Polebridgemt

Just acquired a new project and my first Olds! A 1970 442 W30 Hardtop, partially disassembled, very solid, and 95% all there! I am trying to fully understand what it is that I have. I was hoping for a matching numbers car; however, I am unsure about the engine. The stamping on the block doesn't match the VIN. What I have is this in two lines as I have shown here:

L70SB
4311

Can anyone tell me what this code means? The block is indeed an "F" cast block, I just don't know what the significance of this stamping is.

MDchanic

Where did those numbers come from?

Do you have any pictures?

Welcome to Classic Olds.

- Eric

joe_padavano

Yeah. If that's on the VIN derivative pad on the forward LH side of the block, it means that you do not have a numbers-matching block.

Polebridgemt

Thanks for replying!

Joe,

Unfortunately, I had assumed that we didn't have a numbers matching engine.
And yes, the code is on the VIN derivative pad forward left corner. Do you have any idea how to decipher the code?

MDchanic

It's not in the standard automotive format, so its probably marine or industrial, but I would bet that the "7" is an application code (Olds is 3), and the "0" means 1970.

I have no experience with these, though.

- Eric

joe_padavano

Yes, the automotive VIN derivative format is well defined as it was federally required. I suspect the block you have is originally from a marine application, or possibly a service block with some shop's stamp. Again, the stamp would indicate that it was not originally from a factory-installed automotive application.

joe_padavano

By the way, it's not unusual for a W-30 (or even a 442) to have a replacement motor, since many of these cars were seriously beat on when new.

Polebridgemt

So, knowing that I don't have an original motor, what would be the best way to proceed with the restoration, should the motor go back as close to stock as possible, or should the engine be built up for even more performance? What would bring more value to the car?

matt69olds

That will depend on what your goals for the car will be. Its not hard to improve the performance and have a stock looking engine. Technology has improve over what was available 40 plus years ago. What do you hope to accomplish, whats your budget, and how important is the stock look? Same questions need answered about the rest of the drive-train (transmission, rear-end, exhaust, etc.) Fill in those spaces on your "build sheet" and people here can better assist you. BTW, there ain't no feeling like Oldsmobiling!