How to tell the age of a Pontiac engine block?
This is where you will find your first clue of the engine’s age: If the valley pan has the PCV port at the rear, the block is from 1966 or older, and if the port is at the front, it is 1967 and newer. Of course, the valley can be easily changed or missing, so you’ll need to pry further.
Where do you find the block casting number on a Pontiac?
Here you will find the date code and block casting number. The date code is a three- or four-digit code that always starts with a letter, which represents the month the block was cast (A = January, B = February, C = March, and so on through L = December). It should be noted that for the 1967 model year, Pontiac used M for December.
Where is the displacement stamp on a Pontiac engine block?
There is no displacement stamp for 421, 389 or 326 blocks. To further identify the year and application, move to the top and rear of the block, where the distributor is mounted. Here you will find the date code and block casting number.
How many freeze plugs are in a Pontiac block?
Pontiac blocks have two different freeze-plug configurations. Blocks cast from 1955–66 have two freeze plugs while the 1967–78 blocks have three freeze plugs. Once done there, go ahead and inspect the driver’s side of the block.
What is the cast number on a Pontiac 400 block?
The Pontiac 400 block was cast with revised motor mount bosses, and will only mount in late Firebirds or Grand Prixs. The blank casting number for the 1977-79 400 is #568557. The 301 can easily be recognized by the lateral oil filter location.
What is the production number on a Pontiac block?
All blocks through model year 1963 have a production number cast into the passenger side of the block. The casting number for these blocks are as follows: Beginning with the 1959 389 c.i.d. blocks, side motor mounts were utilized for the first time. Two motor mount holes appear on each side of the block, a feature that would continue through 1969.
When do you put m in a Pontiac engine block?
It should be noted that for the 1967 model year, Pontiac used M for December. The month is then followed by one or two digits, which represent the day the block was cast, followed by one more digit, which represents the year.
What was the design of the Pontiac Grand Prix?
The new Grand Prix sported straight lined styling along with the buckets and console interior popular at the time. The Grand Prix represented a new way of thinking for exterior design as it was tastefully restrained and was nearly devoid of bright side trim, save for a lower rocker molding.