the other two 350 engines. You may have an engine decal to read some collateral information present if you are sure the engine is original to the car.

The SP engine also had an air cleaner decal stating "350-4 High Compression" in the non GS models.

 

My 70 LeSabre has the SP 350 and I must say it has a lot of power for a 350, and I do need to run premium fuel in it.

It also comes standard with factory dual exhaust, unlike the other 350 options.

 

Paul,
The engine code is a stamping, not a raised casting number. They are usually pretty faintly stamped too. As has been recommended, use brake cleaner on that area between #1 & 3, use a rag or plastic brush to clean area of debris, and use a flashlight. I found that if you angle the light (rather than shine straight onto the pad) the stamping is easier to see. The letters are only about 1/4" tall, so you really do have to look closely.
Hope that helps.

--Chris

 

I'm going through my paperwork, and this is what I've found. I probably will need someone to guide me as there are some codes I'm not familiar with.

Is A8 the 315-hp motor? At least for SportWagons, they made 1003 of them with the A8 motor.

But I also see A8 also as "High Performance Group" in a separate listing. It seems they made 80 for the Skylark, 873 for the Skylark 350, and the rest were for the GS and LeSabre.

B3 4-speed manual shift? They only list it for the GSs.