Hi, guys, can you tell me where the date or year code is stamped on the block of the 455? Need to know if it's an early or late engine (70 or 75?) Thanks!
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/engine_ident_where.html http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/engine_ident_63_75.html See if you can find the two letter code stamped on the deck per the first link. The casting number at the rear of the block per the last image of the first link can help too. Here's a list of casting numbers: http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/bigblock_casting_numbers.html Devon
If you can't find the two letter code on the LH deck, then look for the VIN number. It's either on the LH deck between number 1 and 3 cylinders, or on the LH front face of the block, or.. on later blocks, it's stamped on the RH side of the front face of the block, right next to where the timing cover bolts on. The second digit of the VIN number on the block is the year of the vehicle it was installed in. 0=1970 thru a 6 which would be 1976 Engine VIN will always start with a 4, then the year, then the plant code (letter), then the last six of the VIN number Start with the casting number on the rear to find the VIN. Casting number is on the bellhousing, right below the cast in "455".. and it's a cast in number. The VIN your looking for is a stamped number. If the casting number ends in 738 the VIN will be on the LH deck, or the LH front side of the block, just below the cylinder head. If the casting number ends in 861, it will be on the LH side under the head, or on the timing cover pad on the passenger side. Blocks with the last 3 of the casting number being 735, will almost always have the VIN next to the timing cover, on the passenger side. JW
Thanks a million, Devon and Jim! Got it and headed to the junk yard tomorrow to check it out...guy drove a 1969 electra to the yard and sold the car for 800.00! My buddy called and told me that he had a 1969 455 over there, but I grew suspicious when he said a 455 from 1969...now we'll know for sure what year it was replaced from, and if it's worth 350.00...Again, thanks a ton!!! Danny
Lean over with a flashlight first thing and look right behind the intake manifold near the firewall. Cast in raised letters will be the numbers 430 if the engine is original. If it is a 455 then the same place will have 455 instead of 430.
