Hey guys,
I am a new member in Australia and are looking forward to learning all about the olds family engines.

I have just got a complete olds engine and transmission from a mate to use in a build. I was told it was a 371 from 1960 however I am not sure how to confirm this from the engine. I have scoured the internet and are yet to get definitive information to confirm exactly what I have. There is a chance that the parts could be a mismatch as the block / heads / covers colours vary....I want to know so i can start to plan rebuild using the correct parts.

So I am looking to you guys to assist. Here are all the numbers etc that I have found:

Casting numbers on the rear of the block: 195 1 CFD 574865-4
Stamp on head above centre exhaust: C 362174 E
Casting number at centre of head exhaust port: 18
Exhaust manifold casting left: GM 573325 LH
Intake Manifold casting number: 573388
Transmission casting numbers: 4 C 8618721 AL 6N29
Valve cover colour: teal green
Head colour blue
Block colour possibly gold??
Stamp on valley/deck of block under front left hand head: D
Possible stamp on horizontal surface left hand front block under head: 1

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Dave

 

I'll give you what I can recall from my memory. We have several on here that have immensely more information and they will chime in to correct me or add additional info.
Casting numbers on the rear of the block: 195 1 CFD 574865-4 This would be a 1959-60 "371" "- 4 1/8" would be a 1959-64 "394"
Casting number at centre of head exhaust port: 18 This would be 1959-60 heads.
Valve cover colour: teal green This would be the correct color for a 1959-60 "371" low compression. 2 barrel carburetor engine.
Head colour blue I wouldn't trust this color being anything more than someone painted it.
Block colour possibly gold?? I wouldn't trust this color being anything more than someone painted it. Although.....1957-58 "371" was gold. Be careful someone is not mixing parts from two "different" "371 types". There are differences between 1957-58 and the 1959-60 "371".

What is your intended use for this engine ?

Others will chime in, but I think you should introduce yourself in the New Member forum.

 

Thanks OLDster Ralph. Yes I now think that it is a 371.
I can start to really sort it out now.
I have also posted my builds on the Newbies Forum.

Got myself a Offy intake and valve covers. Nice

 

Welcome aboard, Just a quick look at the valve cover bolt pattern and I believe it is a 371 but the later 371 59-60 built on the 394 bacic block, we call it a baby 394 back in the day. As Ralph mentioned, I also wouldn't trust any painted surface as original as you may have a Frankenstein put to gather build, kinda looks like and that not a problem if you know what parts came from what.

Do you have any history on this engine, has it run in recent times? Probably should pull it down and measure intake ports diameter and shape (see if they match), oil galley transfer from block to heads(most will physically bolt up but take different head gaskets to match up if you have an early block and later heads and while you are there measure the mains and rods, bore diameters and general condition of everything before you invest money in a build. Parts are out there, but mistakes are expensive.. Feel free to ask questions as there is lots of experienced help here... Lost in the fifties...Tedd

 

Tedd, Thanks for your valued input. Wise advice, thanks.
Dave