1963 engine codes

[ponchomaniac]

I am new to this site, but not new to owning Pontiacs. I have two 1963 pontiac grand prixs- one bought to restore, the second for parts. One has a 389 in it and the other, I'm not sure if it's a 389 or a 421. One has a oval type water pump and the other has a round water pump. Does someone have a block casting number list for 1963 blocks which would help me know what exactly I have?
Thank you for your help.

[Larry]

If you can get a copy of Pete McCarthy's book on Pontiac Muscle Cars he has quite some detailed descriptions of what to look for to identify individual engines. Everything from numbers to casting lumps and bumps, types of motor mounts, etc.

Otherwise the numbers on the right side below the head split should be a good place to stat. Check numbers near distributor also. Send us what you can find and we will try to help.

Check under forum Technical Data & Info, then All Pontiac Info and look for the Engine Block article. It may help too.

[ponchomaniac]

I looked at the engine tonight and on the right side below the right cylinder head was 963S21831 then further over was 16and then next to it was a 6 or K. It looked like it was double stamped and my 61 year old eyes don't work as good as they used to. Then there was 188521
By the distributor was L172 which I know means it was built on December 17, 1962
I hope this is what you needed. Thank you.

[Larry]

Looks like we're getting closer.

Could the first set of numbers have "2" in front making "2963S21831?"

That would be:
29: Grand Prix
63: 1963
S: South Gate, CA
21831: production number. Subtract starting number of 1001 and it would be the 20,830th from South Gate.

The "16" "6 or K" if it was "16K" would be a 389/303hp.

The "188521" is a block casting number.

Have you located the two letter code stamped in the front of the engine on the passenger side right below the gasket surface? It will be like a YX or YK. That would help some more on zeroing in.

[ponchomaniac]

Thank you for your help Larry. It's nice to know what I have to work with. A 421 would have been nice, but there's nothing wrong with a 389. I had 2 of them, one in a 65, and one in a 66 GTO. I wish I still had both. I'm going to post another question about a 1982 T/A that I have. I also have a 1979 T/A.

[CATBIRD]

Larry.....There was a car built with the VIN# 1001. So you only subtract 1000 making his the 20831st......John

[Larry]

Ya gotta admit, I was pretty close though!

I have to think about that idea. They always reference 1001, so I never thought about it actually being a car number and subtracted the entire number. Your information makes sense. I will have to remember that.

Thanks.