Ok old gurus. I just purchased a 350 that was said to have come from a 72 delta 88. The only casting marks I see are on the rear of the block where the distributor is located. They read 135 and cad. And on the head there is a number 5. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. I'd post some pictures but am not very computer friendly.

 

That was meant to say Olds gurus.

 

The engine casting number is on the front just in front of the manifold.

 

Ok. I have a casting # 395558 2

 

Looks like a '68-'72 350. Head concurs. You have a winner.

 

what exactly do you mean by winner?

 

I mean that as long as it isn't cracked, it sounds like a good core to have.

 

looks good so far. I haven't toe intro it yet but it spins with the breaker bar and was said to have ran when pulled. I'll probably rebuild it anyway. I pulled the distributor cap and turned the motor slowly. Looks like the timing chain is pretty stretched. I'll probably just rebuild it anyway.

 

Depends on your application I suppose. If money permits, better to rebuild, then you know what you're dealing with. At a bare minimum, if you throw a timing chain in and try to run with it, at least you'll be doing the front cover and oil pan gaskets correctly. This is very important, I learned the hard way.

 

The block casting number you posted was used from 1968 well into the mid-1970s. The #5 heads are 1969 model year only. The second character of the VIN derivative stamp on the block will tell you the model year of the block.

 

#5 heads 1968 also.

 

Yep, it was used from 1968 to 1976.

 

DOH!

Yes, you are correct. Sorry about the mis-information. In any case, the heads are not from a 1972 D88.