Engine Identification

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Hey guys,

I´ve a 1968 Pontiac Tempest and want to buy new headers.
As I´m living in Germany I`ve to make sure first which engine
I have, as I don´t want to buy stuff for a couple of hundred bucks
in the US which I can´t send back if it doesn´t fit.

So I found out that I need 3 codes to identify the engine

1. enginge code ... unfortunatly this code doesn´t exist, as in the
place where it should be located ( front, passenger side, below the heads)
somebody did some work and it´s gone, not even underneath the paint.
i did find a code though in the vicinity, passenger side, front next to the
timing cap, it says SR84433, engraved top down, but I didnt find
anything helpful about it

2. block casting number ... it says 9790079 ( 979 embossed and 0079 engraved )
that´s the code for a 1968/69 350 cid engine

3 data code ... C170, that´s march 17th. 1970


so how does that match ?!? that is confusing to me, did pontiac produce the 1968/69
still in 1970 as a replacement engine ?!?!?!

on the exhaust manifolds there´s a code 9794320 GM 8, which I found out is the original
partnumber for the stock exhaust manifolds from 1968

last thing to mention is, that the transmission is definately a TH350, as it can be identified
by the shape of the pan and the vacuum modulator, plus it looks identical
to the pictures you find when you google it,
but as far as I know Pontiac invented this tranny in 1969 ...


so maybe somebody could help me out with this one, I took pictures
of the codes if that might help :D

thx guys !!!!
 
The 70 and up 350's had "350"" cast on side of the block.

They also had 5 mounting lugs for the motor mounts on the side of the block. ( not all are threaded)

The "SR" may be the rebuilders number or a warranty block ( it should have the vin on the factory block in that location)

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
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1970 and up 350 ID ( notice the "350" on the drivers side front of the block)

Doug in P.R.:cool:
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ok so it is most likely a 1970 engine, it has the 350 on the spot you mentioned.
so I think the data code is the original one, while the block casting no. is redone and misleading ...
I didn´t count the lugs so far, are they all visible while the engine is at its place ?

why should somebody fake the block casting no when the data code is almost next to it ?

thank you so far
 

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Could be to fake a numbers matching car, or the area was damaged during the casting process.

Or the factory did it.:confused: Warranty block

Definitely messed with for sure.................

Motor mounts would hide some of the lugs, should be able to count them all.

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
9799916 is a 1970 350 255 hp 2 bbl engine code so that's why the casting code was altered ( ground off partly) to pass it off as a 68-69 350 and the other markings are missing.

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
What happened to the $79 headers I used to buy for my 62 283 BelAir back in the mid 70's?

Looks like "Inflation" has took over the market ................:(:eek:

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
so it´s a 1970 engine... makes even more sense to me, as it´s not as powerful as I
expect a 350 cid with 320 hp to be...

thank you guys so far, do you have any experiences with the headers ? is there a specific one you can recommend ?
 
Sorry I cant help much, only had one set more on my old Monza with a Pontiac 151 drag motor since the 70's and that was a NOS header for a Jeep CJ.

Hooker Super Comps were the best for a long time. Now its anyones guess.

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
I just fit a set of Flowtech part# 11170FLT on my '68 Lemans and they appear to be good for 64-75 Lemans/GTO/Tempest models. I had no problems getting them on other than taking off the oil filter & dropping the starter motor. An email to Holley would give you a definitive answer.
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okay thank you, how do you like them ? did the performance and sound change ?
honestly I´m looking more for a better sound, as mine is a little too quiet in my eyes / ears
 
the sound is more than the just the headers, it's the rest of the exhaust system too. You need a 2 1/2" exhaust system with an X pipe and mufflers that sound right to you.
 
I have custom made exhaust pipes with cherry bombs, they sound great when accelerating and in idle from behind,
but when it´s in idle from the front it could be a little more ;)
I know it´ll never compete with a 400 and bigger engine, but it´s worth a try
 
I've got 2 1/2" stainless steel pipes with cross pipe hooked up to a pair of welded Thrush mufflers and it sounds great...deep 'n' loud and no drone! I'm really pleased with the sound (front & back) and the performance is better now the motor can breath more.
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