djdrgn67

My engine code is 32X11256. This is just a block code? I know made in 1972 from KC. In order for me to know what other specs my motor has I'd have to look at each component? Aka heads, carb, intake? 11256 is just factory codes?

joe_padavano

That is the VIN derivative. All it tells you is that this engine came from a 1972 Oldsmobile built at the Fairfax, KS assembly plant (not to be confused with the KC plant) and the VIN of the car it was installed in ended in 11256_. You are also missing a digit, as there should be six digits after the X, not five. Fairfax only built full size Oldsmobiles that year, so the engine came out of an Eighty Eight or Ninety Eight. Other than that, there is no additional info you can get from the VIN derivative.

Fun71

As far as "other specs" go all 1972 350s were essentially the same except for 2bbl vs. 4bbl carb and intake manifolds. Same heads (7A), same compression ratio (8.5:1 advertised), same camshaft (part# 400084). The vehicle may have had either single or dual exhaust but that would not make a difference as far as the engine goes.

joe_padavano

How do we know it's a 350? Since Fairfax built full size cars, it could be a 455. To be completely correct, there were two different cams used in the 350 motors in 1972. P/N 402486, used in the MT 350s, and P/N 400084, used in all the others. If this IS a 350 from Fairfax, it won't be a manual trans motor, however.

djdrgn67

This is a 455 motor heads have Ga stamped on them and the top of the block has 39021F stamped.

Fun71

You're right, Joe. I spaced for some reason and 350 from the post I was reading prior to this one stuck in my head, so I was thinking big car 350.

Anyway, same goes for the 455 in the 88s and 98s. 8.5:1 compression and GA heads on all of them.

joe_padavano

That's all consistent with a 1972 455. In this case, the only 455 that Olds installed at the Fairfax plant was the L74. Specs below: