camaro4x4

I got the code from my block.It is 396021 and it appears to have something after it kinda looks like the letter F but in different script than the numbers.I would be greatfull to anyone who could decode this for me.My son and I tried to set this engine down into his 78 Nova tonight.We had to lift it back out and tommorow we will take out his AC box and put a non AC box in his car and I believe it will actually go in fairly easily.Exhaust and oil filter clear good,all we have to do it looks like so far is make some mounts.What a surprise it will be for someone to pull up beside him in his 4 door grandma car and get smoked.
thanks,
Camaro4x4

texasred

70-72 455

It's cool to hear about an Olds-powered Chevy...instead of the other way around!

C.J.

camaro4x4

It will definatally be different.Maybe ill learn something new working on something besides a Chevy.

VegasDelta

Sounds like a great project. For motor mounts, I think if you remove the existing mounts Cutlass mounts will bolt right in. Good luck.

camaro4x4

Thanks for the hint.We dropped it all the way in today and it actually will be an easy hookup.Tranny crossmember sets in the factory spot,exhaust clears well .Its just a little tight on the right side even with the AC box out,we will probably have to make a recess in the heater box to clear the right valve cover.If the Cutlass mounts work all will be set,if not we will fab up a set.The Nova was originally a 6cyl car and it sets a little low with the rocket in it so were gonna swap the springs out.Once we get it all figured out we will pull it back out and freshen it up a little with a timing set ,oil pump etc.Im just amazed how well it worked out,I was expecting exhaust trouble and god knows what else to not fit but t is going really well.My son is about 2 years from getting his liceanse so he should have something a little different than the kids driving around in Mustangs and Hondas.Believe it or not it was his idea to try this swap even before we had the engine he had talked about doing this to his Nova.I couldnt resist trying it when I found this engine.
Thanks for all the help seeing how I know very little about Olds,anymore hints or tricks will be appreciated.
Thanks

Oldsguy

It sounds like you are doing the right thing by your son. That is good. I think it is important to teach our kids what we know and maybe some day they will actually be able to teach us! Good work.

rockethound

Hey it sounds like it will be a really smokin nova. The 455 casting number decodes as, 396021F is a 455 1968-71 and 396021Fa is a 455 1972-76.
left front engine pad has the vin.
example 38X123456
38X= 3 = olds div
8 = 1968
X = location of were the car was built
123456 = last six # are the same as the rest of the vin.
hope this helps.

camaro4x4

Thanks for all the help so far.It actually feels good to wrench on something besides a smallblock Chevy.As much as I love the Chevys its really no challenge to build on one because all the parts are a dime a dozen .The Olds is kind challenging because I know very little about them and parts arent sitting in every guys garage .
Thanks,sure ill be bumming more info soon

455nova

i know this isn't an olds question,but it has to do with a nova,i have a 1976 i put a 455 in,am looking for a full nos quarter panel for it,would you know where i might be able to find one,left hand side?