I have been reading every engine code regarding the engine in my 1964 olds 88.
I have found the letter code on the block of my engine block and after researching the code I have found the letter "H" means it is a 394 @ 280 Hp.
Question.... is this high comp or low comp engine? I had always assumed it was
a low comp. engine because it wasn't a 4 barrel and not the Super 88 or a 98.
Any thoughts?

 

Check this link, should answer your question

http://www.carnut.com/specs/gen/olds60.html

 

Now more screwed up!! My 1964 is showing a 1963 engine...was that common?

 

This link might help also

http://www.442.com/tech/50sengidspecs.html

 

hey thanks for your leads. I guess what I am looking for is not HP and CID but weather it is
high or low compression.
Thanks for your help

 

Well my 61 394 4bbl was rated at 325hp so I'm thinking you have the low compression version. I just looked it up. No 394 in 64 was rated at 280hp, that is indeed a 63 engine. Your engine is rated at 10.25 to 1 compression. The high compression was only slightly more at 10.5 to 1. In 64 only one 394 was offered and it was rated at 345hp

 

My father had a 64 Dynamic 88 that he bought new in 1964. The standard engine was a 394 CID 2 bbl high compression engine rated at 280 hp that required premium fuel. A low compression 394 rated at 260 hp was a no cost option. This engine could use regular gas.
A 4 bbl option rated at 330 hp was available at extra cost. This particular engine was standard on the Super 88 and the 98. The Starfire and Jetstar I had a 345 hp version. I believe that the 1963 models had the identical engines.

 

awesome. Sorry to be a pain in the "block". I now have all the engine info I need.
I have been able to investigate and determine the engine and the body specs on the car.
Along with the maintenance records I have a good knowledge of my 88. Thanks again to everyone for posting your response.

 

I'm looking at my 64 Olds dealer brochure. The compression ratio is 10.25 to 1 on your 280 hp version.

 

My question would be what color is your engine? If original and green, it would be a low comp. Red = high comp.

 

Ok in my books it is saying 2bl 10.25:1 280hp On the left front cylinder head it should have an engine unit number with no letter following.

If it has an "L" following it then it is a 2bl 8.75:1 260hp 394. This gos for 63 and 64.

 

Ok. The engine had the light blue color. The numbering on the engine has the letter H.
The codes I have are as follows. HE-394,HL 394 @ 260HP, H-394 @ 280hp, J-394 @330HP, JS 394 @ 345 HP The H is followed by numbers. The letter and numbers are very clear and do not look restamped.

 

Are you talking about the engine unit number stamped on the left cylinder head? Its a stamped number not a cast number.

 

The numbers are stamped on the left side of the engine (drivers side) clean and easy to read