It takes years and years and hundreds of various specimens to get a good grip on block stampings. Too much for a crash course all in one shot over the internet.
Not many here are in tune with all this.
The EUN being in synch means very little. It mostly follows the dating, and the dating is undisturbed and within reason. Although on the tight side.
And we have no way to document your EUN.
It is a 70 400 block.
They used that part number in 69 and 70.
Most were 2 bollt main - some 70's were 4 bolt main.
The VIN stamp on that block has no less than 5 different defects.
I have never seen one this messed up that was legit.
(*not saying this one is absolutely bogus - only saying what i said)
We sometimes see them with 1 or 2 defects.
Most have zero defects.
With that in mind - i/me personally - would go to the full extent.
It doesnt look like you did anything in the "Fremont/Atlanta" zone.
It needs to be wiped down with lacquer thinner to the metal.
If anything is hiding - its disquised UNDER the paint - and there is plenty of paint there.
Especially compared to only remnants of factory paint at the rear of the engine.
In this particular case - i would wipe down the whole passenger side front face from the WS code all the way down to the oil pan.
This should be a 4 bolt main block also.
They are not used in many Pontiac applications.
I would remove the oilpan and verify that also.
If i found nothing tampered in the bare cast iron after removing all said paint - and it was a 4 bolt main block - i would be satisfied.
Naturally you are free to do as you wish.
Just supplying first hand knowledge of what goes on, and how to protect yourself.
Money aint cheap , and neither are matching #'s 70 TA 4 speed cars.
Compare that VIN stamp, to this other one.
Run a strait edge under both VIN's in the pictures.
The ghost 8 is not aligned - nor is anything aligned after 1229 - looks like about 4 different characters - 2 of those should have aligned with the rest.
And why is an 8 even in there.
Huge gap after 1229.
The 29N that should have been 20N (done 3/4 the way through 70 model year - not beginning of 70 model year)
The Size and Font of the last 1 and 2 , are not the same Size and Font as the other 1 and 2's. Check them out visually and with measuring calipers.
i specialized in buying and selling Pontiac engines for about 10 years in the 80's and 90's. Have seen all sorts of oddities , and forgeries. Can never be too careful.
This one is either tampered - or the goofed uppest factory VIN stamp i have ever seen.
so its 50-50 at best.
Someday you might have to sell it.
Better to find out as much now, than later.
i don't stand to gain or lose a dime on it, just trying to help as many as i can.
