Update re: 455 i.d. Yesterday I removed the heads and the valves are so close together that you can't fit the edge of a dime between them. Took pics, but will post them tonight. Might have a casting #/or letters by then as well. Stage-1??? Looking good so far.:Brow:
Re: Update re: 455 i.d. Casting numbers will not tell you if they are Stage heads. Both standard 455 and Stage 1 heads had the same part numbers. Your visual inspection is the best way to determine if you have Stage 1 heads. Sounds promising!!
Bump.. New pics of the heads/valves...as well as some other pics. Take a look!! Aloha, Scott www.photobucket.com/smbolter
Its has the STAGE 1 valves,STAGE 1 valve covers, could you see the stamping on the deck of the block? My guess is you have found yourself a 73' STAGE 1. Nice find!!!
I was working on trying to clean the deck to expose any #'s or letters and they are there, but I am having a hard time getting all the years of corrossion, rust, grime and whatever else is covering this 455. I was using WD-40 and a nylon type of disk on my drill to slowly remove the crap covering everything. Got some #'s and letters, but cant make anything out yet. Was actually thinking of taking it in for a hot tank bath to see what they can do to clean up this 455 and expose the true identity of the block. I see rust in the water jackets. I hope it's not too far gone. When I removed the exhaust manifolds, so much scaling fell out of them, they are probably well ported by now..LMAO Aloha...
Re: 455 Identification/Rebuild Well, I may have unveiled the final pc of this puzzle.:beers2: Next to the dipstick tube on the deck of the block are the letters Z S spaced apart. Stamped above the Z S are the #'s 052. According to an i.d. table the Z S means this is a 1974 A-Body GS Stage-1 block. The #1112521 3H 2, I posted earlier in this thread are an indicator of a Stage-1 distributor, along with the chrome v-covers, etc. I am convinced this is a 1974 Stage-1 complete motor to include starter, a/c compressor, intake, etc. The only parts I believe missing which were cannibalized from this motor are the carb and pwr steering pump. I will be starting a new thread on helpful tips for rebuilding this motor or perhaps what it would be worth to someone performing a concourse or otherwise correct restore. Aloha, Scott
wow. imagine if you could find the Stage 1 GS that motor belongs too? there can't be very many 1974 Stage 1's running around.
Not sure Bob, but I believe the motor was pulled due to body damage and the car was sent to the junk yard. The car according to the seller only had 40K miles. Everything inside the block looks great. Something I was wondering. Almost every bolt I removed was coated with a thick gray substance. Is it thread sealer or anti seize or just assembly lube they used back in that era? Wondering if this motor would be of more use to someone performing a restoration. I already have one from a 72-73 Electra. Thanks & Aloha,:beers2: Scott
1112521 3H 2 Just found this # on the distributor and according to the Stage-1 registry this would be the stage-1 distributor so: 1-Seven bladed fan instead of 5 blades 2-Chrome valve covers 3-Valve springs w/dampers (maybe) 4-Distributor w/# matching the Stage-1 registry I hope when I get some #'s off the block that will finalize or end my curiosity about stage-1 or Stage-0...we'll see. JUST TO ADD: The #'s on the block near the dip stick tube are: Z S and some #'s above the Z S were 052 and the heads/valves are indeed stage - 1 so: It looks as though the entire motor is a Stage-1. Now I am wondering if I should just rebuilt it stock to retain the value if that's possible. Any input??? Ideas??? Aloha, Scott
wouldn't be a big deal to put a more modern cam in there and keep the Stage 1 piece bagged in Cosmoline.
Bob, What's cosmoline? I can't remember who, but there's a member that wantes to buy my cam. I am inclined to keep all the parts boxed in case someone wants the motor in the future for a resto. Can't imagine anyone wanting it. May sound off, but I'd rather see it in a correct car than floating around from one car to another which is what I'll do with it.
Updated photobucket Just added new pics of my Stage-1 after partial assembly. Heads are wrapped in plastic. Will add later during assembly.:grin:
