Help with a Buick nailhead

[48silverstreak]

I have a Buick nailhead and I am trying to find out if it is a 364 or a 401 It came out of a 57 Buick century but it is not believed to be the original engine. The casting # on the heads are 1172889. Other than that are there any tell tale signs to what this might be?
Thanks
Rob

[BLAKE]

Try here (http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/nailhead_casting_numbers.html)... per this page, that casting refers to 364/401 heads. Measure across the intake bolts holes to tell a 364 from a 401 block - 401 is 9-1/8" while 364 is 8-7/8".

[trey]

[ QUOTE ]
Try here (http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/nailhead_casting_numbers.html)... per this page, that casting refers to 364/401 heads. Measure across the intake bolts holes to tell a 364 from a 401 block - 401 is 9-1/8" while 364 is 8-7/8".

[/ QUOTE ]

use that link above with the numbers on your block.

trey

[TagMan]

Rob,
That casting number was used on both 364 & 401 heads in '59 & '60.
What's the number stamped upside down (when viewed from the front) on the block casting, just in front of the front edge of the valley pan ??
-Bob

[trey]

if it starts with 117, use that number.

trey

[Crestliner]

That casing is for
59-63
64-66 8-401, 8-425
Special 65-66
Grans sport 8-400
also states 57-58

This casting was used alot, but different valve sizes

[48silverstreak]

The # on the block appears to be 214475 its a bit hard to read.

[Fraz]

Look on the valley pan lip, right behind the timing cover. There should be a group of numbers there. Get the ones that look upside down.

[48silverstreak]

Well the numbers I have are
Production Code: 214475
Engine Code: 4D203I followed by I5I
Thanks Guys

[leadsleadolds]

measuring between the bolt holes on the intake is the easyest way they used so many different casting numbers and they still dont have all of them on the buick web sites my vote is with the measuring between the bolts.

[48silverstreak]

Thanks for all your help guys,
I was able to find out that i have a 1957 364CI Buick nailhead.
Thanks once again for all your help
Rob

[zman]

Still agood motor and they clean up real well.