I am having trouble identifying this block after searching on the internet for block casting / stamping numbers. The intake, timing cover, water pump, and harmonic balancer on this engine are all Buick 215 parts verified by their casting numbers. But this block is definitely not a Buick 215 block. There is no pad / ledge at the front where the Buick 215 numbers are stamped. This block has some numbers stamped at the back on the bell housing "ear."
Is this a Rover 3500 engine? Can anyone tell what year or era or size it is by these numbers?
What is the deal with the shim plate behind the flex plate - is this typical for Rover to get the correct torque converter clearance? Or is this typical for the Buick 215?
Thanks for the help!
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Early Rover P6.
https://rimmerbros.com/c/Rover-V8-Engine-Numbers
About that shim, likely used on the Buick 2 speed auto, (air cooled). Cooling air is drawn, centrifugal over aluminum cooling fins of bolt-together, 5 element/ Dual-path, torque convertor. Air exhaust through elephant ears, on back of block. Otherwise known a baby Dynaflow. TMI, Art.
Now it makes sense why the shim is cut back at the two ears - to let more air flow through. The transmission case matches this shape.