I found this number on a '69 350 I picked up for my new project ('69 Supreme). The number is 39M440001.

I know the 3 is Olds, the 9 is for '69, the M for Lansing, and according to the little research I've done, the rest of the numbers tie into the VIN.

My question is this: Any significance to the 0001 portion of the number? Is this the very first block made for '69 or ?????

Sidenote: THe guy who sold me the motor told me it was out of a W-31 car, which he still had on site. From I can tell, it is not a W-31 (body tag: 69 34287) and also he tried to tell me it was a "Big Block 350".

 

There should be a "QX" engine code if that was a W31 engine but if it is a 350 that would be impossible anyway. As you noted, a big block 350 didn't exist.

 

I'm not sure if they used QX, but W-31 was a hi-po 350. Built in Lansing only, the best way to visually spot a W-31 motor is the harmonic dampener is HUGE compared to a reguar 350 or 455 unit.

Ah, yes....the elusive Big Block 350. Maybe he has a Solid Main Web 403 he wants to sell, too!

C.J.