Little OT; Can anyone tell me what Buick Engine This is??

It's in a 67 "California" Skylark GS and it's the original engine for the car. I always thought that the GS would put the engine displacement on the quarters under the "GS" emblems, but this one does not have that. I've never heard of a "California" GS before. But it does have the cool "starwars" aircleaner in the trunk!

 

Can't tell from the picture, but its either a 340 or a 401. You should be able to tell which one you have by how it performs. If you can't, go get the car weighed. A GS340 weighs 3283 lb. A GS400 weighs 3500 lb.
340 model number(on the data tag) is 43417.
400 model number is 44617 or 44607

Dan

 

<TABLE border=0 width=410 height=75><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE border=0 width=360 align=right height=75><TBODY><TR><TD> <CENTER>classifieds | webboard | shop | year info | links </CENTER></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



<TABLE border=1 cellPadding=5 width=320 bgColor=#ffff99 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>Disclaimer!
While Buicks.net attempts to provide accurate information, these pages may contain errors and should be checked against a reliable source before use. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<DL><DL><DL><DT>1967

</DT></DL></DL></DL>

Serial Numbers <CENTER><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=210 height=51><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center background=../images/vin_1.gif><CENTER>4 5 2 6 9 7 H 1 0 0 0 0 1</CENTER></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER>
Car serial numbers are located on the left front body hinge pillar....

<CENTER><TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>First Digit</TD><TD>Division code, 4 = Buick</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Second and Third Digits</TD><TD>Series</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>First to Fifth Digits</TD><TD>Model Number</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Sixth Digit</TD><TD>Year, 6 = 1966</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Seventh Digit</TD><TD>Assembly plant</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Last Six</TD><TD>Series production number</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER>
<HR SIZE=1 width="50%">
Engine Identification
<CENTER><TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>V6 - 225,
V - 8 300, 340</TD><TD>Code is stamped on right side of crankcase between middle branches of right exhaust manifold <TR><TD vAlign=top>V8 - 215, 400, 401, 425</TD><TD>Code is stamped upside down on front af cylinder block when viewed from front of engine </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER>
<HR SIZE=1 width="50%">
Engine Tune-up
<CENTER><TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR><TD rowSpan=3>MODEL</TD><TD colSpan=2><CENTER>SPARK PLUGS</CENTER></TD><TD colSpan=2>DISTRIBUTOR</TD><TD rowSpan=3><CENTER>IGN.
TIMING</CENTER></TD><TD rowSpan=3><CENTER>comp.,
crank</CENTER></TD><TD colSpan=3><CENTER>VALVES</CENTER></TD><TD rowSpan=3><CENTER>FUEL
PUMP
PRESS.</CENTER></TD><TD rowSpan=3><CENTER><CENTER>IDLE
SPEED</CENTER></CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD rowSpan=2>Type</TD><TD rowSpan=2>Gap</TD><TD rowSpan=2>Dwell</TD><TD rowSpan=2>Gap</TD><TD colSpan=2><CENTER>Tappet
Clearance, hot</CENTER></TD><TD rowSpan=2><CENTER>intake
opens,
(deg)</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD>intake</TD><TD>exhaust</TD></TR><TR><TD>V8-340 cu.</TD><TD>44S</TD><TD>.032</TD><TD>30°</TD><TD>.016</TD><TD>2 1/2BTD</TD><TD>160</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>32B</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>550</TD></TR><TR><TD>V8-430 cu.</TD><TD>44TS</TD><TD>.032</TD><TD>30°</TD><TD>.016</TD><TD>2 1/2BTD</TD><TD>170</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>14B</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>550</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=12>Special and Gran Sport</TD></TR><TR><TD>V6-225 cu.</TD><TD>44TS</TD><TD>.035</TD><TD>30°</TD><TD>.016</TD><TD>5BTD</TD><TD>160</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>24B</TD><TD>4 1/2-5 3/4</TD><TD>550</TD></TR><TR><TD>V8-300 cu.</TD><TD>44S</TD><TD>.035</TD><TD>30°</TD><TD>.016</TD><TD>2 1/2BTD</TD><TD>160</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>30B</TD><TD>4 1/4-5 3/4</TD><TD>550</TD></TR><TR><TD>V8-340 cu.</TD><TD>44S</TD><TD>.035</TD><TD>30°</TD><TD>.016</TD><TD>2 1/2BTD</TD><TD>160</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>zero</TD><TD>32B</TD><TD>4 1/4-5 3/4</TD><TD>550</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER>
<HR SIZE=1 width="50%">
Engine Specifications
<CENTER><TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR><TD><CENTER>DISPLACEMENT
CUBIC INCHES</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>CARBURETOR</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>HP @ RPM</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>TORQUE</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>A.M.A.
HP</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>BORE &
STROKE</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>COMP.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>VALVE
LIFTER TYPE</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>OIL
PRESSURE</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 340</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>2 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>220 @ 4600</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>340 @ 2400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>3.750 x 3.850</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>9.0 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 340</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>4 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>260 @ 4800</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>365 @ 3000</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>3.750 x 3.850</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>10.25 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 430</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>4 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>360 @ 4400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>475 @ 2800</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>56.1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>4.1875 x 3.90</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>10.25 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>40</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=7>Special and Gran Sport</TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V6 - 225</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>2 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>160 @ 4200</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>235 @ 2400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33.8</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>3.750 x 3.400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>9.0 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 300</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>2 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>210 @ 4600</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>310 @ 2400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>3.750 x 3.400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>9.0 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 340</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>2 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>220 @ 4200</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>340 @ 2400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>3.750 x 3.850</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>9.0 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 340</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>4 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>260 @ 4200</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>365 @ 2800</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>3.750 x 3.850</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>10.25 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>33</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 - 400</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>4 - bbl.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>340 @ 5000</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>440 @ 3200</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>52.2</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>4.040 x 3.90</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>10.25 - 1</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>hyd.</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>37</CENTER></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER>
<HR SIZE=1 width="50%">
Engine Torque Specifications
<CENTER><TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR><TD><CENTER>MODEL</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>CYLINDER
HEAD</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>ROD
BEARINGS</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>MAIN
BEARINGS</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>CRANKSHAFT
BALANCER</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>FLYWHEEL</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>INTAKE
MANIFOLD</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>EXHAUST MANIFOLD</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V6</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>65 - 80</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>30 - 40</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>95 - 120</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>140 - 160</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>50 - 65</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45 - 55</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>15 - 20</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 300, 340</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>65 - 80</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>30 - 40</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>95-120</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>140 - 160</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>50 - 65</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45 - 55</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>15 - 20</CENTER></TD></TR><TR><TD><CENTER>V8 400, 430</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>100 - 120</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45 - 50</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>80 - 115</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>200+</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>50 - 65</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>45 - 55</CENTER></TD><TD><CENTER>15 - 20</CENTER></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><HR SIZE=1 width="60%">Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment
​

