Identification, VIN, Trim, Engine Specs and more... 
 '50   '51   '52   '53   '54   '55   '56   '57   '58   '59   o 
 p 
 e 
 n 
 '60   '61   '62   '63   '64   '65   '66   '67   '68   '69 
 '70   '71   '72   '73   '74   '75   '76   '77   '78   '79 
Canadian car identification here: Serial Numbers 1935-1964 | 1965-1966
and more information in the reference section here.
Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: 71 gs 455

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    wayzata,mi
    Posts
    3
    Rep Power
    0

    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

  2. #2
    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.
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

    Government schooling is about "the perfect organization of the hive."
    H.H. Goddard, Human Efficiency (1920)

  3. #3
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

    Government schooling is about "the perfect organization of the hive."
    H.H. Goddard, Human Efficiency (1920)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    wayzata,mi
    Posts
    3
    Rep Power
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by bob k. mando View Post
    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

  5. #5
    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.
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

    Government schooling is about "the perfect organization of the hive."
    H.H. Goddard, Human Efficiency (1920)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Oakland Ga
    Posts
    133
    Rep Power
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by jeffdanberry@gmail.com View Post
    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
    Larry

    1970 GS455 Stage1 Race weight 4025 lbs.
    TSP 470, 602 HP, 589 TQ
    MT headers, Gear Vendors Overdrive
    Best E.T. 11.54 Best MPH, 116.06
    1998 Riviera SC3800

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    wayzata,mi
    Posts
    3
    Rep Power
    0

    air cleaner

    Quote Originally Posted by bob k. mando View Post
    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?

  8. #8
    the most awesome Gran Sports have the Star Wars air cleaner.

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

    image5.JPG


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

    http://www.stage1registry.com/stage1info.html#1970
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

    Government schooling is about "the perfect organization of the hive."
    H.H. Goddard, Human Efficiency (1920)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
TeamBuick.com Privacy Policy