I have just purchased a 1965 442 4speed car that is not numbers matching. My numbers are as follows:
casting # 396026G which indicates a 400 engine
heads are "C"
ID vin # 39M362011 which indicates a 1969 Lansing made engine.
I have been told (?) that in 69 the only vehicles which came out with the 400 are the 442 and the Vista Cruiser .
Is there any other info that can be gained by these numbers?
Thanks - Trax

 

What other information are you looking for?

 

I think you've gained all you can by those #'s. The carb and dist #'s could provide more if original to the engine.

You may be able to gain some date of manufacture through date codes.

What are the casting #'s on the C heads? Others may be able to give info from those, I can't.

 

Unfortunately they put in the 69 400 and not a better performing 66 or 67 400.....or even the 65 400 engine.

 

The 400 was also a available in Cutlii with the Police Apprehender package under RPO L77, although 1968 was the last time that was possible.

 

Thanks for your help. I had hoped the 39M362011 number might reveal more about where this engine came from. Unfortunately, the distributer has been replaced and the carb #'s don't seem to match the listed ones. Thanks again.

 

However, not to worry ... the '68-9 400G can be built to be an excellent performer on the street. I wouldn't bother replacing it unless you're going racing or you want a totally correct and authentic '65 B-motor.

 

Define "Excellent performer".

 

11.5 in the quarter using a THM400 with no second gear. See the thread entitled "Stock Appearing".

 

You can set your watch by how long it takes somebody to bash the 400G on this site.