Identifying GM engines

[Willowbilly3]

A friend of mine has a couple engine of his dad's he wants out of his shop and I'm looking for info on IDing them. One is a 2 bbl Olds small block, Gold, 330 or 350 I suppose. The other is a 2 bbl. Buick, red and I think a big block. Any info on nailing down exactly what they are would be appreciated.

 

[Bamamav]

Some pics would help, WB.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Buick...

http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/engine_ident_where.html

http://www.buicks.net/shop/engine_ident.html

Olds...

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofblk.htm


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[Willowbilly3]

Thanks on the Buick info, seems the displacement is cast into the bell housing on the 400,420,455, which I'm sure it is one of those three.
I used to have those small block olds head casting numbers somewhere and that would help nail it down. It's not an HEI so 74 or earlier presumably.
I'll be over there tomorrow and get a better look.
Bamavav, If you can tell a 330 from a 350 or the year of a 350 by pictures, I'll get some.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Head #'s on this page WB...

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofhed.htm


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[Bamamav]

I'll be the first to admit I know very little about either Buick or Olds engines. I thought maybe with a pic, somebody might recognize them, or Google and get some matching pics.

Guess I need to sit this one out.[P

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Chances are good I know less than you, Bama. I just posted some links hoping it helps WB. No offense intended.

I'm just as curious as you are what they look like...


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[26Troadster]

on the buick look at the heads one has a dip above the middle exhaust ports. if i remember right the small block (which i believe you have being it has a 2 barrel) will be flat, the big block has a dip you can stick your finger in. the olds-
Small Block Identification

A small block measures 12" between the heads at the manifold base.
Facing the front of the engine, at the top surface of the timing chain area, to the left of the oil fill tube, there is a code about 1.5" high followed by the casting number. A letter indicates a big block, a number indicates a small block.
Big blocks have a little hump in that area, whereas the small blocks have a completely flat shelf.
Small blocks from 1977 onward will have the CID or liters cast in large numbers right above the center core plug. The engine VIN number will also be cast onto the side of the block.


ID/ Casting
Code Year(s) CID Number Notes
1 '64-'66 330 381917 45° cam bank angle.
1A 330 381917 45° cam bank angle.
2 '68-'76 350 381917
2 '68-'70 350 395558
3 '66-'67 330 394417 39° cam bank angle.
4
5 '73,'74 350 395558
2A '75-'81 260 Solid main webs for 2A's only? At least for '76.
2B ??-'81 260 557751 Windowed main webs. Windowed main webs for 2B's only?
3A '79 350
3B '77-'80 350 557752
4A '77 403 557265 Solid main webs possibly
553990 for these three
554990 casting numbers.
4B '77-'79 403 557265 Windowed main webs always.
?? '85 307 556607
5A '81- 307 3161
D3 350 7582 Diesel

 

[Bamamav]

I was thinking about the differences between the nailheads and the later engines. A pic would show one or the other. No problem, just hope WB gets the info he needs.

 

[26Troadster]

nailhead has valve covers that set flat just like setting on a table.

 

[Willowbilly3]

Not a nailhead. I know some about those engines because it's what I grew up with and I have owned several Oldsmobiles. I used to have all the head casting numbers for them somewhere but lost that info over time. I can tell a big or small block Olds at a glance, it's for sure a small block with points ignition. I think the buick is definitely a big block although I've never messed with Buicks. Wouldn't the 340-350 look pretty much like my 300 only a little wider?
Anyway, thanks for the help and links, I'll let you know what they are, might bring them both home if I can find a place indoors to store them.

 

[26Troadster]

the 340 looks like the 300, the 350 looks more like the big block. the big block buick is about 1/2" wider then the small block and the small block is a wide motor.

big block has a dip between the center exhaust ports

small block doesn't

hope this helps.
ps i think my 350 buick has 350 cast on the side of the block.

 

[Willowbilly3]

Good info, thanks