Buck engine identification

[Buzz Bruce]

Hello-I have a Buick engine that I want to identify and what Buick cars and years it was used in. The only numbers that I can find on the engine are-5Y105806- I would greatly appreciate any help that could be emailed to me. I tried to register 2 times for your forum, but I am 70 years old and can't get the charcter test right.
Thanks again
Buzz Bruce brucebuzz@suite224.net

I think I am now registered!
Thanks Buzz Bruce

[bob k. mando]

5Y105806

sorry, i don't recognize that as a typical Buick EIN. that means it's either earlier than i'm used to looking at or it's an incomplete #.

you can narrow down which Buick 'type' ( Nailhead, Small Block, Big Block ) it is by reading this thread:
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9402

if you can find the two digit block code that will tell you what year and displacement and typically a range of models that it would have been used in. look here:
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view...=indent_engine

and for the location of the code, see here:
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view...t_engine_where

[Buzz Bruce]

Hi Bob-thanks for the reply-I am not able to get at the engine for a few days to look for more numbers. I am new to this forum and I am having some difficulty getting around. Somewhere I found that said go to the home page and on the left side it will show the production code numbers and tell you what engine you have and in what year cars & models they were used in. I can't find this, maybe I can't find the home page. Can you give me any help on what I am doing wrong? In comparing this engime (sitting beside a 54 nailhead, it looks very similar,except the valves are not as upright as the 54 and the distributer is at the other end of motor.
Thanks Buzz

[Buzz Bruce]

Help! Attached is what I found on a Buick identification page. (Engine Identification
The 445? The label on the motor refers to the torque rating, 445 ft.-lb. This was confusing to buyers when the cars were new, it is still confusing to restorers 35 years later. The engine is a 401 cid. You may also find 465 which would identify a 425 cu. in. Buick. The VIN does not describe the engine data. The engine production code, which is stamped on the front of the block near where the head attaches, does give engine data. The number is in the form AB123. The engine serial number will also be stamped on the block somewhere nearby. It will be the last 8 characters of the VIN and will tell if the engine is the one which came in the car. The letters of the engine production code are given on the home page of this site. Just click on the model year along the left side. This condition also is the same for the 300 cubic inch, with the 310 and 355 the 340 with the 340 and 365 I can not find this home page! please help me!
Thanks Buzz Bruce

[bob k. mando]

sitting beside a 54 nailhead, it looks very similar,except the valves are not as upright as the 54 and the distributer is at the other end of motor.

this marks it as a post Nailhead design, could be Buick big or small block. how many bolts secure each valve cover? 4, 5 or 6? this will get you in the general area.

here is my write up on id'ing GM engines using easily visable cues:
http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view...ent_eng_visual

where to find the numbers:
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference...ent_where.html

once you've found the engine code stampings, one of these two pages should tell you what year, displacement and factory performance rating it had:
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference...ent_59_62.html
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference...ent_63_75.html

if you can't find the stampings, casting numbers can narrow it down to displacement and at least a range of a couple of years.

small block numbers:
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference...g_numbers.html

big block numbers:
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference...g_numbers.html

[Buzz Bruce]

Hi Bob-With the latest information you sent me and with the casting # that we found, we were able to determine that the engine was a 300 out of a 64-66.(B 1357943). This engine has a 4 barrel quadrajet carb. and 4 bolt valve covers.

Thanks again!
Buzz Bruce

[rcull]

Buzz,

Now that you are registered, you shouldn't have many problems. Some questions you may have are probably covered in the "Site Help and Development" forum.

In the Dark Grey menu bar near the top of the page, you will see "Reference". You should browse through it. You will find many questions answered there.

Hope you enjoy the site,
Bob

[bob k. mando]

actually, 4v 300's were only factory available in 64 and 65. the 340 got all of the 4v applications in 66 and 67.

this makes it easy to tell what year you've got (assuming the 4v carb and intake are factory). a 1964 300 will have aluminum heads and intake while a 1965 300 will be all cast iron.

also, a 64 will have an engine code stamping of 'KP' while the 65 will have 'LP'.

the heads and crank of the 64 are highly prized by Buick 215 and Rover 3.5L v8 guys as it's an easy way to stroke the smaller engine.

the 65 intake / carb / heads / pistons are highly prized by anybody interested in building a 300. the 215 / 3.5L guys can also use these cranks.

[bob k. mando]

Mr Cull
have i ever forwarded my block code spreadsheet? covers everything from 53-76.

i'm double checking the factory rating for the 'LP' engine with Dr FrankenBuick but other than that i think it's fairly accurate.