That's the block we have in our Oshawa built 72 Lemans, but we seem to have issues with our preferred parts store when it comes to getting parts for it. I specify the car but that it's a Chevy block, and without fail always get parts for a pontiac 350 instead. So I've started just asking for parts for a 72 chevelle 350, and so far it hasn't been an issue for things like the starter, and water pump. But I'm planning to pull the engine to regasket & seal it. So id like to order parts with confidence and know I'm getting a proper, complete kit! Thanks in advance everyone!
Most parts suppliers in Canada know to ask if you have a blue engine or orange engine. You can't override incompetence. That casting you have was used in virtually every Chevrolet and Canadian Pontiac most commonly as L65 in a Chevrolet and L30 in the Canadian Pontiac. Anyway I found with my 73 LeMans, which originally had the same engine as yours, that asking for 73 Chevelle parts always got the right pieces to me. This is even true once I changed to the 454 big block. In the case of a gasket set it does not matter at all because all you need to tell the parts supplier is you have a 1972 Chevrolet 350.
I'd say you nailed it by doing the chevelle thing, as that car is the same platform and could be built with the same drivetrain.
I'd also wager a guess that the books/programs used to get you parts, were printed in the 'states, and since all 1972 Pontiac's built state side used Pontiac drivetrains*, this is why they seem to presume you have a Pontiac 350.
* = Canadian Pontiac's typically had Chevrolet drivetrains.
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Saturday 7th of September 2019 10:14:30 AM
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
Most parts suppliers in Canada know to ask if you have a blue engine or orange engine. You can't override incompetence. That casting you have was used in virtually every Chevrolet and Canadian Pontiac most commonly as L65 in a Chevrolet and L30 in the Canadian Pontiac. Anyway I found with my 73 LeMans, which originally had the same engine as yours, that asking for 73 Chevelle parts always got the right pieces to me. This is even true once I changed to the 454 big block. In the case of a gasket set it does not matter at all because all you need to tell the parts supplier is you have a 1972 Chevrolet 350.
I had a similar problem many years ago at a local GM dealership. I went in asking for a rear shim kit for my 10 bolt I was building for my Z and the guy asked me- no word of a lie- " is it an auto or manual?" I said what the hell difference does that make? By now I was aggravated big time. Clearly a text book parts guy who has no idea that some parts are just generic and not dependant upon the application. SBC is a SBC all day long as is any Pontiac Blue block. And from my experience most parts guys have never turned a wrench in their life. It was just a vocation.
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"No matter how much you change, you still have to pay for the things you've done".
