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to the OP Good luck on your quest to find the truth
One thing I do know is that speaking in certainties when it comes to cars from that era is dangerous. Dealers changed things before they sold a car and special order stuff was not that uncommon.
Check all the tags and see what is what.
Odds are its not a factory original but you never know and this kind of stuff is part of the fun.
There's no known examples of an L46 w/auto being built. There is no assigned engine code for the combo so there would be no way for the Flint plant to have built an engine suitable for an auto box.
There must have been a hundred if not a thousand people come though this site over the years thinking they might have a one-off 'special order' car. To my knowledge, not one has turned out to be genuine. Contrary to legend, 'special orders' were extremely rare and very narrow in spectrum. No special engines, no special transmission, no special combos.
In this case, the only thing that points to L46 so far is the data plate on the console and the valve covers.
Thank you I will take a look for the number.
Regards,
Phillydog
I found the following Casting Code on my engine behind the cylinder block on the driver's side:
42GM
3970010
I also found the following Date Code on my engine behind the cylinder block on the passenger's side: K 14 9 This code might not be completely correct because is was very hard to read.
I could not find the engine VIN pad at the front of the engine block on the passenger side.
I have attached a couple of engine pics. Any additional info anyone can provide would be appreciated.
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I found the following Casting Code on my engine behind the cylinder block on the driver's side:
42GM
3970010
I also found the following Date Code on my engine behind the cylinder block on the passenger's side: K 14 9
3970010 is the casting number. K149 is the casting date which translates as November 14th in a year that ends with 9. As these blocks were cast over more than a 10 year time span, the year could be 1969 or 1979.
The stamp pad is visible in this pic if one first looks at the two vertical steel fuel lines leading to/from the fuel filter, then looks just slightly across towards the upper rad hose. It's a square shiny pad directly behind the R/H water pump leg.
The appearance of this pad being square is typical of 1979 engine blocks. A 1969 block would have a rectangular appearance.
3970010 is the casting number. K149 is the casting date which translates as November 14th in a year that ends with 9. As these blocks were cast over more than a 10 year time span, the year could be 1969 or 1979.
The stamp pad is visible in this pic if one first looks at the two vertical steel fuel lines leading to/from the fuel filter, then looks just slightly across towards the upper rad hose. It's a square shiny pad directly behind the R/H water pump leg.
The appearance of this pad being square is typical of 1979 engine blocks. A 1969 block would have a rectangular appearance.
Thanks Mike for this info! I'll look for the pad where you described.
Regards,
Fred
Here is where to look as Mike said. It's on the surface facing towards the passenger side.
Rob/Mike,
Thank you for your help. Unfortunately I looked on that pad and found no markings. I have attached a close up pic of that location. If I am still looking in the wrong place please let me know. Clearly I am a real novice at this.
Thanks,
Phillydog
You're close. The above photo is upside down and you've taken a picture of the side of the stamp pad instead of the top. It looks like somebody has already scraped off some paint .
You're close. The above photo is upside down and you've taken a picture of the side of the stamp pad instead of the top. It looks like somebody has already scraped off some paint .
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the feedback. I just examined the part of that pad where you can see the black on the surface with a magnifying glass and still could not find any markings. Am I still looking at the wrong location?
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the feedback. I just examined the part of that pad where you can see the black on the surface with a magnifying glass and still could not find any markings. Am I still looking at the wrong location?
It's probably been decked. Post a pic of it anyway.
It's probably been decked. Post a pic of it anyway.
Hi Mike, I'll try & get a good pic 2 post. What does "decked" mean? Do u have ny other ideas of places 2 look on the engine? This has been quite an education 4 me. Thanks Fred
Stampings removed as a result of machining the block surfaces (called "decking the block").
Oh okay that would make sense as that surface felt much smoother than the other parts of that pad. I'll still try & get a good pic of that pad surface 2 post. Thank you 4 all of ur great insight....same 2 all others who posted on my thread.
Regards,
Fred
Is it me or does the last picture where is shows the pad look small like a late 70's pad, maybe an over the counter motor. It may be the angle but the pad looks small again like the later motors 78-80?
Is it me or does the last picture where is shows the pad look small like a late 70's pad, maybe an over the counter motor. It may be the angle but the pad looks small again like the later motors 78-80?
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