71 gs 455

I have a 71 GS 455 convert.
Vin 434671H148500

Motor has a production code TR- which is a 71 455 but is it a GS 455? I cannot find engine serial # anywhere

I looked on front of block near oil sender and between spark plugs on drivers side front

TR is between spark plugs on drivers side rear

GS is mostly a trim option and could have a 350ci. Stage 1 is a particular spec 455 with oversize valves and a special cam and carb.

'T' is the year code, the second letter tells you displacement and configuration. so 'TS' would be a Stage 1 spec 455 for the 1971 model year.

your 'TR' engine is normal A-body 455 for that year. perfectly acceptable as a Gran Sport but obviously not as desirable as a Stage engine.

you can install Stage valves in your engine and, obviously, there a better cam grinds available today.

http://www.musclecarclub.com/buick-gs/

http://www.stage1registry.com/

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/years/71.php

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bob k. mando

GS is mostly a trim option and could have a 350ci. Stage 1 is a particular spec 455 with oversize valves and a special cam and carb.

'T' is the year code, the second letter tells you displacement and configuration. so 'TS' would be a Stage 1 spec 455 for the 1971 model year.

your 'TR' engine is normal A-body 455 for that year. perfectly acceptable as a Gran Sport but obviously not as desirable as a Stage engine.

you can install Stage valves in your engine and, obviously, there a better cam grinds available today.

---

Why can't I find a vin on the block

It does say 455 on the back near tranny and the carb, intake, and exhaust # match 71 specs

Why can't I find a vin on the block


perhaps not stamped very well. perhaps the block got decked at some point. i've heard of people trying to use a light acid wash to try to see old stampings, i've never tried it.

could also have been stamped in a non standard location, or never stamped at all. Flint is the primary Buick plant though, so i would be surprised by them doing a non-standard location.

if it's a factory service replacement, those don't have EIN stamps on them because they don't know where the engine is going while it's on the production line. it would seem odd to have a service replacement from the exact same year of the car production, though.

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/...gine_where.php

it should nominally be between the #1 and #3 spark plugs on the deck of the block. you might want to take an old tooth brush and some engine degreaser too that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jeffdanberry@gmail.com

Why can't I find a vin on the block

It does say 455 on the back near tranny and the carb, intake, and exhaust # match 71 specs

---

It is on the front of the block under the P/S pump, or sometimes under the Alternator/A/C bracket.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...umberstamp.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...neVinStamp.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s110/tspjim455/861blockVinarea.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...5/000_2554.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bob k. mando

Why can't I find a vin on the block


perhaps not stamped very well. perhaps the block got decked at some point. i've heard of people trying to use a light acid wash to try to see old stampings, i've never tried it.

could also have been stamped in a non standard location, or never stamped at all. Flint is the primary Buick plant though, so i would be surprised by them doing a non-standard location.

if it's a factory service replacement, those don't have EIN stamps on them because they don't know where the engine is going while it's on the production line. it would seem odd to have a service replacement from the exact same year of the car production, though.

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/...gine_where.php

it should nominally be between the #1 and #3 spark plugs on the deck of the block. you might want to take an old tooth brush and some engine degreaser too that.

---

seems some stage 1's have chrome lids and some black?

the most awesome Gran Sports have the Star Wars air cleaner.

http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...357/image5.JPG

Attachment 7877


typical 71 Stage car would have Black air cleaner and chrome valve covers.

http://www.stage1registry.com/stage1info.html#1970