When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi all,
Trying to figure out the vin on the engine to see if its the original. It was made in Canada and exported to the states. Plate below the power steering bracket looks to be 91(or T)153882. There is a number behind the water pump and one on the oil filler. Tried the regular decode but it does not match what I have. Its a 1969 Cutlass "S" with a 350 4 barrel and (sigh) an ST 300 trans. Any help would be appreciated!
the last 4 numbers on the machined block, last photo should match the last numbers of your vin, found on another plate , mine is inside the drivers door, yours may be on the dash
The 391163882 is the VIN derivative. The 3 means Oldsmobile. Then the 9 means 1969 model year and the 1 means made in Oshawa Canada. If the last the 8 numbers of the VIN derivative match the last 8 numbers of the VIN on your car, then that engine is original to your car. The VIN is riveted to the dash support and is visible through the windshield on the driver side of your car.
The number on your oil fill tube is the engine number. Your oil fill tube was used on a '69 model year car as indicated by its first number (9). The engine number has no relationship to the VIN.
Randy C.
Last edited by rcorrigan5; Dec 25, 2021 at 08:01 AM.
Reason: clarify my original statement
the last 4 numbers on the machined block, last photo should match the last numbers of your vin, found on another plate , mine is inside the drivers door, yours may be on the dash
ALL the numbers in the VIN derivative match parts of the VIN, not just the last four.
The first character of the VIN derivative matches the first of the VIN.
The last EIGHT of the VIN derivative match the last eight of the VIN.
Only the second through fifth characters of the VIN (model line and body style) are not included in the VIN derivative.
So one more question, the 3955582 casting number means its a 310HP 4BBL correct? Asking because its got plugs(R43S) for a 325 HP and the ignition timing would be wildly different.
Thank you!
So one more question, the 3955582 casting number means its a 310HP 4BBL correct? Asking because its got plugs(R43S) for a 325 HP and the ignition timing would be wildly different.
Thank you!
That casting number was used on every 1968-1976 Olds 350 block. Assuming it has the high compression pistons and is an original 4bbl and not converted, then yes the only 4bbl 350 motors available for the 1969 model year were the 310 HP L74 and the W31.
Thanks Joe, I was trying to find the two letter engine code that's supposed to be on the oil filler but I just have numbers. Should be able to tune this up now I have the right HP motor.
