Still on the 72 vista Cruiser 455 into a 1990 Silverado prelims. The rear of my block is marked F10 and the oil fill tube is 6857705. Anyone tell me what I have here ? Thanx in advance.

 

The F10 is only the foundry number for the casting data. Doesn't mean anything significant. The oil fill number can be found on any OldsFAQ. try wikipedia.

 

The F10 is meaningless (it does NOT prove anything about nickel content). The first digit on the oil fill tube is the year, so at least the tube came from a 1976 motor. The important number is the VIN derivative stamp, which will tell you the year of the block. Also important is the casting letter/number on the heads.

 

WTH is a "prelims" ?

You have a '76 455 most likely with "J" heads. Get excited if your heads' letters are F, D, H, or maybe K. Lower corner near #1 or #8 spark plug. Check both.

Nothing special, but still a 455 so that is good.
Might be very special, depending on what was added to it.

 

"preliminaries" If this is indeed a '76 blk, how much head shaving would be required to attain 9.5 comp ratio with stock pistons ? "J" heads, but good enough for my application. Thinking about the W-30 cam kit complete with valve job and headers. Am I on the right track ? Thanx to all

 

J heads with a W-30 cam is the classic example of mismatched parts.

 

Well Gee Joe, what is the classic example of Matched parts for what I'm trying to accomplish ?? If I had all of the answers, I wouldn't be asking questions, right? Building this project on my "entitlement check" is very challenging so positive input is very much appreciated.

 

The W-30 cam is a long-duration cam designed for high-RPM horsepower. The J heads are the most restrictive BBO heads ever cast and run out of breath above 3500 RPM. THIS is a mismatch of parts. J heads are acceptable if you are building a low-RPM cruiser like a D88 convertible. By the time the W-30 cam is in it's power band, the J heads can't flow enough to support it.

What are your goals for your build? Once you determine that, select the parts that match that goal. Anything else is a waste of money and a recipe for failure.

 

Thanx Joe..I see by your hash marks on your sleeve . Military term, IE the number of olds that make me drool, That you are profoundly knowledgeable in Olds and I will respect your input. I want a reliable tire shredder LOL. I thought all BBOs breathed the same to 4000rpm. I'll be looking for a set of good heads as my good friend in Scottsbluff Nb has a few old blks around., or I'll see what I can find online, as I have time this winter for the build . Bought the silverado with a cracked head or bad head gasket on the 350. I'm trying to get it on the road while I work out my dream truck with the olds. Thanx again