Decode My VIN #

[2001v6IL]

Hi, i am buying a 1974 Buick century off a friend for $500. Its got a 455. Anyways the vin# is 4H57U4H179066, can someone decode that for me, couldnt find much info using google, Thanks.

[bob k. mando]

4H57U4H179066
4 = Buick
H = Century Luxus
57 = 2d hardtop sport coupe
U = oh my. if that's the original engine you've got a dual exhaust 4v GS 455 ... how much ya want for it?
4 = 1974
H = Flint, MI
179066 = sequential production number

actually, the 74 engines aren't all that great. and the GS itself doesn't mean all that much performance wise unless you've got the Stage 1 valves. but still and all, it's better to have than not. there should be a bigger cam in it than normal.

[2001v6IL]

I'm almost positive everything is original. My buddy's family bought it in 1992 from an old lady, and they havent done of driving with it since the bought it. I know its got dual exhaust, saw it when i checked out the car. Anybody tell me anything about the car? I plan on cleaning it up and hopefully restoring it. I dont know much about buicks, i know much more about chevys and fords, i own a mustang as my daily driver. Also I couldnt find a ton of info on the buick 455 on the net, anybody have any good sites?

[2001v6IL]

60800 original miles

[2001v6IL]

Also, have any links to any good buick restoration sites? performance parts info etc? I was looking for a sticky of links on the forum but couldnt find one. Thanks, sorry too many questions, just finding it tough to gather info on this car.

[bob k. mando]

vendors:
http://www.paeenterprises.com/paeframe.html
http://www.taperformance.com/
http://www.postonbuick.com/
http://www.trishieldperf.com/

general info:
http://www.buickperformance.com/page1.htm
http://www.atlantabuick.com/GranSport.htm
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jholthenrichs/index1.htm


if you tear the engine down be sure to mod the oil passages:
http://www.buickperformance.com/oilflow.htm
http://www.trishieldperf.com/455_block_mods.htm

the Dove book would also be fairly useful: http://www.paeenterprises.com/bookinfo.html
clearances on a Buick need to be MUCH tighter than on a chevy or ford. talk to a good buick mechanic in your area or ref something (book, web site, vendor, buick engine builder) before doing any major work.

pretty much anything can be gotten for a Big Block Buick, but the lack of vendors and small market size tends to make parts a little more expensive than you may be used too.

that ought to be enough reading to keep you occupied for a while.

[BigNastyToyota]

Got any pics of it?? I have a registry for 73-75 GS cars as well as Centurys. I'd like to get the info from you and a pic if possible. my email is pdharmon@tds.net I am just trying to get info for these cars so I can help other owners. No pertinent info will be shared.
Thanks, Pat