I’ll be picking this block up tomorrow hopefully. Block casting is 68-70 sans serif F. The way I read the VIN derivative is “33E27337x” Which, if authentic, tells me the vehicle was a 1973 model built at Linden, NJ. My question is, does that mean this block sat around for several years waiting to go into a vehicle? Wikipedia says Linden produced 98’s and Toros. Any way to determine which it might have come from? The block comes with a no “N” 39736x crank, but I have no way to know if they were mated at factory. Identification doesn’t really matter, just curious mainly. Thanks for any info - Mark

 

I believe if it were from a Toro the number would be 33E7XXXXX, so it probably came from a 98. Joe will know for sure.

 

Toronados were only built in Lansing in the 1973 model year. Stop assuming Wikipedia is correct. Linden only built D88s and Ninety Eights that year. As for the sans serif F, I have a similar sans serif F block with a 1973 VIN derivative, but mine is from a Lansing A-body with a manual trans. I know that Olds used these early block castings through the 1974 model year on MT cars, but that would not be a full size. Interesting find.

 

Thanks for the info, gentlemen. I only used a snap gauge and dial caliper to check but the block looks to be in serviceable, stock bore condition. I also got with it what appears to be a nice “N” 39736x uncut crank, so I guess I know what direction I’ll be going for an engine.

 

Heard back from the machinist - std bore block magged no cracks, will need an overbore, but good to build, As it turns out, crank was a "CN" MT crank std/std which also magged clean. So, that was good news.

Next question, a set of rods came with engine, how to identify them? I quickly miked them Rod: 2.625, Pin: 0.978, Length (center to center - rough): 6.75, Big End Width: 0.937. Looked in Travato's book and my numbers pretty much match his except for length which I just estimated using a ruler and graph paper - could easily be 6.735. No numbers that I can read except a "GM" cast near the big end. I assume they are press-in bolts with either an "S" or "N" stamped on top.



I guess the real question is, according to Travato stock rods aren't good for much over 400 hp, so if these are BBO rods, and if I'm going to shoot for 450+ hp, should I bother with them? Thanks for any info.

 

So I will ask if any one knows meaning of drill spot on vin pad
not all blocks have them

 

My block I'd shows 38m308138.
does that make it a 1978 block.
would be strang with a casting number of 396021F?

 

455s were made from 1968-1976. That's a 1968 block.

 

But the casting shows 70 to 72
396021F

 

Based on what?

 

396021f

 

That's the same casting number used from 1968-74. A photo of the casting number might help.