fiona72

Hello,

Just picked up a used motor that I am looking to rebuild. The numbers are 395558-2, I have ran it through my site and came up with a 70 olds motor. Anyone else have more info?

Thanks

2blu442

That casting number would be correct for several years of 350's. If you look at the vin stamping the second number would give us the year for sure. The first number would be a 3 for Oldsmobile, then if the second number is an 8 = 1968, 9 = 1969 etc. The casting number on the heads would get us close if they were original but some casting numbers were used for more than one year. John

Lady72nRob71

I have that same casting number in my '72.
Look for that partial VIN stamp on a small pad under where the alternator would be on an AC car, on the front RH side of the block. You will need to do some minor cleaning and look upwards from under to find it.

joe_padavano

In that case your site is not correct. That same casting number was used on ever single 350 block cast between the 1968 and 1976 model years. As noted, only the VIN derivative will tell you the exact year of the block.

fiona72

I believe I have the number... supposed to be a 72 olds motor.
# 327139741

Thanks

Lady72nRob71

That looks to be the right number and you have a '72!

joe_padavano

Yes, it is, though that third character is likely a "Z", not a "7". The Z indicates the Fremont, CA assembly plant.

fiona72

Thanks,
Rob, Joe and 2blu!
Although it is not the original motor for the car, I am glad to have the correct year. It does have 7a heads, It was listed as having 3,000 miles on it since it was rebuilt with paperwork, but I am going through it regardless (might even put a little pep in its step) I still have been searching the classifieds for a posi rear end, preferably 373 gears if you know of any leads.

Greg