I have a 72 Cutlass Supreme and it has a 350 Rocket in it. I'm wondering where do I look to check the numbers on the engine? I'm debating on buying a 455 Rocket if it's not matching and it's getting about that time for me to make a decision. Thanks in advance!

 

My 72 had the VIN stamped on a pad on the front drivers side of the block. Check there.

You can always yank out your numbers matching 350, preserve it and still drop in anything you want.

 

All 1968-later Olds V8s have a nine character VIN derivative number stamped there. The first character of the VIN derivative will match the first character of the VIN, and the last eight will match the last eight. There's another VIN derivative stamp on the trans case.

 

Here's where to look....



Terry

 

Of course, checking the VIN derivative stamp on the block only proves that the block is original. If you want to check the whole engine, there are casting numbers and date codes on all major parts: heads, intake and exhaust manifolds, carburetor, distributor, air cleaner, etc. It all depends on how you define "numbers matching."

 

i have a 350 rocket metallic blue and theres a plate blocking that one little area to where i cant see the derivative #...it holds the alternator in place

 

So, if you want to see the number, you've got to use a mirror or move the plate.

- Eric

 

Not easy to see that pad with power steering and alternator (AC car) in the way. Mirror or a small camera may help after cleaning it up. I think a well done 455 swap on a 72 Supreme with a 350 is more likely to help value compared to keeping it "numbers matching". Store the original block if you can but just not rare enough (for now anyways) to have originality make that much difference. My opinion only, make the car whatever your heart and budget allow.

 

agree with hookem that "matching #s" probably doesn't enhance the value of the car unless there was something else collectible about the car...like if it was a 4 speed, or if you have every imaginable piece of documentation and the car is 100% unrestored, etc.

So like someone said, there's no downside except $$ to making the switch, esp if you keep the 350 anyway.

 

I need the info so i can order parts for it..most of the time the store clerks act like they're dumb.. i no i have a 350 rocket and since it doesnt go with the 65 delta they act like they cant find parts, so i need to find out which car the motor camr from so csn tell them and they finally can help me at autozone o'reilly advanced auto

 

Sorry for typo..using my cell phone

 

It looks like a '73 and later motor with those #8 heads (though you never know what's inside, and what someone might have done to it earlier).

Depending on what you need, you can ask for parts for a '73 or '74, but most routine parts (gaskets, oil filters, etc.) will fit your block if you ask for your own year.

- Eric

 

I'd put the 455 in if you want, I don't think a #'s matching car means anything if it's not some sort of performance or limited edition car. My 65 had the original everything and I couldn't see staying with all the old crap when you could upgrade the power train and make it a much more useful and drivable car.