Olds head stamping

[vipert4]

I am looking at acquiring a BOP engine to rebuild and eventually swap into an MGB. I've got a line on one that is supposedly complete but disassembled. The seller believes it is a 4bbl high compression Olds motor. I understand that the cylinder head stamping should start with an "SG" or "ST" followed by 7 digits. The stamping he was able to send me starts with an "S" and ends with a "G."

Is this really a high compression example or is it the low compression version. If it is the low compression version could I swap the pistons, say, Buick high compression units, to get back to something in the neighborhood of 10.5:1? Or is there not enough ptv or head clearance on these engines to get to that level with that combination. I am only looking to make around 200 hp for a street driver, nothing radical.

Thanks for any input

[ex-tyke]

From the D&D website...head part nos.
What you show is an engine serial no....suffix 'G' indicates an engine equipped with a 4bbl carburetor.

[MGBV8]

We have our own chart.  

http://www.britishv8.org/articles/gm-215-engine-identification.htm

As Graham stated that is the engine number, you need the right side head number.

Olds 215 Engine Numbers:

http://oldsjetfire.com/wp-content/uploads/images/stories/downloads/Engine%20ID%20Chart.pdf

[vipert4]

Thanks both of you for clearing that up. I had asked the seller to look on the front side of the right cylinder head but that is what he was able to come up with. At least that confirms it's a 4 bbl and therefore some version of the high compression heads which is what I am looking for. When I get my hands on the engine this weekend I'll verify the proper cylinder head code.