[perro]

looking at purchasing a 68 cutlass s convertible that supposedly has the original engine in it. I had a 68 442 at one time, and i remember that you can tell the big block by a rib cast into the block behind the water pump, and the 350s didnt have the rib. This car does not have the rib, so i know its a small block of some sort, and im fairly certain its olds.

few questions. I remember my 442 had number 5 heads, but this one has number 7 heads - i was of the assumption that all 68s came with number 5 heads, but ive never had a cutlass s with the 350 in it before, so im wondering if the #7 heads are correct for a 68 cutlass S convertible?

next question i have is the normal spot that the block VIN code is looks to have been removed with a grinder or something? I remember my 68 442 having very pronounced numbers in this area, and i cant make out any numbers on this one with a flash light and my head real close in the hood - anybody seen hard to make out numbers before?? Or is that little raised block supposed to look ground flat?? I cannot remember if the 442 was like that, all i do remember is that the numbers were real easy to read on mine where these are not


and last but not least, the number in front of the water pump is
395558 2
ive found a reference online that the dash 2 means its a 68-70 350, but can anyone tell me more about the origin of the engine with its complete 395558 2 number??


thank you, and sorry for all the questions, im pulling my hair out trying to verify if the car is legit before i make an offer

thank you


Mike