Need Help Identifying an Engine

[msmunger52]

I'm helping a friend ID an engine that came with a partially disassembled 65 GS she purchased.  The only number she can find stamped on the valley pan rail on the front of block is N392238CAL. The car's VIN is 444375Z110871.  This number does not fit any of the Nailhead engine code patterns I've seen. I'm attaching photos of the engine and the number on the valley pan rail.
Any idea what size, year, etc. engine this is?

Mike

[jmos4]

Hi,

Looks to have the correct mounts and rear sump pan, big plus did she get the proper exhaust manifolds as all of that are the semi-rare parts to get a Nailhead in a A-body.

The CAL on the Stamping looks a little different to me, though haven't looked that closely to Vinson as none of mine are "numbers matching".

The engine code should be LR or LT for a 65 Gran Sport.

You might want to check the block casting on the bellhousing lip of the block to make sure it's a 401 or possibly a 425 this will have  large lug on the drivers side Team Buick has a good reference and list of casting numbers.

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/ident_engine_425.php

Either way as long as the block is not cracked or any issues with cylinder walls it should be usable in her GS. Does it rotate or supposed to be rebuilt?

Regards,
Jim

[WkillGS]

.....
 stamped...block...N392238CAL. The car's VIN is 444375Z110871. 
.....

I'm stumped. I haven't seen an engine stamping in that format.
The '5Z' in the VIN means it was built at the Fremont, California assembly plant in 1965.
Normally, the engine stamp would be the same last 8 digits, 5Z110871, a partial match to to VIN.

Earlier engines (pre '64 or '63?) didn't use that convention.
I looked around and saw some info posted by Sean Smith which mentioned Canada engines.
https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/vin.336848/#post-2836509
Normally, the first letter is the engine code (to '64). A suffix such as 'L' = low compression. In your case there's a 'CAL' which could be California emissions.

From another of Sean's posts:
>>>
B254918L

B = 401 V8, 2 bbl carb from 4400 series (LeSabre)
254918 = sequential number, range was about 248,977 to 263,360 for 1963
L = Low compression, this should be the same as the JS production code engines in the US
<<<
And:
>>>
There is a also Canadian manual for the 1965 fullsize cars which has info on the 401 and 425.

385690416

38 = 401 V8
5 = 1965
690416 = sequential number starting a 690001 for 401 V8
<<<

Do you know if this car was always in the US?
I see there's a bellhousing. If it's a 4 speed, sometimes the VIN is stamped on the tailhousing or support plate.

The '914' cylinder head castings were used 63-66.
There's a block casting number behind the distributor.
And the crankshaft was different at the flexplate/flywheel flange before 1964.

This is quite a mystery!

[msmunger52]

Thank you Jim and Walt for your replies.

The car is a Factory 4-speed. The T-10 has the GS stamp, but we can't find a serial number on it. It's doubtful that the car was ever outside the US.  We suspect that the owner from whom my friend purchased the car included this non-original engine, but led my friend to believe it was original to the car.  Therefore the engine could have come from anywhere.
 I've asked the owner to provide pictures of the exhaust manifolds so we can determine whether these are correct for a GS.  Also photos of the back of engine at bellhousing to get the block casting code and other bumps, symbols, etc. in that area. The engine was originally the Buick Green (photo attached). I'll post additional photos as I receive them.

[Rollaround]

I don’t even know what I don’t know on this subject. Is it possible that this engine started life as commercial, industrial or marine engine?

[msmunger52]

This photo shows block casting number behind the distributor.

[msmunger52]

These photos show driver side exhaust manifold.  I don't see any casting number.  Does this look like the GS manifold?

[jmos4]

Hi again,

Block looks like a 401 as no lug casting number show both 40/425.

That is a GS only drivers side manifold 65-66.

Regards,
Jim

[WkillGS]

Other than the unusual stamping, everything else looks ok,
The '-705' block was used in 65-66 GS's as well as other years. Same for the '-914' cylinder heads.
The 65 and 66 Skylark GS engines weren't anything special as far as specs.... compression ratios, camshafts, and distributors are the same as the other 401's put in the big Buicks. For '65 they even used the same 3921 carb for the automatics. The 3/4 speed got a 3922 stamped carb.
There are some GS-only items to make it fit the Skylarks..... Oil pan, exhaust manifolds, and engine mounts. At the front oil pan bolts are two little brackets that guide the rubber fuel line from the left side to the fuel pump on the right side.

Another possibility for the engine stamping is it was a warranty replacement.

[msmunger52]

Thank you Walt for all that information.  VERY. VERY  helpful. I'll pass to my friend, it will reassure her about the engine compatibility with her GS.  She does need a passenger side exhaust manifold.  Anyone know of sources for that?

[msmunger52]

I've confirmed that she has the correct oil pan, engine mounts, and driver exhaust manifold.   Need to confirm the passenger exhaust manifold.  Photos of what she has below. Is this correct for GS?

[WkillGS]

That's it!
1965-66 Skylark GS only.