Need help identifying my 455 that is in a 1970 Cutlass Supreme:
Some numbers:
Stamping number:39X 122488
Block date :338
Color:red
F:Sans Serif

I am thinking, with the help of a fellow member, that the motor is from a 68/69 Toro, but we are not sure. The orig that was in the car was the L74.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Ted

 

If you haven't seen it already, check out this link from 442.com regarding engine ID's:

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofblk.htm#Big Block Blocks 1965 - 1976

The "39" makes it a '69 Olds motor, "X" has it built in Kansas City, MO and, assuming it wasn't repainted, the red makes it from a Toronado. The sans serif "F" makes it a 455 and a casting # of 396021 would confirm it.

I just picked up the same block a few weeks ago. Good luck!

 

In 1969, all 455s were red, except that (if I recall) Toronados were blue.

- Eric

 

68-69 Delta 455's and HO 455's were red.In 40+ years,an engine can also get repainted,especially if it came from another car.

It is a 69 455,cast on the 338th day of 1968.If you look above the "338",or closer to the intake rail,you should see a large "2"

 

Based on the info I found on 442.com, you are correct...my initial assessment is incorrect. The red makes it not from a Toronado. Looks like Toronado 455's were always blue. Damn sleep-deprivation!

 

No doubt mtor is red., That said, there is a 3 stamped above the 338 .Ido not see any 2 along the rail...
Thanx for helping......
Ted

 

The "X" is actually Fairfax, KS, not Kansas City (thus the use of the "X" instead of a "K"). Doesn't matter what color it is, it CANNOT be a Toro motor because all 69 Toros were built in Lansing. Fairfax built only B/C body cars that year.

 

So,68w30 would have had a bronze 400?
69HO would have had a red 455?
70W30 had a blue 455?

In 1968/69, was there one 455 only? The Toro was slightly different,right??
Was that 455 a high output?
Is your 69HO a Hurst Olds or a HO or both?
These are honest questions, and I am not trying to be a smart ars ,
I am trying to ident my motor, and learn what was out there.
Thanx,
Ted

 

Correct on all three

No, actually there were six different versions of the 455 offered in 1969, one 2bbl low compression 310 HP version in the D88 line, two 4bbl high compression motors (365 HP and 390 HP) in the D88 and 98 lines, two 4bbl high compression motors (375 HP and 400 HP) in the Toro, and the Hurst/Olds version.

See above. The 400 HP version was the W-34.

The correct name is Hurst/Olds, which is usually shortened to H/O. The slash is important and is part of the logo.

I always say it's better to be a smart-@$$ than a dumb-@$$.