Centurion '72 - V8 455 information...

Discussion in 'Buick FAQ' started by Ste-ITA, Jun 10, 2008.

  1. Ste-ITA

    Ste-ITA Member

    Hi,
    My 1972 Centurion has an engine 455 c.i., but without EGR and with Dual Exhaust.
    I think that is a 315 hp engine..
    but the VIN is 4P67T2Y.... when "T" is engine 455 standard - single exhaust (and with EGR) (for '72)

    the number of engine is: 455- 1238861 (only this)
    intake manifold: 18436572
    Head: 1232068/1232069
    Carburetor: 7042240 MB
    You know tell me if the engine is OK for the year of car??
    ...I understand that for 72 years would not seem..

    ..But plus I have a plate "Limited Edition"..Never seen on other centurion!!!
    I thought that this plate represents a centurion of 72 but with 1971 powerd engine!!

    what is your opinion?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Block:
    That is one of the better blocks since it has a larger oil pickup setup and the later oiling system for the top end.

    "1238861 or the ‘861’ block - used from mid-year '71 thru mid-year '72. All ‘861’ and the later ‘735’ blocks have the larger 5/8” pickup tube and oil feed hole."-Quote from unknown Buick nut

    It is Most likely a WF code engine for a 72 big body car (centurion).

    Heads:

    The head numbers you gave are really valvecover numbers, 70-72 code:
    '70-72 455 Eng. excluding. Stage 1 1232068 RH
    '70-72 455 Eng. excluding. Stage 1 1232069 LH

    The head numbers are found by removing the valvecovers and finding the code on the top surface of the head.

    71 numbers:
    1237661 stock
    1240145 Service Replacement
    1240149 Service Replacement

    72 numbers:
    1238148 stock
    1242445 stock
    1241449 Serice replacement
    1242455 Service replacement

    Intake:

    That intake number is the firing order, so there will be another number:

    Should be one of these:

    71 = 12136403


    72 = 1239925
    12383232 California emissions (probably not this one since you say no egr)

    Carb:

    7042240= 72 code non stage one for auto trans, 800 cfm

    My personal thought is that it is a 72 engine but with some parts left over from 71. There should be a two letter code on the deck of the block near # 1 cyl. that can give the specifics on the hp and tq. Most likely a WF code based on the "T" being the 5th digit of the vin but confirm that by reading the code off the block. If the block code was WS then it would be a 72 stage 1 but that does not looks to be the case.

    So, I think you have the 225hp / 360tq engine.
     
  3. Ste-ITA

    Ste-ITA Member

    thank'you for this information!!

    I can not see any other number on the block!
    is perhaps under the bracket of steering whels pump?? and then I must dismount him to read?

    Or my engine is not original... ??:Do No:

    have you information about the plate "Limited edition" ?? (2 rear and 2(now only one) front)
     
  4. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    I am 95% sure that that is the correct engine for the car, no reason to think otherwise but untill you have the vin off the block you will not know 100%.

    The vin # will be stamped on the block on the drivers side under the power steering bracket and yes you have to remove the bracket and pump assembly to read it. There are a few cases where the vin is also stamped under the spark plugs on the passenger side of the block so look there as well.

    I have no idea, and never heard of the limited edition but it is very interesting. Do you know the history of the car?

    I would post on the bench about the limited edition question, not much trafic here in the FAQ section.
     
  5. Ste-ITA

    Ste-ITA Member

    I don't know the History of the car, it is in Europe (france) from 5 years,and now in Italy..

    watching from below,I see the rear of braket power steering, and I can see the junction from head and block...but I don't see numbers..
    no number also under the spark plugs! :rolleyes:
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Free Riviera

    Free Riviera Sounded like a good deal

    Sounds a lot like the 455 in my 72 Riviera. I believe all the numbers are the same (definitely the firing order!) and I couldn't find any vin number for the block.

    I don't think the carb # indicates a California Emmissions type. Therefore the car should not have an EGR. At least, this is my understanding of '72 models.

    On the other hand, my engine had some previous work done to it (heads had a couple of heli-coil repairs) so I may in the same boat (no pun intended) as you...
     
  7. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut


    You will need to remove the power steering bracket if you want to find the numbers.

    That is a very nice car by the looks of it!!!
     

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