68 S engine casting number help please

[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

[Jim's rare 80]

Hi. To start, the block may be orriginal to the 68 you're looking at, but, from my info, the heads aren't. 68-69 came with the #5 heads, as you mentioned. #7 heads were 71, 7A were 72. In my 80, I have the engine from a 70 w30. The block number is the same as yours. 395558 2. This is a basic casting # for 68-70 350"s. I have the #6 heads with the larger 2.0 intakes, which is correct for a 70 w30. I can't help much with the ground off part you mentioned, but others here probably can. If you check out the following link, it will help you definately id the heads. It could still be a numbers matching block, but the heads have been changed. Here's the link, and best of luck. Jim.
http://www.oldspower.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11921

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Jim's rare 80

Hi. To start, the block may be orriginal to the 68 you're looking at, but, from my info, the heads aren't. 68-69 came with the #5 heads, as you mentioned. #7 heads were 71, 7A were 72. In my 80, I have the engine from a 70 w30. The block number is the same as yours. 395558 2. This is a basic casting # for 68-70 350"s. I have the #6 heads with the larger 2.0 intakes, which is correct for a 70 w30.

I assume you mean a 70 W-31, since a 70 W-30 would be a 455.

[perro]

any chance someone can get me a picture, or link me to an online photo of what the engine VIN pad is supposed to look like please.

i distinctly remember being able to read my 442s VIN pad with the hood up, and the motor being in the car

this one i cant read anything

are these numbers machned into that pad with say an engraver on a machine tool, or are they hand stamped with a punch set? i remember my 442 having deep easy to read numbers, and i am beginning to wonder if maybe they are hand stamped and just not stamped hard??

sorry for all the questions
this is what it boils down to for me
the car has a few problems, and its only saving grace for me to buy it is if it has the correct engine block.

thanks

Mike

[Jim's rare 80]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

I assume you mean a 70 W-31, since a 70 W-30 would be a 455.

Yes, you are correct sir. My typo. Thanks.