Pontiac engines have block codes. This code will tell you the year it was to be used. However, these codes were used over from year to year. Together with the casting code and cating date you can determine where what the engine is. Starting in 1965 Pontiac began using a 2 digit letter code. As a general rule, “W” coded blocks are manual transmission and “Y” coded blocks are automatics. And most of the “Z” coded blocks are also auto. The “X” coded blocks are a little of both.

Where to find the Engine Code:

block_identification7

The Engine codes will be found on the front of passengers side of the block, below the head. Above the 2 digit code will be the motor unit number, which is either 6 or 7 digits. It is not related to the VIN number.

 

 

YEAR

ENGINE BLOCK CODE

ENGINE

1959

AL, AK, AN, AM

389

1960

F1, FR, M1, M4

389

1961

F4, FO, M4, MO

389

1962

O8B, 11B, 25J, 28J

389

1962

12U

389 SD

1962

13U

421 SD

1963

O8B, 11B, 22B, 28G, 50Q

421 HO

1963

12-5, 13-5

421 SD

1964

35B, 38S, 44B, 47S, 45B, 46G, 50Q

421 HO

1965

WG, WH, WJ, YH, YJ, YK

421 HO

1966

WG, WH, WJ, YH, YJ, YK

421 HO

1967

WG, WJ, Y2, Y3, XK, YH, YK, YY

428 CID

1967

XS, XP, XR

400 RAM-AIR

1968

WI, XN, XP, XS, WU, WY, XY, XW, WS

400 RAM-AIR

1968

WG, WJ, YH, YK

428 CID

1969

WJ, WL, YK, XG, WG, WF

428 CID

1969

XP, WW, XN, WH

400 RA IV

1970

YZ, WS, WH. WW, XN, XP

400 RA IV

1970

WA, WG, YA, YH, XF

455 CID

1971

WL, WC, WJ, WG, YA, YC, YG, YE

455 CID

1972

WD, WM, YR, YE

455 CID