[Baron Von Zeppelin]

We have a new member named GangGreen who owns a 73 Formula that was formerly his brothers car, his brother has passed on and now he has the car.

It is a Y-code VIN car with Automatic.

He has reason to believe it has an SD engine in the car.
So going to help him determine what it is.

Said to be a lifelong California Car.
I'm guessing maybe its a Brewster Green car ? From his screen name.

Here are some details :
"it’s in great original condition, saddle interior, automatic, air, auto windows, console, clock"

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

In first picture , notice how the PCV valve is routed into the oil filler cap on the driver side valve cover.
= SD only

In second picture , notice the cast characters "LS2" to the right of thermostat area = SD only
LS2 is the designation for SD455 engine ,,,, like Chevy had LS6 as a designation.
Also right next to thermostat area is a date code - for example K122 or E123 etc....

Third picture is where to find carburetor ID on driver side of carb.
This example is 17057274

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

If you don't have the special pcv arrangement and LS2 intake , probably not going to be an SD , unless its been modified , which can happen.

These further steps will document what you do have no matter what engine it is.
You will have defacto confirmation.

Picture one is the head code ID , #48 in this example.

Picture two is the head date code , H208 in this example.

It should only take a couple minutes to verify your carb , intake , and heads.
After that report from you , i will go into all the ID's on the block.
It is also easy stuff to find and capture.

[johnta1]

A thread on SD 455 that is being restored:

SD 455


The head is round port.

Looks like this:



There is a 1 and a 6 on middle ports.

The distributor will be different compared to normal distributors.
The hole it goes into is a lot bigger. Probably can't tell installed though. It has a code on it that will tell.

The below the back of the passenger head on the block is a casting number that will ID the SD block also.

Pictures will help tremendously.

Sounds like an awesome car, though.

[Ganggreen]

More car pictures

[johnta1]

KEEP THAT CARB.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

John I'm pretty certain that is one of the "restamp restoration" carbs from PY catalog back in late 80's to early 90's . Notice it has no date code - or pick code .

I bought one back then for a 7040273 - stamped the same way.
On top of that - mine is a Carter Qjet - not Rochester.

They were said to have been built to correct application specs and sold outright.

GangGreen that 7043270 is the application number for 73 SD Automatic.
Its not real , but I'm sure it works as good as a real one would.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

I bet your brother really cherished that Formula.
Sharp car in great condition.

[Ganggreen]

A couple more pictures and appraisal

[Ganggreen]

Appraisal and pictures

[Ganggreen]

Sorry, been super busy. I will try to post the appraisal tonight so you guys can see what he did.

[Ganggreen]

Some pictures

[Ganggreen]

More pictures

[Ganggreen]

More pictures

[Ganggreen]

Vin# 2U87Y3N142276
Head- # 96 , from 1971 400
Head date- E1711
Intake- E142, 1972 ( intake)
455 Block- 003286YC
Quadrajet- # 7043270
Body- 07 B body date = 2 nd week of July 1973
WR66- formula

I believe this is what you guys are saying, putting in a file, yes my brother loved this car, only had it for less than 10 years but made me promise to bring it home. Beings the appraiser is wrong, what should we insure this car for, in your opinion?

[johnta1]

On the block where this is - 003286YC, down lower by the timing cover is another stamped set of alpha/numbers. Looks like 23N1xxxxx with x=digits and the 3 and N may be different.


That would be the vin of the car the engine came from.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

The retail market value with what I can see - I would guess 28-32k
With original engine and interior corrections maybe 40k
Others are welcome to share opinions.

They only made 43 examples of 1973 SuperDuty Formula's
33 Auto & 10 4spd
If it were one of those 33 Automatics in its current condition with matching numbers engine
You would be looking at 100-125k , perhaps more.

There was only one built in Navajo Orange , it is Automatic.
Special ordered new by a lifelong Pontiac celebrity named Nunzi Romano
He still owns it
His would probably be 150-200k due to his status , maybe even more.

Would be entertaining to hear what the appraisers value was on the car.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

John or Ransom might be able to tell how many Y-Code 455 Formulas were built.
Maybe even break it down into 455 Automatic with RamAir.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Formula 455 Auto = 503
Formula 455 Manual = 227

I have seen numerous Automatics , but think have seen but one documented Manual
Where'd they all go ?

GangGreen is there an EGR valve on the passenger side of your carburetor ?
Or a block off plate ?
Will be right around the choke mechanism.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by Ganggreen

Vin# 2U87Y3N142276
Head- # 96 , from 1971 400
Head date- E171
Intake- G142, early 1973 (bet it's casting 492744)
455 Block- )003286 YC (bet it's an early '73 455)
Quadrajet- # 7043270 (restamp)
Body- 07B body date = 2nd week of July 1973
W66- Formula

Corrected and added my thoughts.


Air cleaner looks like a '73 RA unit but vacuum hose routing is incorrect. Was there a tag on the drivers side?


https://www.phs-online.com/order-info-packet/

You can order Pontiac invoicing from PHS that will let you know how it originally was made. Takes a few days to get by E-mail and the $110 cost is high, but if you want to insure for 35-40K, it's nice to use for appraisal.