I've searched here and elsewhere and couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for. I went to look at a '64 Wildcat this evening and I couldn't figure out what the engine was from the numbers. The numbers started with a 6K4.... It has a 4bbl and is complete. Unfortunately it was way out in a field and I hadn't brought anything to write with or my phone to text the info. Looking up the numbers I hadn't seen anything that resembled these first three number/letters. Anyone have info that can help me?
Pad in front of the valley pan. Should find one of these codes... 1963 V-8 401* 2bbl JR V-8 401* 4bbl JT V-8 425* 4bbl JW 1964 V-8 401* KT V-8 425* 4bbl KW V-8 425* 2X4bbl KX 1965 V-8 400(401)* GS LR V-8 401* LT V-8 425* 4bbl LW V-8 425* 2X4bbl LX 1966 V-8 401* GS 400 MR 325hp V-8 401* GS 400 MS 11 to 1 comp. V-8 401* GS 400 MU 356hp V-8 401* MT 340hp V-8 401* low comp. (export) MY 8.75:1 comp. V-8 425* 4bbl MW V-8 425* 2X4bbl MZ
The codes mentioned above are usually stamped in a separate location from the engine serial number on the pad. Its not part of the serial number.
yeah, but sometimes they are bunched together, it's a wash either way, usually the codes are ore towards the passenger side.
The code that was clear to see was on the driver's side. Will the other codes be in the opposite location, i.e. passenger side of the top of the block, forward of the valley pan? I get what you're saying ZMAN, but will there be any sort of separation? I thought it would be easy to decipher, I scraped grease and mouse poo for an hour and still hadn't found it and now that whole front area is spotless. What struck me as odd was that the K was mixed into the other numbers and I hadn't seen that in my searches in reference to block IDs. The tag in the door jamb had the same number too. What the hell am I not getting here?
The info I have, says that the "K" prefixes denotes 1964 engines as follows: KH= V-6 225 Standard engine KJ= V-6 225 Low compression KL= V-8 300 Low compression KM= V-8 300 Standard engine KP= V-8 300 Standard engine KR= V-8 300 Low compression (export) KT= V-8 401 KW= V-8 425 4bbl KX= V-8 425 2x4bbl None of the nailheads show more than a 2-digit code. Information from www.buicks.net/shop/reference/engine_ident_63_75.html
Can you see the code to the left (passenger) of the pic, the numbers to the right (driver). Should be like that...
Bell housing extension where tranny bolts on, driver side behind valve cover. There should be a rectangular raised block right at edge of block. Used during manufacturer for alignment of milling equipment - 425 only. Originally 4 barrel carb with large Q-jet. Not a definite indicator, most 425s were painted Red, not Buick Green. If original, should have a short water pump, long would be 59-60.
ZMAN, you're amazing brother! I would have expected the numbers to be impressed deeper or larger like the driver's side. Okay, I'll go back and take a look. This block is Buick green. I'm not hoping it's one size or the other but I'd like to know. I got a little nervous when the dip stick didn't even have a drop of oil on it... but I'm considering it a rebuildable core, whatever the size is. ZMAN, in your experience, do you have any preference of size? If so, why?
401 or 425 are my first choices for Nailheads just because there are more parts available. I also like 364's because they share the same bellhousing. Not a big 264/322 guy. But a 401 or 425 will do just fine regardless of year. Though I do prefer 64-66 because of the ST/SP400 cranks. Makes it easier to bolt up a good tranny.
Also of interest is that in 401s there is a high compression (10.25 : 1) and low compression (8.75 : 1) version. The low comp version sacrifices 10 HP and 10 ft/lbs. Pete
A good ignition and some tuning and the high compression one will run on today's premium. Hell if you don't mind backing it off even further it'll run on 89.
I noticed in 63 they offered two 2bbl versions of the 401. Low compression at 265 hp at 9.0 compression and a high compression with 280 hp at 10.25 compression. Is there a way of determining which I have?
Also, if you still cannot find the code on the block, IF it has the original trans, there is a tag on it that has a code to reference what engine it has. Mark
You been in jail Marko? 265 HP code JS Shit I don't have a code for the 280 HP 315 HP code is JU but that's a 4bbl My guess is if yours is a 2bbl and it's not a JS code then it is probably the 280 HP. That's not exactly the definitive answer you wanted...sorry. Pete
It dosn't matter what the engine is, it's a nail head and it has lots of torque. Just finished a model a with a 401 with 3 two's and it was naughty............ Id in reality is nothing to driving one on the street...........
It does when you are concerned about the fuel octane you will be using. I drive long distances more than a city driver. Fuel economy is an issue with me and I know you are going to say I shouldn't have chosen a nailhead but I didn’t want just the same old bellybutton. FONT][/COLOR]<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>[/SIZE] <o> </o>
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