I have a '72 Skylark, 350 2bbl, w/ a/c I think the motor may have been overhauled many years ago. There is a casting on the left front side of the engine that says '73' on it..? Is this a head that may have been changed with a later version..? I have not been able to understand what that date means. Also, I have looked up where the engine number is..I think it is behind the alternator on a boss on the front of the block. Is there a way to see it without taking all the stuff off the engine? Or am I in the wirng spot? I need all the help I can get.. Please be kind... Regards, Buick72
The 73 on the heads means that the head came of a 1973 350. The heads are interchangeable and this does not mean that you have a 73 block, but you may. The engine number is stamped on both sides of the block just under the heads on the face of the engine. Sorry you will either have to remove the alt. or the pwr. steering pump and bracket to see the numbers.
Jason..Thanks. Does it still count as 'numbers matching', if the block is original, but the heads are different? BTW, I haven't looked..is there a head stamp yr on the left side, also? Maybe that's hidden, as well. I have a plan to borrow (somwhere) one of those flexible scopes so I can see the engine numbers w/o taking stuff apart. If I ever do, I'll let eevryone know! Regards, Buick72
No it would not be numbers matching. Also if you want to know if the block is the origional for the car the last 5 or 6 numbers on the front of the block should match the last set of numbers on the VIN tag on your dash. Good luck.
just because they are "73" heads doesn't mean they are not original. Check the build date on the car. It is possible that it was built late in the year and they put a "73" head on it. With these era cars, anything is possible.
I have a '72 that also has the 73 heads on it. They were the original heads due to a later build date. This is probably the same in your case. Where are you located in the Northeast? I'm on Long Island (rust central). Try to sign your name to the bottom of your posts so we know to whom we are speaking. I promise - we don't bite too much!:Brow:
