Hey all. I'm looking for some info on a 455 Olds. My nephew picked up a 455. He was told it was a Mondello motor, but I am suspect. Can anyone tell me how to verify that it is or isn't a Mondello? It's an F block (stick type F) with 396021 casting number. The engine number at the front of the RH head is 30M217607. The casting number of the heads is 411783. I believe this tells me it's a 1970 block out of Lansing from a car with the last six digits of the VIN# being 217607 and the heads are '73 - '76 smog heads but I'm clueless as to how to check out the Mondello claim. I think he's considering selling it, but doesn't know what it's worth. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! jayarty

 

(805) 237-8808 is Mondello's number, they can tell you everything you need to know about olds engines.

 

and more B.S. than you have ever heard in your life.


bill

 

You would have an easier time selling it if you left his name out of it. Just list it with the info that you listed here,along with any other info that you might have.

 

IMO if it was a Mondello motor, there'd be something saying so!
While working at a speed shop, we'd stamp the crank, block, heads and intake [if modified] with a letter punch, and a date.
Can't imagine Joe not doing the same!

 

:d:d:d

 

Only out of curiosity, but why would he be better off leaving Mondello's name out of it? I'd think it would be worth alot more if it was done by a big-name Olds guy. Thanks in advance.

 

Depends on whether or not it was actually done by Joe or Lynn.

 

That place hasn't been what it was cracked-up to be for almost 15 years,and there are a trail of horror stories that follow.Yes,in the past,if it had that name on it,it was considered gold,and would sell.Now,if you hear that name,they walk away.

 

I realize the 'new guys' over there have killed the reputation, but I've a hard-time believing anyone would walk-away - I think they'd ask when it was built!
Joe built a lot of "killer" motors over the years, and I wouldn't just walk away!!

 

Like I said,back in the day,Joe did some cool stuff,but that's all gone & past now.There are plenty of other guys that have surpassed what he did,even back then.It just isn't what it used to be.

 

396021 is same number on both of my blocks ones an "F" other is "Fa"
411783 is the number on my "J" heads the "E" heads are at the shop so don't have a #
Both are Mondello's only thing I've noticed for markings is an "M" stamped on the pan flange of the block's may be just a machine shop mark but both look like same die.
They were both originally painted purple.They both have the same oil mods. I bought one in 2004 and 1 in 2006. The 2004 one went in my Jetboat and got rode hard and put up wet for 4 years then switched to the 2006 which is still going strong.Took the old one to the shop to get ready for spring and machine shop says it hardly has any wear even after 4 years of abuse (high 70's outlaw drag boat racing) So I don't know about good or bad reputation but I'd certainly put it in there if I ever sell them. Motors were originally built in the 90's but not used I bought them from a guy in Elsinore.

 

If Mondello did the heads they will be stamped with "Mondello" and it will have a serial number. I think it is 5 digit and the first two digits are the year the heads were done.

Not sure how they IDd their blocks.

 

well heck now I gotta go back to the boat storage and look

 

I have a 69 Toronado with engine number at the front of the RH head L9SB70112 instead of something starting with 30M2 or something like that. Does L9SB make any sense for a 1969 Toronado 455?

Mitch