About Dick Benjamin Expertise I can help on most American passenger cars built between 1930 and 1970, and Imperials through 1983.
I have over 50 years experience in restoring and maintaining antique and classic cars, including 20 years operating a classic car repair shop. I am now retired, but I am willing to help with any questions of a technical or mechanical nature. I have more experience with Packard, Studebaker, Hudson, Imperial and other luxury makes, but I do have reference material and experience with most makes.
I do not know anything about modifying cars - if that is what you want to know about, pick someone else. I keep them the way the factory built them, and I advise you to do the same, to maintain the value of the car and also for your safety.
I can only handle mechanical or technical questions - I am not a body/paint expert!
Experience
Past/Present Clients Currently support a technical advice service for the Imperial club, responsible for the technical data section of the Packard Club website. Served as a technical expert for "Expert Central" before it was recently absorbed by this service.
Question Hi, my question is basically where on the engine block do you find the engine code (SB or SP), and the VIN number stamped? I'm trying to determine if this car I'm looking at is matching numbers or not. Thanks, Rory
Answer The engine code is on the left cylinder bank, on the front of the block. The VIN is in the same location. I assume the "left" is as viewed from the front of the car (in other words, the passenger side), but I could be wrong about that.
The engine codes for the 350 are SO for the 2 bbl, and SB or P for the 4 bbl carbs.
