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Starfire61 · 01-31-2008, 12:58 PM

Without the original Protecto-plate there's probably no way of knowing which engine is original to the car.

Based on the info you've provided, both engines are identical. The true engine number is actually the one stamped on the head.... seems illogical, but they did the same thing on the 394s of that era, too. Based on the numbers, both of the engines are 185-hp 4bbl motors.

The numbers stamped on the block are production numbers that somehow designate the year & type of car too, but this information is very elusive. The folks at D & D fabrications can break these down. (http://www.aluminumv8.com/) I have two spare 215 blocks, & with these numbers they were able to tell me that one came from a 1961 2bbl car & the other from a 1963 4bbl car.

Regardless, the HI prefix indicates that both of your engines are from a like-year car with identical carburetion. Either one should be correct for your car.

I've always liked those first Cutlass convertibles- they look like fun little cars. Most of the ones you see now are either trashed or modified. Can you post a few pics?

01-31-2008, 12:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
Starfire61 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 76	Without the original Protecto-plate there's probably no way of knowing which engine is original to the car. Based on the info you've provided, both engines are identical. The true engine number is actually the one stamped on the head.... seems illogical, but they did the same thing on the 394s of that era, too. Based on the numbers, both of the engines are 185-hp 4bbl motors. The numbers stamped on the block are production numbers that somehow designate the year & type of car too, but this information is very elusive. The folks at D & D fabrications can break these down. (http://www.aluminumv8.com/) I have two spare 215 blocks, & with these numbers they were able to tell me that one came from a 1961 2bbl car & the other from a 1963 4bbl car. Regardless, the HI prefix indicates that both of your engines are from a like-year car with identical carburetion. Either one should be correct for your car. I've always liked those first Cutlass convertibles- they look like fun little cars. Most of the ones you see now are either trashed or modified. Can you post a few pics? Last edited by Starfire61 : 01-31-2008 at 01:06 PM.