[cad58y]

Trying to help a friend who has a 72 GTO with automatic/AC listed on BaT find the block casting number/date. Will it be by the distributor like my 66? I read somewhere that it is on a ledge behind cylinder # 8. Any help/photos greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

['ol Pinion head]

The casting number is located on the wide flange area behind #8 cyl running down to the oil filter mtg pad.

['ol Pinion head]

For a '72 GTO with orig 400 YS engine, the block casting is 481988. That particular block casting was first cast as early as G020 (for a very early '71 model GP) & 481988 continued as the block casting for all Pontiac 400's up through the early '75 models. For the '78 & '79 W72 400 engines, the 481988 block casting returned but not w all 5 mtg holes on each side of the block.

Looked @ the BAT auction. Not a good pic of the front passenger side of the block for the two letter engine code. No picture of the partial VIN on the lower pass side face of the block. The picture that is provided does show the beginning of the engine assembly number, which does begin with what looks like a left hand (, which it should. The LH ( symbol first showed up as the first character on Pontiac V8's in very late 1970 production, & continued on up through the 1974 model year production.

[cad58y]

Thanks for the reply's Where is the partial vin in relation to the C187041 with the YS below it?

[unruhjonny]

the partial vin is on the passenger side front of the block;
It's beside the timing chain cover, but below the water pump.

I have a 1972 "GTO" WS motor carb to pan in my garage, so I can show examples of all the numbers if you want.

[cad58y]

I would greatly appreciate it if not to much trouble. Thank you in advance

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

You can go onto www.wallaceracing.com and find pictures/diagrams of ID codes and their locations.
Such as the partial VIN on the block
However, in some cases regarding Fremont, Atlanta, Framingham plants --- the partial VIN can be stamped in an alternate location. Up closer to the passenger side head - on the front of block.

The block date code is by the distributor.
Heads should be 7K3 on the center exhaust ports.

[4birds]

First picture- Partial VIN location.
Second picture- Date code up near distributor hole, Block casting # upper RH side above oil filter mounting location.

[cad58y]

Thanks to all. We had my friends car in my shop until 10 last evening. You assistance was very helpful. We were unable to visualize the casting number area well enough to photograph it because of interference with the AC box. We will see how it does on BaT. Closing Saturday

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Most Pontiac hunters are going to be mainly concerned with

# the casting DATES from Intake, Heads and Block
# the Block Code stamping (YS)
# the Head Code (7K3)
# the partial VIN stamping (major point)
# the Carburetor number

A picture of the block casting number is negligible on a 72 YS car
Good luck with his auction sale

[unruhjonny]

I just looked at the BAT listing;
Without starting a new thread, I'm curious if that car has the correct KR wheels;
It looks like the centrecaps are the 1973+ variety;
The spare wheel in the trunk has an original looking (flat style) trim ring, but the exterior of the car looks to have 1973+ (rounded style) trim rings.
If the car has KR wheels, it might bump the bidding a bit.

The original wheels were a 15" wheel with a 14" centre - it's tough to distinguish with trim rings in place, but easy to spot when trim rings are off.

[cad58y]

I will ask the owner about the wheels, thanks

[cad58y]

Wheels are non original. Bid to &18K and did not meet reserve. Thanks to all for the replies