Various Information |
Engine Casting Number Deciphering This chart will help you decipher what engine type your have in your Cutlass. While the data is somewhat inconclusive, it provides an overall point of reference for engine decoding. If you have information to fill in the gaps or see an error, please contact me. In order to figure out what block you have in your car, you must locate the Casting Number. This can be found at the front of the engine on a flat surface behind the timing chain area. ( See picture at top of page) Look to the right (if facing the fan) of the oil filler tube and you will see the stamping on the block. This number should match one of those below. Remember, big blocks are identified by a letter for the ID Code, while small blocks carry a number. Big Block reference chart: Casting Number ID Code CID Year(s) Produced Notes 381917 A 425 1965 B Bodies (big cars) only 386525 Red A 425 389298 Bronze B 400 1965 One year only 442 motor. The lifter cam angle bank was 45 degrees and changed to 39 degrees in 1966 389244 D 425 1966 - 1967 Big car engine. Toronado is different internally. 390925 E 400 1966 - 1967 Heads were changed to a 39% bank from the 1965 45% bank. 396021 F 455 1968 - 1972 Most common big block. Two types of "F" letters: stick type, and one with two vertical hangers and a base. 396021 Fa 455 1972 - 1976 Very common casting 396026 G 400 1968 - 1969 442 and Vista Cruiser 231788 L 455 1976 Motorhomes (1973 - 1978) maybe marine use also. Small Block Reference chart: Casting Number ID Code CID Year(s) Produced Notes 381917 1 330 1964 381917 2 330 1965 395558 2 350 1968 - 1970 3 330 4 5 395558 350 1973 - 1974 2A 260 1976 - 1981 Solid main webs for 2A's only? At least for '76 557751 2B 260 19?? - 1981 Windowed main webs for 2B's only? 3A 557265 4A 403 1977 Solid main webs possibly 553990 4A 403 1977 Solid main webs possibly 554990 4A 403 1977 Solid main webs possibly 557265 4B 403 1977 - 1979 Windowed main webs always. D3 350 Diesel Information gathered from various books and individuals. Credit goes out to the FAQ compilers at 442.com |
(65 & 66) |
(65 Only) |
Copied from: Medatronics Corporation 208 North US Highway 1 Unit #1 Tequesta, Fl 33469 Phone: 561-743-5600 Fax: 561-741-7921 Paul Cangiolosi support@5speeds.com |
Fuel Lines: 442 3/8 inch Cutlass / F-85 5/16 inch |
1965 442 Heavy Duty M-14 3 Speed Introduced February 5, 1965 Having a 3-speed manual 442 now, I've researched them quite a bit. The Heavy Duty 3-speed M-14 manual (a Ford toploader) was first introduced in Feb '65 making it a late in the year introduction (see picture). This is also the first Hurst shifter to go into the 442s, and carry the full "Hurst" name. The 4-speed shifters you correctly identify are Muncie (and quite crappy) shifters. (Everyone that had one in the 60's bought a Hurst Competition Plus and replaced them. I fabricated an adapter so I could use the original shift handle on the Hurst. BRO) The Lansing body code for the hole in the floor for the 4-speed is L, of course, but the code for the 3-speed manual is "B". Courtesy of Kurt Shubert |
These are the original tail pipes from my original 65. They are stamped on the top. ( right side 390178 , left side 390179) |
Muncie 4 Speed Identification: |
Muncie 4 Speed Identification: On the passenger side of the main case is a number stamped "Verticaly" beginning with a "P" and ending in a letter "A, B, or C" A = M-20 Wide Ratio 2:56 1st gear (3 versions) B = M-21 Close Ratio 2:20 1st gear (3 versions) C = M-22 Refered to as the "Rock Crusher" The main difference between the Wide & Close Ratio is noticed between 3rd and 4th. |
THE 2 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION The Jet-A-Way was the Oldsmobile name for the GM Super Turbine 300. They are completely different from the Powerglide. The Jet-A-Way was is only automatic available for the 65 & 66 4-4-2's. A "Special Duty" Jet-A-Way was used in the 4-4-2. It featured additional forward and reverse clutches, a recalibrated valve body for a more positive (harder) shift and other performance improvements. NOTE: Some very early 65,s use a TH400 style metal tag with Jet-A-Way codes. The code is either stamped on a metal tag or on the lower servo cover. It identifies the year, model, date built and plant shift. EXAMPLE: 65NJ135D Model Year = 65 442 Aplication = NJ Built on the 135th day of the year = 135 Day Shift (D=Day N=Night) SERIES CODE 3400 ..................................................................... MJ 3800 ..................................................................... MK MUNCIE 4 SPEED Transmission code is stamped on the right side of the case ahead of the extention. The code indicates the transmission type, the month and day produced and on which shift it was produced. (Not found on all transmissions) Transmission Type = P (Muncie) Month = 06 June Day = 21 21st day N = Night Shift |