<TABLE border=0 cellPadding=1 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>©copyright 2000,
buicks.net all right reserved</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

Cool, thanks guys. I'll use the info and check further.

 

67 was a pivital year for buick V8's. The nailhead was discontinued, and the new 400/430 [later 455] was realeased. The 300 was discontinued and the 340 [later 350] was released.

The "California GS" was a trim upgrade option to the GS. The standard engine was the 340, with the 400 being optional.

Your car could therefore only have the 340 or the 400. The 340 has siamesed center intake runners [like a nailhead], and the 400 has siamesed center exhaust runners [like a SBC].

The pic is a little hard to see, but it appears the center two exhaust runners are splayed, which would make your engine a 340.

While the 340 is a fine engine in it's own right, it's really a "bastard stepchild"... Sort of a stepping stone between the 300 and the 350. While it shares components with both engines, it's not really compatable with either one. The heads and intake are absolutely unique to the 340, and are sort of an "oversized 300". The block is basically the same as a 350, but the walls are generally considered too thin to bore out to the 350's 3.8" bore. It uses the same crank, rods, valves, springs, distributor, front timing cover, valve covers, and timing chain as a 350. While the 340 heads will physically bolt onto a 300, a custom intake will need to be fabricated as the runner location was moved when the deck was moved up to go from the 300 to the 340.

Also, the 340 oils the valvetrain thru the heads, like a 215-300, where as the 350 went to oiling thru the push rods, like a SBC.

The cam, like the intake manifold, is absolutely unique to a 340. While it will "work" in a 300, the lobe separations are slightly off.

Like I said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a 340. It's just sort of a "steping stone" or a "missing link" between the engines of the 50's and the muscle car engines of the late 60's... Think of it the same way you would of a Chevy 348-409.

It's a fine angine in it's own right. With a 3.85" stroke, it makes massive big block torque in a small fuel efficent small block package. So if it runs good, enjoy it and drive the wheels off of it. But if it needs a rebuild, your probably better off replacing it with a 350 buick engine.

 

On second thought, that 340 might have one saving grace here on the HAMB...

It's got a very unique look to it, so it might actually make a good rod motor.

 

I was thinking that the rocker covers are slanted, that discounts a 401 unless they mad a different 401 than the Nailhead?
But all the info above is great, no doubt you will work it out now, remember to let us know.
Doc.

 

Nope, nailhead distributor is in the rear of the block, like a SBC

 

340. Decent little engine. Drive it till it dies.
If all you are interested in is massive amounts of torque, start building the 455 to replace it. If you are interested in better mileage, take care of that 340.
My 2 cents for the day.

So, are you planning on keeping the car, or are you interested in the engine?
Where in the southeast are you?

 

455 headers showing spacing.


This may help.


Note the 1" or so raised cast numbers - 455.

Pretty sure the 430's have the same ID, not sure about the 400's.

The 455's also have a cast in number on the block behind the starter, about 3/4" high and upside down....

 

No 401 in '67..

plus the distributor gives it away as Darryl pointed out.

 

So James,
What are your plans for that little car?

 

I've been offered the car for $2,000. It has a nice interior but runs rough. Haven't had a chance to check it out real well yet. If I bought it I'd probably just buff it out and detail it and sell it. If it ran real good I might drive it for a little while.

 

looks like a 340 to me.

 

those "star wars" air cleaners bring very good money. last one my buick buddy sold went fast at $650 on cl.

 

Yes, but it takes more than that off the value of the car when you do that.
Unless you were going to make a reproduction air cleaner...wink, wink...nudge, nudge.

 

My father has an OT Buick of a newer year that we actually recieved an additionally OT California of a newer year. By then the engine was a 350, and had no business replacing the 455 But apparently the guy we got it from just rebuilt it, because it is tight as hell. We have it on a running engine stand, with just headers. Used to start it up for parties.

My father plans on using it in his '31 Model A project whenever he finally gets time/money/etc. I figure, maybe it's not a nailhead, flathead, or something older, but he don't have a nailhead. And it's not a SBC, so why not? SBB, the other white meat.

 

It's a 340 I own a 67 California GS. It never ceases to amaze me how many parts counter people get a blank stare when you tell them that. The California option was strictly a dealer add on and an attempt to dress up and move the base model Special off the dealer lots. They were all bench seat cars and Its the only Gran Sport that got the GS emblems on the d-piller.

 

They make repro's of those, just crappy ones...

 

If it's a 340 it should have "340" cast into the block on the drivers side below the head, twards the flywheel IIRC

There fine motors, I've got one in my jeepster.