GINCSC

can anyone decode my motor number in my 71?

on the front of the motor it reads 395558 2

Thanks

oldcutlass

350, what heads are on it?

GINCSC

I don't know what heads are on it yet. The alt bracket is in the way to see. 'm going to investigate that this Sunday.

Octania

look at the other head

aft end of RH head, fwd end of LH head.

or, the 6-digit hard to read teensy #'s around the center lower rocker cover bolt.

GINCSC

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are these the numbers you are talking about
also
I don't think the valve covers are 71????

cdrod

The block casting number 395558-2 identifies the engine as a '68-'76 350 block with solid-web mains. The 409-147 head casting number identifies the heads as either #7 for '71 cars or #7a head for '72. If you look at the front left (drivers side) corner of the head you will see the #7 or #7a. The '72 #7a heads are said to have hardened valve seats for use with unleaded fuel, whereas the '71 #7 (w/o the a) does not. If you want to know the year of the block there are 2 ways (that I know of). The first method uses the number stamped on the oil filler tube - typically the last digit is the year of the block. The second method (and more reliable) is to locate the 9-digit VIN derivative which is stamped on a small pad just below the #1 exhaust port. The second digit is the year of manufacture. It will decode as follows:
36M123456
3=Olds
6=1976
M=Lansing plant
1-6=the last 6 digits of the vehicle VIN number.

Octania

Oil fill tuber number FIRST digit is the model year of the oil fill tube

google "olds head 409147" and see what pops up, but the above summary is pretty good. 7 or 7 with tiny subscript upper case "A" - which in text we write as "7a".

Allan R

409147 heads were used on both 1971 and 1972 350 engines.

The VCs are from either a 73/74 as they have the embossed OLDSMOBILE on them. Use your cell phone to take a picture from below of the heads or VIN derivative stamping pad. Much easier than taking stuff off.

Allan R

You mean 7A