[Ganggreen]

Hi, I’m new here, brought my brothers (he passed) 1973 Pontiac formula 455 SD home, it has a Y code in the Vin# but has a 455SD in it, I’m trying to figure out if it is a true 455SD car with the incorrect vin # or if somebody way back dropped in a 455SD in it, it’s in great original condition, saddle interior, automatic, air, auto windows, console, clock, ram air 4, all in working condition, it feels like low butt gears, I’m not a Pontiac guy, I’m a Chevy guy, trying to figure out where to start. The car was built in Ohio and sold in California and lived its life in L.A., , it’s now in Oregon . Thanks

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Check the partial VIN on the engine .
Passenger side , front flat face of block , down low , alongside timing cover.
Then start documenting things like block code , head codes , intake code , carb code.

And also the dealer invoice from PHS.
That will list the engine option.

This TA had SD engine option on the Invoice.

Pretty sure the GA did also. Been a while since it was discussed on here.
Rocky's site has the feature articles about them both.

Originally it would have been 3.08 10bolt axle.
Upgrade would be understandable.

[Ganggreen]

Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin

Check the partial VIN on the engine .
Passenger side , front flat face of block , down low , alongside timing cover.
Then start documenting things like block code , head codes , intake code , carb code.

And also the dealer invoice from PHS.
That will list the engine option.

This TA had SD engine option on the Invoice.

Pretty sure the GA did also. Been a while since it was discussed on here.
Rocky's site has the feature articles about them both.

Originally it would have been 3.08 10bolt axle.
Upgrade would be understandable.

I did have it professionally appraised by a well-known appraiser,, Here in Oregon,, He appraised it out as a true 73 formula 455 SD, he looked at the numbers and verified. It was a 455 SD, but the Vin # Is a Y code, I’ll take your suggestion And get a dealer invoice from PHS, I also found out, through California DMV, that I can get the owner history all the way back on this car. Thank you for your information, I’ll try to figure out how to post pictures, beings. I’m not a Computer, smart person, lol,

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

The SD Formula cars did not have Formula twin scoop hoods.
They had TA Hood and Shaker .

Be as proactive as you can and verify all things for yourself regarding the engine.
It is not difficult at all.
No reason to rely on an appraisers estimation.

[johnta1]

I'd agree with BVZ.
Especially if the 'appraiser' is not a Pontiac guy.

The SD Birds are quite rare and PHS is one of the only way to know for sure if it is real.

A lot of Birds have had SD engines installed in them. (I have done it for racing purposes)

The partial VIN on the engine block will also tell a lot.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

GangGreen , I am going to start a new thread titled "73 Formula 455 GangGreen" for your car and this discussion.

Will post illustrative pictures there that will make it very easy for you to personally document your engine components.