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I just inherited a 67 Cutlass convertible. I am trying to figure out exactly what I have. Is there a way to interpret the VIN to determine what engine and other details of the car?
Post a picture/image of your VIN and your Cowl Tag - plenty of folks to assist you w/ identifying your vehicle. The Cowl Tag will provide details of original color, interior, upholstery, etc.
I just inherited a 67 Cutlass convertible. I am trying to figure out exactly what I have. Is there a way to interpret the VIN to determine what engine and other details of the car?
Welcome. Neither the VIN nor the cowl tag will tell you what engine the car came with (other than the fact that it was a six or a V8). Unlike the photo posted above, your VIN tag is on the driver side door post. All the VIN will tell you is model line, body style, model year, and assembly plant. The 1967 cowl tag will have paint, interior, build date, and some option info. Keep in mind that the cowl tag was installed by Fisher Body before the body was mated to the chassis and drivetrain and only has info that was important to Fisher, thus no engine or drivetrain info.
Won't the protecto plate, if still with the documents, have the engine designation on it?
That's unfortunately a big "IF", but if the P-O-P is available, it will have the engine and trans unit number, so at least you can match the trans case and one head to the VIN. Yes, the engine unit number will provide some insight into the original engine, but not complete details. It pretty much will only tell you 330 vs 400 vs 425 and HC vs LC.
Is there a way to ......determine what engine and other details of the car?
Assuming it's equipped with a V-8, here's some information you may find useful. Do you know where to look for the engine casting number? It's right behind the water pump on a ledge - front of block.
Assuming it's equipped with a V-8, here's some information you may find useful. Do you know where to look for the engine casting number? It's right behind the water pump on a ledge - front of block.
I'll add that unlike the widely-quoted casting number info from the Olds FAQ, the table Allan posted is actually correct and fixes much of the incorrect info in the FAQ table. The only thing that's a little confusing is the "Gen 1" and "Gen 2" designations in this table. All the motors listed on that table are considered to be second gen Olds V8s. The first gen motors are the 1949-1964 303, 324, 371, and 394 motors.
