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I just joined and I am new to the Oldsmobile club. I brought a 1969 Cutlass with a 350 engine that I am rebuilding. Problem is that even though the engine would run the heads Itook off are different. One I believe is stock from the engine and the other I found out is from the late 70’s early 80’s. I want the heads to match. What are my options, having trouble finding a 350 to match the one I have. Thanks for any help
Original head for a 69 is a #5. What is your block casting # in front of the intake above the timing chain. What are the letters and numbers on the block machined pad just below the #1 spark plug.
With those #'s you can determine what block for sure and possibly the year and whether or not the block is original to the car.
You may want to post a location, heads cost$ to ship.
As the fellow members have posted we need additional information from you when possible....
From your initial post my take is you have a number 5 head on one side and a 3A on the other. The question is which is correct, Is the engine indeed a 1969 350 or a late 70s-1980 350, or an in between.... The block number that Sugar Bear mentions will go a long way to at-least narrowing down the era, whether its a early 350 or a late version.
Block ID is 395558 for late 60s to mid 70s.
Block ID is 557752 for late 70s to 1980.
With regards to heads as 70W-32 mentions we need verification.
If its the combination you are suggesting, its a strange one. One head is regarded as the best the other as the worst. Head bolts don't mesh either so alteration, etc, where needed to make it work.
Last but certainly not least are we sure your 69 Cutlass was born with the current 350 or even a V8 for that matter? I only ask because the mixed heads throw me off.
1969 Cutlass not F85 first 3 digits of vin number are as follows.
344 = 442 which is absolutely a big block V8
342 = Supreme which only came 350
336 = V8 Cutlass
335 = L6 Cutlass
Thanks for replying. First the engine SN is 395552 one head is # 5A 397 742 the other one is 3A 554 716. I am located in Oldsmar Florida, and yes the town was named after Ransom E. Olds the founder of the Oldsmobile. The car is a 1969 Cutlass and I am trying to restore the car.
Thanks for replying. First the engine SN is 395552 one head is # 5A 397 742 the other one is 3A 554 716. I am located in Oldsmar Florida, and yes the town was named after Ransom E. Olds the founder of the Oldsmobile. The car is a 1969 Cutlass and I am trying to restore the car.
The block casting number should be 395558 2 for a 350 that was produced from 1968-1976, so it appears you left out a number. Anyway, you most likely have a block that came with the #5 heads.
You can check the block VIN to determine the year and if it is original to your vehicle:
Last edited by Fun71; March 25th, 2020 at 09:42 AM.
So it is a 350 for sure by this casting number. If you get the number in the second pic above we can determine the year and if those numbers match the end of your VIN you'll know if that specific engine is the one your car was born with.
Pgalioto:
One head is a 1969 #5 head with 64cc combustion chambers (probably original to the engine), the 3A head is from a later model '77-'79 350 engine and has 75cc combustion chambers. This means the side of your engine with the #5 head has a higher compression ratio than the other side with the 3A head. As luck would have it, I happen to have a single #5 head that I would sell if your interested. I would treat it as a core as it will need to be rebuilt, but it does have the all the valve train parts. I can send pics if you send me your email address. I'm in Houston, TX and I shipped a pair of heads in 2018 for around $50 per head, shipped to the northeast.
397 742 is 68-69 #5 casting. shouldnt be hard to find one or a pair. Post in parts wanted and hope you can find locally to avoid having to ship heavy cast iron head too far. 3A heads are junk.
You may want to join Olds sites on Facebook(there are several) to reach out to Florida Olds enthusiasts with parts.
Thanks for replying. First the engine SN is 395552 one head is # 5A 397 742 the other one is 3A 554 716. I am located in Oldsmar Florida, and yes the town was named after Ransom E. Olds the founder of the Oldsmobile. The car is a 1969 Cutlass and I am trying to restore the car.
Neither head is correct for that year, should be simply a #5.
I'm in central Fl as well, I have outlets for heads etc. pm me, I’ll put you in touch with a few.
Neither head is correct for that year, should be simply a #5.
I'm in central Fl as well, I have outlets for heads etc. pm me, I’ll put you in touch with a few.
Mark, is the casting number(397 742) correct for the 68-69 #5 heads, or is this head a late model 307 head? just curious, TIA
Neither head is correct for that year, should be simply a #5.
Exactly !
pgalioto1 here are pics of my born in engine. This is the combination that is correct and original to a 1969 Cutlass 350.
There should be no A whatsoever on the heads correct to a 1969 350.
Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
if those numbers match the end of your VIN you'll know if that specific engine is the one your car was born with.
Yes, pgalioto1 one thing to keep in mind this model number is an identifier like a licence plate number. If you want that private don't post pics. But please do post your findings one way or the other.
Have every # head cept zero
in duplicate in Lansing Michigan
So not shy of divorcin happy couple if ya needa bastard
& rebuilt .030 over 350 that easily could get one of th sets od hi comp forged w - 31 pistions I have to spare if you want you rocket to obtain orbit quickly...
Not certain that'd help but certainly wont hurt
There was a rare 5a head in 68-69, Joe P probably knows the difference but probably minor differences vs a regular #5 head. Much closer than a 3A head, which not only have a much larger 75cc chamber but also a terrible flowing exhaust port and had a known cracking problem.
Olds 307 is correct. I have a '69 Cutlass with the original 350 & heads. The heads are stamped "5A" casting # 397 742 A. From what I understand they are considered rare (due to stamping) but spec wise are the same as the # 5's. FYI
Pgalioto:
One head is a 1969 #5 head with 64cc combustion chambers (probably original to the engine), the 3A head is from a later model '77-'79 350 engine and has 75cc combustion chambers. This means the side of your engine with the #5 head has a higher compression ratio than the other side with the 3A head. As luck would have it, I happen to have a single #5 head that I would sell if your interested. I would treat it as a core as it will need to be rebuilt, but it does have the all the valve train parts. I can send pics if you send me your email address. I'm in Houston, TX and I shipped a pair of heads in 2018 for around $50 per head, shipped to the northeast.
Rodney
I have been trying to contact you but no reply I may be doing something wrong let me know if you get this. I am interested in the heads you talked about. Please send me any information you may have on them. Thank You pgalioto@gmail.com
Neither head is correct for that year, should be simply a #5.
I'm in central Fl as well, I have outlets for heads etc. pm me, I’ll put you in touch with a few.
That would be great my email is pgalioto@gmail.com or phone 727-641-6254. Thank You
I would like to ask a question. I have to replace the heads on my 1969 Cutlass. It originally came with # 5 heads. I have access to # 6 heads. What is the difference and should I use them? Thanks for any help.
Last edited by pgalioto1; April 8th, 2020 at 07:32 AM.
I would like to ask a question. I have to replace the heads on my 1969 Cutlass. It originally came with # 5 heads. I have access to # 6 heads. What is the difference and should I use them? Thanks for any help.
I believe the #6 head was used in 1970. Apart from casting number, I don't think there was any significant internal difference. I would compare external configuration just to make sure the bolt holes for accessory attachments are the same. Seems odd to me they would create a new casting number for the same basic part.
March 24th, 2020, 08:36 AM
69 heads ?
