engine ID

[hudson40]

I recently purchased a 1964 pontiac,catilina. they told me that they thought it had a 350 from a lemans instead of the original 389.but they weren't sure. What would be the best way to ID what engine it is or what year it might be? Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
thanks, Stan

[Oldcar_Mechanic]

In 1964 Pontiac went to a two number and one letter designation for their engines. That designation can be found on the passenger side head towards the front. The 64 Tempest/LeMans numbers ended with J, O, X or Z. Prior to 64 Pontiac used a two digit system.

Find those digits and post them and I can tell you what the engine came out of.

Hope this helps
Ron

[hudson40]

THanks for yor help.On the right side head towards the front and right under the valve cover ,I found J261 or J26I. They said that they thought it came out of an 70 to 74 Lamans. Hope this helps
Thanksfor any help you can give me
Stan

[Oldcar_Mechanic]

OK, I am getting more stupid by the day. I should have said that the engine code will be stamped "on the block" just below the head.

So, let's try this again and see what you come up with.

Seeing that you are saying that possibly it is from a 70 to 74, then all you need is the two letters that are stamped there. I will be able (hopefully) to tell you what year it came from but I may not be able to tell you which model.

If there are more letters or numbers then it may be an older year engine.
Sorry for the mix up
Ron