QuestionMy father and I have recently acquired a complete Pontiac straight-8 with transmission but know little about it. What is the best way to identify what vehicle the engine/trans came out of? The motor is identified as "High Compression" by the stamping on the top of the head and we also found two block numbers on the driver's side, one of which was upside down. We would also like to know more about the transmission (#8614721 GN8). Thank you very much for any help or guidance you can provide.
AnswerPontiac used the straight 8 engine from the early 30s through 1954. To identify it, you need to find the stamped on number on a raised pad on the left front of the block. The number should match the VIN of the car it was from. The number will start with the 8, followed by 2 letters, then followed by a 4 digit number. The first of the two letters tells you the year, as follows:
1942 K, 1946 L, 1947 M, 1948 P, 1949 R, 1950 T, 1951 U, 1952 W, 1953 X, and 1954 Z.
The "high compression" on the head means it was installed in a car with Automatic transmission.
All the automatic transmissions were 4 speed Hydra-matics. They were available from 1949 on. The number you gave is a mid-year 1952 number, so the engine is probably the same year.
Check on the stamped number on the block to see if it starts with 8W - if so, that's your answer.
The engine is a 268 CU. IN. engine with 122 HP (Gross) or about 90 HP in modern (Net) rating.
Dick
