It looks like a 455 to me, but I need to know, because it's stuck in a Buick I found on ebay. The guy had no idea it was an olds motor:
Looks like a 350 small block Adam: It looks like a 350 small block based upon the color(gold) and the length of the thermostat bypass hose. Casting codes on the heads (Big blocks use letters, small blocks use numbers) and the block (same scenario) are more informative if available. It kinda looks like a cobble job as the motor is from an A/C car (alternator on the LH side, fuel return line on the fuel pump), but has a non A/C fan blabe on it...??? The good news is that gold color was only used on the good 350's (non windowed blocks). Last year for that was 74 or 75. They were metallic blue for sure in 76. Actual year for the engine can be pinpointed pretty well by the casting code on the lower LH corner of the cylinder heads.
Thanks Dave, I'll email the guy and ask what casting number he can find. BTW, it's this auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39405&item=2468357446
They put Olds gas 350's in a lot of California built GM cars (not just diesels) to pass emissions back then, but I don't know if they did that in 1971 or whether a Centurion could be bought with a small block engine. I always thought that was the upscale model and would have a 455 Buick engine. Whatever it is, that looks like a good buy. 1971 Delta 88 Olds convertibles are highly desirable. I'm all Olds, but I wouldn't leave an Olds engine in that particular car.
In all I've ever read, I never found GM to do their engine swapping that early. So I agree its not original. But Olds sure did have a good V8. If you got it and it ran well, I don't think you'd get any grief for leaving that Olds in there awhile. You getting bored Adam?
nope... The motor is definitely NOt original. Only a Buick 455 was to be in this car. Still waiting for a response from the seller on codes.
That is a good motor but the auction look fishy like that. He should know what motor it is. But them big wide Olds intakes fool allot of people but its no Buick. Or a 455. Still a fair deal as long as there are no other suprises.
I think the bits of blue you see is blue gasket goop. There is some on the edge of the intake too. [ like they wiped their fingers off while working] Then V covers tell all though.
