Technical Nailhead Gurus, Crack This Code For Me

I have a 56 Buick 322 "Nailhead" that I am taking down. It is a 1169334 block. The following number string is stamped on the outer edge of one of the cylinder banks: 17995414. Is this simply a serial number or does it tell something about the original application? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

I'm guessing it's a serial number. Buick part numbers of that era were 7-digit numbers.

 

17995414 = engine serial number
1799541 = sequential number, starting number for 1956 was 1,460,023
4 = engine from Series 40/Special (322 w/ 2-bbl carb)

In 1957 Buick changed the engine serial number format so it matched the car serial number format (i.e., "numbers matching), so no such thing as "numbers matching" for 1956 and earlier Buicks.

1169334 is the casting number. Buick often used the same casting number across multiple years and/or engine sizes, so the stamped numbers are better for identifying an engine. This casting number is listed as 1953-1956 264/322 or 1956-1959 322 (Chevy truck).

http://www.teambuick.com/reference/casting_numbers_nailhead.php
http://transmissionadapters.com/buick_casting_number_id_chart.htm
http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/nailhead_casting_numbers_p.html

 

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