I was trying to find out if my starfire has a matching 425 engine, but there is no # on r/s head does any one know another option? thanks!!!

 

VIN numbers were not put on engines in 65

 

I have a 66-425 and found the number stamped on the back of the left head, I am guessing the previous owner replaced the head gaskets and switched sides

 

As noted, VIN derivatives were not used by Olds until the 1968 model year. Unless you have the Protect-O-Plate, there are no numbers on your car that "match". If you do have the P-O-P, then the engine unit number will be matched to the VIN on the P-O-P. As also noted above, if the heads have ever been off, they might have been swapped at reinstallation. And, of course, this only proves that the one head is "numbers matching".

 

I really hate the word "match" in this automotive context. "What number matches what?" Unless both are answered in context, then any reference is vague or so general to be meaningless. So it ends up being misleading at best.

Joe, I know that you feel the term "numbers matching" means matching the VIN derivative on the engine and trans to the VIN. But the (mis)use of the term has gone way beyond just that.
A pre-'68 Olds *can* have numbers that match things other in a POP. Like frame stamped VIN derivatives, and other paperwork like window stickers, build sheets, and Broadcast Cards. It depends on "what number" as to "matches what".
Okay in this case the engine unit number on the head *can* match the POP, but it matches the engine unit number in the POP, not the VIN.
So this just underlines the need to be very specific about anything that involves that ugly word "match".

 

Thank you, I ck'd the l/s head and the stamp on it was 13.. Idont know if casting #s tell anything. engine behind water pump is 396021 heads c with # 394648, thanks Vernell

 

I really was curios to know if the motor is a 1965 425 ? I dont have the POP.

 

Problem solved
No chance a '65 Starfire or any other '65 Olds came with a C headed 396021-F 455 engine. And, yes, those casting numbers help a great deal.

Now you can look at all the other numbers that might help
block date info at dist'r hole
engine unit number on oil fill tube if twist cap type
carb number and date
distributor number and date....

No ID number stamp on either head means 1968+ as does the 455 block.

Not sure what you have that says "13" but let's be clear that a raised [convex, protruding] feature that is cast into the part is not "stamped in". A "stamped" ID is a female [cavity or depression] type feature formed by hammering a stamp, typically onto a machined flat surface of a part. Proper terminology can go a long way to eliminating confusion....

 

No argument, Kurt. Obviously a frame VIN derivative (of any year) will "match" the VIN, and the P-O-P lets you match an engine or trans unit number to a VIN. The problem I have are the idiots who are selling a "numbers matching" engine without a car attached to it, or worse, the guy on ebay selling a set of four "numbers matching" steel wheels for a Falcon.

I have no problem with someone claiming they have all CORRECT parts, meaning casting numbers and even date codes, but as you know, these numbers don't "match" anything.

 

Wow great info the 13.. was stamped in back side left head. It is not a twist in oil fill but I will take your insite & ck for # @ dist.

 

The casting # by the dist looks to be 150 with a # 2 above it close to intake manifold