NEW Buick 215 block with main bearing caps...

[jdeatsch]

Yep, you read that right.

Wrapped in plastic (opened for pictures).  

Since I've not a CLUE what this is actually worth I'll leave it open to offers over $400.  I'm at your mercy folks.

It can ship in a plastic tub (well padded) via Fedex so the cost won't be absurd.

Let's talk.  

Jim  (jdeatsch at rochester dot rr dot com)

[Moderator]

What makes you think this block is new, not just clean? It's normal for these engines to shine up real nice. There appears to be pitting around your engine's coolant ports, etc. Can you provide a snapshot of the serial number?

Here's a snapshot of my engine from when I rebuilt it The orange arrow shows where you'll find a serial number.

[jdeatsch]

Curtis,

I sit corrected and thank you for keeping me on my toes.  Attached is the picture I got off the engine number stamping.  Now that I look closer I see evidence of gaskets on the block as well.

I have every reason to believe that the block was redone by the machine shop.  It's bored .010 over and finish honed.  The freeze plugs are new it appears.  While there is evidence of corrosion at the plugs I can't help but believe that's to be expected since we're talking steel in aluminum and the resulting galvanic reaction is what we are seeing there.  What you think?

At any rate, the block is still a steal and it for sale.

Thanks,

Jim

[Moderator]

The first digit of the serial number indicates this engine was in a Buick "Special Deluxe", and the second digit (J) indicates 1963 model year.  I'm curious to learn what "JN349" indicates. Perhaps the machine shop added that code when they freshened it up.

[jdeatsch]

I've been trying to figure that out too Curtis.  You could be right that that's some sort of code they used at the shop.

Someone may jump in with more info.

Jim

[MGBV8]

It means it's a damn shame the pistons are missing.

Those are all factory stampings. The JN designates a factory 200HP, 11:1 compression ratio, 4bbl carb engine, like mine.

My stampings read 3J1598960 then upside down like Jim's, JN778.

Mine was the real steal, though (14 years ago). It was a 68,000 mile engine with a bad cam lobe, rebuild back standard to put in a Chevy S10. Sat in a garage for years unused ready to go, gave the man the $600 he said he had to have for it.  

[jdeatsch]

I do wish I had the pistons Carl, not likely they'd have found .010 11:1s for it though.  Sigh.

Thanks for the info on the JN stamping.

Jim

[MGBV8]

Buick 215 Engine Codes

Location:  V8- 215, 400, 401, 425 is stamped upside down on
front of cylinder block.

1962  
V8-215 Std. Eng. (2bbl)   I    
V8-215 Hi. Comp. (4bbl)   HI

1963
V8-215 Std. Eng. (2bbl)   JM
V8-215 Hi. Comp. (4bbl)   JN

http://www.tpocr.com/buickec.html

[Moderator]

Cool! I updated this old article: http://www.britishv8.org/articles/gm-215-engine-identification.htm

[MGBV8]

Great. I saw some Olds 215 codes somewhere. I'll see if I can find them.